As reusable takeout container systems expand, logistics questions abound

The pandemic threw startups for a loop, but many are still seeing strong demand. Now, companies and restaurants may have to balance brand identity with a factor that could be most helpful for reusables to succeed — uniformity.

By Leslie Nemo • April 20, 2022

M&A trends, DEI improvements and the future of electronics repair are the talk of NERC conference

At a virtual Northeast Recycling Council event, the DOJ weighed in on its antitrust review process, panelists discussed "rethinking our internal structures" on DEI and electronics repair advocates celebrated state legislative progress.

By Megan Quinn • Updated April 29, 2022

Hawaii's EPR for packaging bill fails to pass before end of legislative session

Supporters had expected the unique model focused on reuse and reduction to move quickly through final committees, but legislators did not reconcile bill differences before the clock ran out. 

By Megan Quinn • Updated May 11, 2022

Republic Services closes acquisition of large Massachusetts hauler and recycler JRM

JRM was one of the last large independent companies left in the Greater Boston market. The deal fits in with Republic's existing transfer infrastructure in the region and will give it a MRF north of the city.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated May 20, 2022

CMA CGM tells shippers it won't accept plastic scrap as of April 15

The ocean carrier had committed to not carry plastic scrap on any of its ships by June 1, leaving plastic scrap shippers to find another carrier as of mid-April.

By Alejandra Carranza • April 12, 2022

Anheuser-Busch loops in MLB, NFL for in-stadium recycling push

The multi-league coalition will see some teams deploy "recycling hawkers" at games to collect bottles and cans from fans in the stands.

By Sara Karlovitch • April 12, 2022

EPR legislation not included in final New York state budget despite governor's support

Gov. Kathy Hochul spearheaded the effort to implement producer responsibility for packaging, but it didn't survive budget negotiations. Attention now turns to other pending legislation that would enact various forms of packaging EPR.

By Megan Quinn • April 11, 2022

In need of skilled talent, 'clean tech' employers prioritize purpose

"The biggest piece of it is to know the company you're working for," said Sue Wingert, vice president of human resources at RoadRunner Recycling.

By Ryan Golden • April 8, 2022

Denver City Council greenlights pay-as-you-throw system for 2023

Officials voted Monday to implement volume-based pricing for trash, expand recycling pickups and provide weekly compost collection at no added cost.

By Maria Rachal • Updated June 28, 2022

Senate committee again ties on Waterhouse nomination for EPA waste office

The vote is likely to move to the Senate floor despite the tie. The nominee spoke about environmental justice and climate change initiatives at last week's Society of Environmental Journalists conference. 

By Megan Quinn • April 7, 2022

With state landfill capacity dwindling, MassRecycle conference explores recycling remedies

A renewed focus on multifamily housing, legislative "champions" for EPR and more MRF processing capacity could help make a dent in long-term waste capacity issues, virtual conference participants said.

By Megan Quinn • April 4, 2022

How Republic's investment in secondary plastics processing puts a 'different twist' on vertical integration

It's been less common for haulers and MRF operators to have a further role in the supply chain, but growing postconsumer recycled content demand and other market factors could make the strategy more profitable.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 30, 2022

Ongoing bottle bill expansion debates heat up in four states

Massachusetts, Vermont, Iowa and California are among the states debating changes to their container deposit systems, but each bill faces its share of hurdles from stakeholders. 

By Megan Quinn • March 30, 2022

City Haul: Inside top issues facing municipal waste leaders

How are waste agencies dealing with labor constraints? What do leaders tell residents who doubt the recycling system? Who are some of the new faces steering local U.S. operations? Catch up on past editions of City Haul.

By Maria Rachal • Updated Feb. 6, 2023

Florida solidifies its status as the nation's waste-to-energy capital with supportive new law

A bill signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis will establish a unique program to subsidize power purchase agreements and expansion expenses for municipally-owned combustion facilities.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated June 22, 2022

Biden touts direct municipal aid in ARPA, infrastructure law at NLC conference

Administration officials on Monday urged the implementation of funds for transportation, public health and other critical needs. City leaders discussed challenges with accessing grants and the need for more proactive spending.

By Maria Rachal • March 15, 2022

Plastics Recycling Conference: Supply solutions needed to meet 2025 demand growth projections

Analysts said brands may struggle to reach their packaging goals, but investments in mechanical and chemical recycling infrastructure, plus growing consensus on EPR policies, could help. 

By Megan Quinn • March 14, 2022

Notable chemical recycling, EPR and bottle bill updates pass in state legislatures

A canned wine bottle bill and mattress recycling EPR passed in Oregon, along with chemical recycling bills in Mississippi and West Virginia. The fate of New York's packaging EPR proposal is pending in the state budget process.

By Megan Quinn • Updated March 16, 2022

Washington governor signs bill calling for 75% reduction of organic waste disposal by 2030

The law is seen as a natural evolution from the state's recent work on recycling and climate change. Organics recyclers are especially focused on new compost procurement rules and first-in-the-nation compostable product guidelines.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated March 25, 2022

'Target Zero' appeals to consumers' sustainability concerns

The retailer worked with vendors including third-party brands and its own private labels to design more eco-friendly packaging for hundreds of products.

By Daphne Howland • March 10, 2022

Waste Dive Live: What's next for waste and recycling in 2022?

Watch the videos from our Feb. 10 virtual event to hear perspectives from the Waste Dive team, The Recycling Partnership and Reloop.

By The Waste Dive Team • March 9, 2022

Plastic supply pressures create market challenges and opportunities for recycled resins, analysts say

At the Plastics Recycling Conference, IHS Markit analysts suggested volatile crude oil prices from the war in Ukraine could drive up virgin resin prices and recycled resin demand. Meanwhile, supply is still tight for PET, PP and PE.

By Megan Quinn • March 9, 2022

Bonuses, balance and respect: What will it take to attract more waste and recycling job applicants?

Industry employers Republic, Casella and WIN Waste, as well as recruiters and other partners, talked through the do's and don'ts of job postings, hiring processes and creating attractive workplaces during recent SWANA events.

By Maria Rachal • March 7, 2022

How to optimize OCC recovery

Maximize OCC recovery and revenue when dealing with newly challenging material stream.

March 7, 2022

Global treaty aims to tackle plastic pollution through its full life cycle, including waste and recycling

ISRI, NWRA, SWANA and others expect the landmark treaty to affect high-level operations, but the details won't be known until 2024.

By Megan Quinn • Updated March 3, 2022