By the numbers: 2024 waste and recycling trends

Reflect on the year through key data points about labor, the economy, M&A, federal and state policy, recycling trends and more.

By Megan Quinn , Cole Rosengren , Jacob Wallace • Dec. 20, 2024

Waste and recycling collection was fourth deadliest occupation in 2023: BLS

The latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows an increase in the rate of fatalities for the refuse and recyclable materials collection occupation. The total number of fatalities in MRFs also increased.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated 23 hours ago

Denver airport’s diversion pilot program tackles waste through ‘valet’ service

The Zero Waste Valet program, run by compost company Scraps, aims to raise the airport's diversion rate. It diverted more than 69 tons of material in the first six months.

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 17, 2024

Aspen Waste announces organic expansion into Colorado, bucking M&A trend

Family-owned Aspen Waste enters the Colorado market during a time of consolidation in the region. It aims to offer a customer service-focused choice as the state prepares to implement its EPR for packaging law.

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 16, 2024

Casella-operated New York landfill to close in 2028; Republic appeals Tennessee expansion denial

Current or proposed landfills in Arizona, Hawai’i, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia had recent updates on permitting and other projects. This includes sites operated by WM, GFL Environmental and others.

By Megan Quinn , Jacob Wallace • Dec. 13, 2024

Crystal Clean ‘all in’ on PFAS remediation services amid shifting regulatory landscape

Crystal Clean’s Darci Ackerman said the company is expanding its PFAS remediation services, researching new options for treatment and calling for more research into soil remediation and other PFAS science. 

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 10, 2024

GHGSat and Carbon Mapper satellites take flight as landfill gas monitoring tech matures

Satellite fleets are growing and bringing new data on fugitive landfill emissions. Their owners hope the technology can play a central role in landfill gas monitoring.

By Jacob Wallace • Dec. 9, 2024

Biogas investment tax credit finalized with favorable language for RNG

The final rule includes properties that convert biogas into renewable natural gas in a lucrative credit program designed to boost investment in clean energy. Developers are expected to rush to qualify before the end of the year.

By Jacob Wallace • Dec. 6, 2024

BP CEO bullish on record RNG pace, plus news from DTE and Waste Connections

Major developers of renewable natural gas projects provided updates on their facility construction progress during last month’s earnings calls. Others, like DTE Vantage, announced project completions.

By Jacob Wallace • Dec. 2, 2024

PFAS opportunities coming as Trump enters office, waste executives say

Executives from WM and Clean Harbors said the incoming Trump administration could roll back the EPA’s hazardous substance designation for PFAS, but they expect continued business opportunities with the material.

By Jacob Wallace • Nov. 25, 2024

Waste Connections’ Chiquita Canyon landfill under pressure; expansion updates for Casella, WM

Current or proposed landfills in California, Hawai’i, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Missouri and New Hampshire had recent news. Plus, a Minnesota site opened a unique geothermal-lined cell to power a leachate treatment plant.

By Megan Quinn , Cole Rosengren • Nov. 22, 2024

3 takeaways from the US EPA’s latest PFAS progress report

The year’s major regulatory updates and plans for possible future rulemaking are among the highlights of the agency’s annual progress report.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 21, 2024

California opts to preserve credits for anaerobic digesters in major regulatory update

A state regulator voted to amend the Low Carbon Fuel Standard, injecting new life into a lucrative biofuels credit market that is used by waste projects throughout the U.S.

By Jacob Wallace • Nov. 19, 2024

Waste, packaging leaders react to Trump’s pick of Zeldin to lead EPA

Former Rep. Lee Zeldin previously voted in support of some PFAS regulations but largely voted against other environmental bills. SWANA, NWRA, packaging groups, former EPA staff and others weighed in on the pick.

By Megan Quinn , Maria Rachal • Nov. 15, 2024

EPA proposes landfill regulation changes in new public docket

The agency is seeking comment through January on a series of white papers on emerging landfill emissions management practices ahead of its planned rulemaking next year.

By Jacob Wallace • Nov. 14, 2024

Textile recycling efforts pick up steam in LA, New York and beyond

WM, Goodwill and researchers in California and New York are working on sortation pilots, partnerships with apparel companies and research projects to gain insight into material flows.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 13, 2024

Leachate evaporation for assured PFAS separation and concentration

Heartland has been evaluating and assessing adiabatic evaporation technology as a viable and effective treatment method for the separation and concentration of PFAS.

By Michael Ditton and Travis Smith, PE • Nov. 11, 2024

Injury rates for waste industry workers fell in 2023, but illnesses rose

Injury rates still haven’t fallen back to historically low 2021 levels. Meanwhile, solid waste collection workers experienced significantly more illnesses than in 2022.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 8, 2024

NWRA challenges EPA emissions method; landfill operators report initial hurricane effects

Plus, WM, Republic Services and Rumpke Waste & Recycling continued landfill expansion efforts in multiple states. Multiple publicly owned landfills also reported closure and expansion news.

By Jacob Wallace , Megan Quinn , Cole Rosengren • Nov. 8, 2024

GFL forecasts at least $4.3B from environmental services sale, announces new COO

The estimated proceeds are tracking ahead of initial projections. The pending sale will free up opportunities for solid waste M&A, executives said.

By Jacob Wallace • Nov. 7, 2024

Republic, Ameresco partner on California RNG; plus news from Vision RNG and Vanguard

The project partners tout California’s largest facility for converting landfill gas to renewable natural gas. Meanwhile, RNG groups like Vision RNG and Opal Fuels continue to gain ground in the space.

By Jacob Wallace • Updated Nov. 6, 2024

Biosolids and PFAS questions are rippling to other states after Maine’s land application ban

The U.S. EPA has yet to offer guidance on how to address forever chemicals in the organic material from wastewater treatment facilities. States around the country are implementing their own policies to fill the gap.

By Jacob Wallace • Nov. 4, 2024

Casella reports ‘mixed’ quarter with notable revenue but unexpected expenses

The company reported over $400 million in revenue for the quarter, which was a first. But unexpected insurance and landfill closure payments, as well as lower landfill tonnage, caused headwinds.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 31, 2024

Q3 earnings results for major waste and recycling companies in 2024

Follow the latest results from WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, Casella, Clean Harbors and Enviri.

By Waste Dive Staff • Updated Nov. 12, 2024

Clean Harbors idles California oil re-refinery, plans to open Nebraska incinerator soon

Executives touted strength in other parts of the business, due in part to recent acquisitions, despite near-term oil and industrial market softness. 

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 30, 2024