Tracking GHG emissions of US waste management companies

Waste Connections’ latest report notes a reduction in emissions intensity, despite a near-term emissions increase due to acquisitions. Compare its emissions reporting with other waste companies, including Casella and WM.

By Megan Quinn , Jacob Wallace , Cole Rosengren • Updated Oct. 25, 2024

Curtis Bay Energy fined $1.75M, pleads guilty to improperly incinerating medical waste

Workers intentionally overloaded incinerators to process medical waste more quickly, leading to one of the largest environmental criminal cases in the history of the Maryland attorney general’s office.

By Jacob Wallace • Updated Oct. 18, 2023

SWANA names Amy Lestition Burke as next CEO

SWANA says Lestition Burke “will usher in a new vision of innovation at SWANA” with strong association experience and an understanding of how to build partnerships and advance sustainability initiatives.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 5, 2023

Plan for these upcoming waste and recycling conferences

The National Zero Waste Conference is one of the next events on the calendar. Other upcoming events in 2024 will cover recycling, e-waste, MRF innovations, biogas, thermal conversion and more.

By Megan Quinn • Updated Sept. 18, 2024

Waste Connections’ landfill outreach covers Seneca Meadows expansion, Chiquita Canyon odors

Waste Connections continues its community outreach in New York in an effort to extend its Seneca Meadows landfill permit set to expire in 2025. Meanwhile, its Chiquita Canyon landfill in California must undergo odor mitigation.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 26, 2023

LRS CEO Spencer talks 100-day plan for leading fast-growing Midwestern company

Matt Spencer says he’ll draw from previous industry experience, including time in the field, and a relationship with Macquarie to help cement a vision for the company’s M&A, infrastructure and safety investments.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 21, 2023

Inside 4 MRF projects getting a boost from EPA grants

EPA grants for MRF projects in Colorado, Kentucky, New Jersey and Ohio aim to bolster recycling in underserved areas, battle contamination and boost the capture of valuable materials like PP or aluminum. 

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 20, 2023

Alabama waste authority set to take over operations of bankrupt Cherokee landfill

The Tri-Cities Solid Waste Disposal Authority is expected to take over the CWI Cherokee Landfill’s daily operations. A $23 million bond will pay for the purchase and any outstanding debts, subject to approvals.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 14, 2023

EPA announces recipients of $105M in grants for recycling infrastructure

The long-awaited recycling infrastructure grants are going to 25 communities, including the Baltimore and Minneapolis metro areas as well as recipients in Puerto Rico, Hawai’i, Montana and Ohio.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 13, 2023

New Hampshire Environmental Services assistant commissioner leaving for private sector

Mark Sanborn is leaving his government-appointed role for a policy and permitting job with a construction company. The move has “no connection” to controversy over a recent landfill bill, he says.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 11, 2023

WM’s sustainability report shows progress on GHG emissions reduction, diversity

The company’s most recent report, which reflects newer metrics it first published in 2022, shows progress on reducing Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions aligned with SBTi requirements. WM made less progress on its materials recovery goal due to construction on recycling facility upgrades.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 7, 2023

Waste Pro hires Mike Fernandez, former Miami-Dade solid waste lead

Fernandez joins Waste Pro after a 15-year stint in the public sector. He will now oversee landfill, transfer station and recycling processing assets for the Florida-based company.

By Jacob Wallace • Sept. 5, 2023

RNG developer Terreva Renewables secures $417M in funding in first year

The private equity-backed developer has already completed four renewable natural gas projects on landfills in the United States, with more expected.

By Jacob Wallace • Sept. 1, 2023

Qnergy pilot to demonstrate gas collection system for small landfills

This is the second landfill pilot for Utah-based Qnergy, which has successfully deployed its system in the oil and gas sector but is looking to expand into biogas.

By Jacob Wallace • Aug. 30, 2023

With EPA enforcement on PFAS coming, waste groups call for focus upstream

The waste industry hopes the U.S. EPA’s new enforcement initiative for PFAS is a small step in reducing PFAS-containing items at waste sites, but it still wants to be protected from certain liability.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 30, 2023

Former Miami-Dade waste head on county’s capacity challenges, disaster response and more

Mike Fernandez says the county must be creative in meeting its capacity needs as it considers long-term disposal options. He also shares his severe weather experience as Florida faces another hurricane.

By Jacob Wallace • Aug. 29, 2023

Miami-Dade County proposes new, more remote site for WTE facility

The location is more remote following concerns from residents near the Florida county’s former incinerator. But permitting and building the facility would take nearly a decade, leaving the county with interim capacity concerns.

By Jacob Wallace • Aug. 22, 2023

EPA enforcement priorities include new focus on landfill methane, PFAS

The agency’s latest update to its National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives drew comments from industry trade groups as well as New York City about potential implications for waste operations.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 21, 2023

Minnesota, a birthplace of PFAS, tackles contaminated waste sites on multiple fronts

The state has funding from settlements with companies such as 3M, but the costs ahead are daunting. A recent report estimates it could take at least $105 million to manage the “forever chemicals” at certain landfills and compost sites.

By April Reese • Aug. 17, 2023

BP on track for $500M EBITDA target for Archaea as it looks to ramp up RNG

CEO Bernard Looney continued to express bullishness on the biogas business, which is benefiting from a variety of federal programs expanded in recent months.

By Jacob Wallace • Aug. 15, 2023

Large waste companies spent nearly $2B on acquisitions through Q2

WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental and Casella Waste Systems recently reported spending totals and shared M&A outlooks for the rest of 2023.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 10, 2023

EPA’s hazardous waste site inspections and plastic pollution efforts falling short, agency report says

The agency must prioritize inspections at hazardous waste facilities to prevent possible pollution issues, the EPA’s Office of Inspector General says. Trash in waterways is another concern.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 8, 2023

Waste Connections’ acquisition of Arrowhead opens strategic integration, M&A opportunities

The deal could help reveal better M&A chances and remedy shrinking Northeast disposal capacity, the company says. Arrowhead recently invested in its transportation and disposal infrastructure.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 4, 2023

Darrell Smith leaves National Waste & Recycling Association CEO role

Smith stepped into the position in 2017 and was at the helm during the COVID-19 pandemic. NWRA’s board will search for a new person for the role.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 4, 2023

Waste Connections caps Q2 with acquisition of Arrowhead waste-to-rail network

Waste Connections sees Arrowhead’s rail-served MSW landfill in Alabama as “one of our most strategic assets” to open up more integration and M&A opportunities in the Northeast.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 3, 2023