Covanta processed record waste last year, claims 'active' talks around new US capacity

Commodity market turbulence remains challenging, but Covanta touted strong pricing growth and a string of upcoming international projects. The company also emphasized its role as a landfill alternative as climate concerns mount.

By E.A. Crunden • Feb. 24, 2020

Final EPA coal ash proposal could allow some ponds to go unlined, despite DC Circuit ruling

The agency found its latest proposal could save utilities between $41 million and $138 million per year, siding with industry to give more "flexibility" on what kind of liners adequately protect human health and groundwater from leachate.

By Catherine Morehouse • Feb. 24, 2020

Advanced Disposal reports 2019 growth ahead of pending acquisition by Waste Management

The Florida-based company noted winning two sizable collection contracts in the state, along with continuous recycling headwinds, in its annual earnings report.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 21, 2020

GFL Environmental reprices IPO, could still raise upward of $2.4B

The Canadian company is moving ahead with plans to sell subordinate shares at $19 each, along with a separate offering of tangible equity units, amid market turbulence. The offerings are set to close on Thursday.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated March 4, 2020

Waste Connections did nearly $838M in 2019 acquisitions, sees 'long runway' ahead

While some analysts wonder if certain fall election results could change the M&A landscape, CEO Worthing Jackman said he sees billions worth of useful assets left to buy for years to come regardless.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 14, 2020

Republic Services sees 'momentum shift' around recycling contracts, plans solar investment

A multiyear effort to rework municipal recycling contracts is paying off, with hundreds now at higher pricing. The company also reported $526 million in M&A and ongoing overall price improvements.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 14, 2020

Waste Management predicts March DOJ approval for Advanced deal, with 'robust' divestiture interest

2019 earnings were favorable, despite prolonged recycling headwinds, and landfill pricing continues to rise. Executives now anticipate $100 million-plus in synergies if the Advanced Disposal deal closes.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 14, 2020

GFL Environmental spends millions to settle issues at Waste Industries landfills

Since acquiring the North Carolina-based company, GFL has had to assume responsibility for ongoing issues at sites in at least three southern states.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated Feb. 13, 2020

Vermont finds PFAS in 95% of waste samples, as states increase landfill scrutiny

The report analyzed material from landfills, transfer stations and wastewater treatment plants — including some Casella Waste Systems sites. ​While state officials assert the "forever chemicals" are largely contained, pressure continues to rise.

By E.A. Crunden • Feb. 12, 2020

Republic Services acquires Massachusetts C&D processor with rail transfer access

Devens Recycling, permitted for up to 1,500 tons per day of C&D and MSW, is among the largest of its kind in a capacity-constrained region. The deal is expected to open up valuable internalization opportunities.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Feb. 14, 2020

Pennsylvania county appeals DEP approval of new landfill on brownfield site

Pennsylvania is among the most landfill-friendly states, but some community members are increasingly skeptical. Commissioners in Clearfield County are now pushing back on the Camp Hope Run proposal from PA Waste. 

By E.A. Crunden • Updated Feb. 5, 2020

Notable waste industry M&A activity continues in 2020

With confirmed deals by GFL Environmental, Waste Connections and Interstate Waste Solutions, the year is off to a busy start. The pending Waste Management-Advanced Disposal deal is among more to come.

By Cole Rosengren • Jan. 29, 2020

Waste Management reports Advanced Disposal acquisition delayed until Q2

The two companies have been working toward federal antitrust approval for many months, with a multi-state divestiture package close to finalized, but COVID-19 is now cited as a delaying factor.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated March 18, 2020

Industry's 3 largest landfill operators among California's biggest methane emitters: report

NASA data indicates Republic Services, Waste Connections and Waste Management are among the state's "super-emitters." The report highlights the possible financial and regulatory perils of failing to reign in methane emissions.

By E.A. Crunden • Jan. 23, 2020

Action Environmental Group becomes Interstate Waste Services following landfill acquisition

IWS acquired the rail-served Apex landfill in Ohio and is now majority-owned by private equity firm Littlejohn & Co. This makes it the largest vertically-integrated operator in the New York City metro area ahead of a major shift to commercial waste zones.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Jan. 22, 2020

New Georgia bill would require coal ash to be treated like MSW

The proposed legislation would impose stricter regulations on coal ash cleanup. Waste Management is among the companies that have pointed to coal ash as a potentially lucrative waste stream. 

By E.A. Crunden • Jan. 17, 2020

New Jersey passes recycling market bill; organics diversion and bag ban stalled

Legislation to establish a Recycling Market Development Council has been signed into law. Sponsors have pledged to revive efforts on other bills when they return for a new session later this month.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Jan. 22, 2020

Casella granted key permits for controversial C&D landfill expansion in New York

Residents have expressed repeated concerns over a potential increase in radioactive fracking material at the site. But Casella argues the Hakes Landfill is safe and in full environmental compliance. 

By E.A. Crunden • Jan. 14, 2020

Republic landfill expansion moves ahead in California after failed appeal

The Forward Landfill's lifespan will be extended to 2036 under the plan. The move comes as the state launches a major organics diversion initiative and seeks sweeping waste reduction goals. 

By E.A. Crunden • Jan. 10, 2020

GFL Environmental closes $380M acquisition of Michigan-based American Waste

The deal will expand GFL's presence into northern Michigan with a landfill, MRF, C&D recycling facility, collection fleet and other assets.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Feb. 4, 2020

Disposal capacity crunch paves way for more industry consolidation and price increases, per report

New data from Waste Business Journal projects the $76 billion U.S. waste industry is down to 18 years of remaining landfill capacity on average, with the Northeast among the most constrained regions.

By Cole Rosengren • Jan. 8, 2020

House passes sweeping new PFAS bill with waste implications

The legislation could establish disposal regulations for "forever chemicals." While some in the industry are apprehensive, others see opportunity. President Trump has already signaled strong opposition.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated Jan. 10, 2020

7 pressing questions for the waste and recycling industry in 2020

The year is shaping up to be a major one for the industry's future. We'll be digging into safety, corporate consolidation, climate commitments, recycling policy, organics, PFAS, politics and more.

By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden • Jan. 6, 2020

Connecticut approves $750K for landfill cleanups as PFAS lawsuit continues

Connecticut is facing PFAS contamination issues at two closed sites, with work underway to improve leachate filtration systems. Issues at one site have spurred legal action from a regional wastewater treatment entity.

By E.A. Crunden • Jan. 3, 2020

Duke agrees to largest coal ash cleanup in US after years of fighting with environmentalists

The utility plans to excavate 80 million tons of coal ash in North Carolina, although some will remain at the Marshall Steam Station and the Roxboro Plant.

By Catherine Morehouse • Jan. 3, 2020