US recycling rates have stagnated. Can collaborative packaging solutions turn them around?

Speakers from consumer brands like Coca-Cola and recyclers like Rumpke discussed how to send more recyclables to MRFs at the Packaging Recycling Summit.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 17, 2023

Let’s keep paper recycling strong amid ‘significant risk’ from EPR policies: AF&PA

Heidi Brock, CEO of the American Forest & Paper Association, says that a one-size-fits-all approach to extended producer responsibility proposals could affect “the long-term success of paper recycling.”

By Heidi Brock • Nov. 15, 2023

What is recycling, anyway?

The definition of recycling is different depending on who you ask. For America Recycles Day, trade groups, government agencies and industry pros weigh in on what it really means in 2023.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 15, 2023

Biden touts recycling’s ‘critical role’ in fighting climate change, awards $93M in EPA grants

In an America Recycles Day proclamation, President Biden called on businesses and the public to make recycling a priority. He acknowledged the disproportionate impacts of pollution on low-income communities.

By Megan Quinn • Updated Nov. 15, 2023

Reloop report offers 10 ideas for passing more bottle bill laws in U.S.

The report aims to “create a bridge between theory and action” to get more state bills past the standstill that often occurs due to competing interests among producers, recyclers and government entities.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 14, 2023

Austin, Texas, releases zero waste plan as population booms

The city’s goal of achieving a 90% diversion rate by 2040 remains ambitious, but Austin Resource Recovery is planning new infrastructure and expanded collections to help bridge the gap.

By Jacob Wallace • Nov. 10, 2023

WM’s chief sustainability officer on the future of recycling

Tara Hemmer sees WM’s recycling investments as key to its overall sustainability strategy. Technology will allow WM to respond to customers’ changing sustainability needs in coming years, she said.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 10, 2023

Rubicon marks progress 1 year after profitability plan, including contract with Austin, Texas

The waste broker and technology company said it has reduced expenses by $55 million on an annualized basis, among other trends that executives described as promising. Earnings are still on track to turn positive in Q4.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 9, 2023

Injury rates for waste industry workers rose in 2022

Injury rates rose just a year after the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the lowest rates since 2006. Solid waste collection workers reported slightly fewer illnesses in 2022.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 9, 2023

NERC event highlights 3 trends to watch in EPR implementation

Eco-modulation, harmonizing definitions and expanding recycling infrastructure are all key themes. Speakers from state agencies in California, Colorado and Maine discussed the issues in Providence, Rhode Island.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 8, 2023

Leading waste and recycling companies spent $986M on M&A in Q3

WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental and Casella Waste Systems recently reported spending totals and shared their outlooks on the deal environment heading into 2024.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 7, 2023

Stericycle announces ‘workforce reduction’ plan, lowers guidance

Stericycle expects future efficiencies from its new ERP system but is facing headwinds from commodity volatility. It also divested businesses in the Netherlands and UAE.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 6, 2023

Will the fashion industry outgrow PET bottles if chemical recycling for textiles takes off?

As concerns about fast-fashion waste gain more attention, well-funded startups and longstanding chemical companies are starting to scale up the textile recycling market.

By Mary Catherine O'Connor • Nov. 6, 2023

Casella reports ‘pivotal and exciting’ Q3 due to recent acquisitions and strong pricing

Casella raised revenue guidance and predicted a strong Q4 due to its retrofitted Boston MRF and operations it acquired from GFL.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 3, 2023

Clean Harbors revises down guidance but expects better results in 2024

A difficult year for base oil pricing has dragged down the overall business, but executives are optimistic about continued margin expansion in environmental services and the upcoming completion of a major new project.

By Jacob Wallace • Nov. 2, 2023

Beyond Plastics report slams chemical recycling as a ‘dangerous deception’

The report says the 11 operating chemical recycling facilities in the U.S. are hazardous and ineffective. Beyond Plastics and IPEN do not want chemical recycling to be part of UN plastic treaty discussions.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 1, 2023

What’s in the box? Maybe a gift of recovering corrugated demand.

Containerboard demand remains down year over year, but it is ending October in a less scary position than previous quarters, according to newly released data from the American Forest & Paper Association.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 1, 2023

California projects emphasize zero waste equity by keeping marginalized groups at the center

An equitable zero waste future means partnering with businesses, unhoused people, waste workers and grassroots groups, speakers from San Francisco and Los Angeles said at the National Zero Waste Conference. 

By Megan Quinn • Updated Nov. 6, 2023

Q3 earnings results for major waste and recycling companies

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

By Waste Dive Staff • Updated Nov. 9, 2023

Republic Services touts momentum into 2024, including Indianapolis polymer center

CEO Jon Vander Ark said recent price increases and upcoming investments should position the company for favorable margin expansion next year. The company also shared updates on its electric vehicle infrastructure.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 27, 2023

Ameripen study says recycling market development centers offer long-term benefits

Ameripen says states with recycling market development centers like Michigan or South Carolina retain jobs better than states without them. It sees the centers as tools to help navigate state recycling laws.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 27, 2023

Amped-up ‘Break Free from Plastic’ legislation reintroduced in Congress

The Democrat-sponsored bill includes implications for packaging, such as federally established EPR and deposit return systems, bans on black plastic and polystyrene foam food service ware and support for reuse/refill.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 26, 2023

Waste Connections reports Q3 growth despite costs from landfill and employee safety incidents

An ongoing odor issue at a California landfill and a slope failure in Texas could cost about $20M in Q4. Meanwhile, the company is planning employee training to reduce safety incident rates.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 26, 2023

Waste Connections sets more ambitious GHG reduction target, reports lower emissions in 2022

The company says it has nearly reached a 2033 scope 1 and 2 reduction target. It’s now doubling the goal to a 30% reduction and is seeking approval from the Science Based Targets initiative.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 25, 2023

EPA pours $128M into environmental justice projects, including waste and recycling efforts

The EPA chose 186 projects led by community groups and local governments and counts several waste and recycling initiatives among its recipients, including anti-dumping, community recycling and organics diversion efforts.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 24, 2023