Waste industry figures see major election consequences for taxes and regulation

WasteExpo speakers, including Ron Mittelstaedt, said national Democratic victories could lead to an emphasis on climate and PFAS regulations. Corporate and capital gains tax rates could also rise, with M&A implications.

By E.A. Crunden • Sept. 21, 2020

‘Challenging regulatory framework’ for PFAS unfolding nationwide, with waste implications

Speakers at WasteExpo said surface water regulations for PFAS are next on the horizon, with scrutiny of stormwater and landfill gas not far off. 

By E.A. Crunden • Sept. 18, 2020

Citing age and costs, Florida county shutting down incinerator in 2021

Bay County commissioners recently voted to wind down operations at the facility and will shift disposal to a county-owned landfill. This marks the latest closure of an older facility as new mass burn capacity is slow to materialize.

By E.A. Crunden • Sept. 9, 2020

SWEEP standard coming to fruition with industry support and pilot cities

After years of work, an accreditation system modeled after LEED is reaching a notable milestone. Those behind it hope to improve data standardization and drive sustainable materials management policies around the country.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Aug. 31, 2020

Advanced Disposal shareholders approve amended terms for $4.6B sale to Waste Management

This favorable vote on a lower price, largely considered a foregone conclusion, marks the latest milestone toward closing a major transaction that has been delayed by divestiture requirements and pandemic effects.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 26, 2020

Coalition of 9 states says EPA delaying landfill emissions rule, asks court to intervene

The states joined with the Environmental Defense Fund to fight the agency’s long-running delay of Obama-era methane regulations for landfills, which has sparked prior litigation. 

By E.A. Crunden • Aug. 24, 2020

Waste Pro’s new COO pledges more executive time in the field, talks ‘controlled growth’ strategy

Keith Banasiak discusses his parallel career path alongside new CEO Sean Jennings, as well as the company’s pandemic response, ESG perspective, future M&A plans and more.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 21, 2020

Industry-supported organics hauling bill comes up short in California legislature

Proponents say AB 2959 would clarify a loophole allowing smaller haulers to undercut franchise agreements and hinder progress toward state diversion targets. Critics said it would hurt the state’s efforts to curb organic waste.

By E.A. Crunden • Aug. 19, 2020

Oregon land use board denies Waste Management’s appeal over Riverbend Landfill expansion

The Riverbend Landfill expansion was previously voted down by county commissioners in 2020 over concerns including potential effects on farmers.

By E.A. Crunden , Megan Quinn • Updated April 13, 2021

GFL Environmental closes $1.2B WCA Waste acquisition, now in 27 states

The news comes shortly after approval from the U.S. Department of Justice. CEO Patrick Dovigi said this purchase from Macquarie, and pending divestitures from Waste Management, were key drivers behind a recent IPO.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Oct. 1, 2020

New Jersey governor signs landmark environmental justice bill with big permit implications

The long-anticipated legislation had key backing from community groups. Despite some business opposition and industry trepidation, waste and recycling stakeholders also expressed support.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated Sept. 18, 2020

Waste Connections Q2: Economic recovery may have plateaued, notable E&P declines

While an ongoing downturn in the energy market skewed results, and other volumes remain down, the company’s latest earnings report showed a resilient business. Annual guidance has been reinstated, and M&A plans continue.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 7, 2020

Republic Services settles into pandemic conditions, expects to be ‘more profitable’ going forward

Q2 revenues and volumes were down, but this was offset by other savings and trends are improving. The company reiterated plans for upward of $650 million in M&A this year, largely driven by the pending Santek deal.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 7, 2020

GFL Environmental reports record Q2 despite coronavirus effects, resumes M&A program

While volumes have been affected by the pandemic, especially in Canada, the company’s rapid growth trajectory appears largely unaffected. Two new tuck-in deals were announced, with more in the pipeline, according to executives.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 6, 2020

Major waste and recycling companies report on a uniquely challenging Q2

The first full quarter to reflect the pandemic’s effects showed volume and revenue declines among some solid waste companies, but it also saw multiple signs of resilience.

By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden • Updated Aug. 10, 2020

Waste Management reports $400M revenue decline in Q2, additional divestitures to GFL

Company executives said results “exceeded our expectations,” during an earnings call, with economic activity picking back up around the country even as COVID-19 cases rise.

By Cole Rosengren • July 30, 2020

Halfway through an upended year, 8 big questions remain for waste and recycling

Back in January, Waste Dive laid out guiding themes for coverage around safety, M&A, sustainability, policy, organics and PFAS. Now, the pandemic has changed many of them and racial justice is also receiving heightened attention.

By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden • Updated July 28, 2020

Landfill mining may still be new, but it has a lot to offer

Doug Logan of Aggregates Equipment, Inc. explores the benefits, costs and future outlook for landfill mining. While not yet widely adopted, that could change as disposal capacity shrinks in certain regions.

By Doug Logan • July 24, 2020

Waste Management expected to pay $2.3M in New York landfill settlement

Under the terms awaiting judicial approval, the company would pay $1.3 million into a class action fund and $1 million for “improvement measures” at the High Acres Landfill. A second lawsuit over the site remains ongoing.

By E.A. Crunden • July 21, 2020

Major Connecticut WTE facility closing by 2022, waste to be exported

The expected move comes after plans to refurbish the Materials Innovation Recovery Authority’s aging RDF facility fell apart for a host of reasons.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Dec. 10, 2020

Waste industry received at least $583M in PPP loans, preserved 67K jobs

Nearly 4,000 industry participants have received funding from the pandemic relief program since April, according to U.S. Small Business Administration data. Waste Dive has collected the full list for public access.

By E.A. Crunden , Cole Rosengren • July 16, 2020

House hearing highlights political divide over plastics and pandemic response

The plastics industry says the pandemic has proven the need for its products, which are a key component in masks and other equipment. Environmental advocates and many Democrats said the ramifications of plastics pollution outweigh the benefits.

By E.A. Crunden • July 10, 2020

Wheelabrator acquires New England hauler as part of vertical integration strategy

Charles George Companies, which has a decades-long history in the region, represents an expansion into collection and recycling operations across two states for the Macquarie-backed waste-to-energy company.

By Cole Rosengren • July 8, 2020

House Democrats back EPR, other recycling mandates in new climate plan

The lengthy document from the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis endorses legislation like the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act and hints at how Democrats could tackle policy on a wide range of emissions sources.

By E.A. Crunden • July 7, 2020

Waste industry focuses on PFAS strategies, research as long-term concerns mount

This year’s SWANApalooza featured numerous sessions on PFAS management and treatment, underscoring the heightened attention around “forever chemicals” at landfills and other facilities.

By E.A. Crunden • June 26, 2020