Diageo and PepsiCo will debut paper bottles in 2021

The alcohol giant will launch the 100% plastic-free packaging for Johnnie Walker whisky early next year, while PepsiCo and Unilever are developing it for their products. 

By Lillianna Byington • July 14, 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

Risk and race concerns fuel ongoing debate around hazard pay during pandemic

Sanitation workers have held numerous strikes and demanded concessions including hazard pay, frequently linking their fight to movements like Black Lives Matter. But the issue remains a contentious one for the waste industry.

By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden • July 9, 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

Major brands extend $54M investment with Closed Loop Partners despite pandemic

A group of leading corporate foundations and CPG companies are renewing their original investment in the Closed Loop Infrastructure Fund to bolster recycling through MRF upgrades, contamination reduction and other actions. 

By E.A. Crunden • July 1, 2020

Recycling stakeholders say years of turbulence helped prepare industry for pandemic

During this year's virtual SWANApalooza, speakers from the U.S. EPA, Waste Management and The Recycling Partnership said the sector has learned valuable lessons from ongoing market challenges.

By E.A. Crunden • June 30, 2020

Public and private sector leaders project long-term changes due to coronavirus

During last week's SWANApalooza, Waste Connections, DSNY and other service providers discussed expectations for operational and fiscal changes to last into at least 2021.

By Cole Rosengren • June 29, 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

Top consumer brands seen falling behind on recycling goals, failing to avert plastic pollution

None of the 50 companies evaluated by shareholder advocacy group As You Sow earned higher than a B- on recycling, reusability or compostability goals. Multiple companies pushed back on the report.

By E.A. Crunden • June 24, 2020

Michigan legislature considers bill to shape recycling market development spending

Allocated two years ago, an annual $15 million recycling and reuse development budget is currently spent under guidance from waste laws that some think are outdated due to their landfill emphasis.

By Leslie Nemo • June 24, 2020

WCA Waste sets 2030 sustainability goals, including 35% GHG reduction target

The Texas-based company aims to mitigate landfill emissions, purchase more CNG vehicles, recycle at higher volumes, improve safety rates and more, according to CEO Bill Caesar.

By Cole Rosengren • June 18, 2020

Senate hearing revives federal recycling discussion with little consensus

Lawmakers appeared keen to restart conversations around U.S. recycling issues. Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM) touted his own plastics-focused bill, while other lawmakers expressed reservations about such regulation.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated June 17, 2020

Can textile recycling be the next 'zero waste' frontier?

Clothes comprise a notable chunk of the waste stream, and can have valuable second lives, but market dynamics are complex. Recent pandemic disruptions haven't helped.

By Karine Vann • June 16, 2020

RTS acquires Enevo's US accounts, expanding presence in multiple states

The second acquisition for the New York-based technology company brings a sizable number of new customers, including multiple restaurant franchises. 

By Cole Rosengren • June 15, 2020

Connecticut policy to limit landfilling faces pivotal moment as major WTE project stalls

An aging RDF facility that handles one-third of Connecticut's waste could begin exporting to out-of-state landfills unless an agreement can be reached between the local authority, developer and state officials in less than three months.

By Cole Rosengren • June 11, 2020

Strained supply chains, resource scarcity drive heightened focus on circularity amid pandemic

Health care, packaging and other industries wrestling with recent supply chain disruptions are seen as potential opportunities for new reuse and remanufacturing initiatives.

By Leslie Nemo • June 10, 2020

Pandemic pause on plastic bag regulations a concern for recyclers

Plastic bags are known for contaminating the recycling stream and causing problems at MRFs. With at least four states and many more municipalities affected by temporary policy changes, some recyclers are wary of impacts.

By E.A. Crunden • June 9, 2020

C&D recyclers have seen steep impacts as pandemic responses pause road work, other projects

The Construction and Demolition Recycling Association said some members saw volumes down 50%-80%. As more states reopen, companies like Waste Management cite the sector as a source of potential optimism. 

By E.A. Crunden • June 4, 2020

Recycling coalition asks Congress to pass EPR bill over plastics-backed RECOVER amid relief talks

Environmental nonprofits have pushed back on recent industry efforts to get priority legislation included in potential pandemic relief bills. Now, they're pointing to the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act as part of the solution.

By E.A. Crunden • June 1, 2020

California's beverage container redemption volume drops estimated 30% during pandemic

Activity has declined across the state following Gov. Newsom's 60-day suspension of recycling center requirements, which expires in June. The state estimates this equates to a $61 million reduction in deposits being redeemed.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated May 29, 2020

Federal court hands Waste Management win in latest round of Reno, Nevada franchise fight

The Ninth Circuit affirmed a lower court's decision that the industry giant's exclusive franchise contract does not violate antitrust law. The smaller recycling companies waging this legal battle have sought to undercut that agreement.

By Cole Rosengren • May 28, 2020

GFL Environmental pledges to disclose, reduce GHG emissions in coming years

The Canada-based company's first sustainability report calculates emissions avoided from recycling, organics and other lines of business. GFL also touted its efforts to divert nearly 1.17 million metric tons of material in 2019.

By Cole Rosengren • May 27, 2020

NWRA-backed Senate legislation introduced to make waste and recycling services eligible for PPP funding

The trade group previously called a related bipartisan House bill "a win" for the industry that could address "bad debt" concerns, and this week reiterated calls for Congress to pass the legislation. 

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

Rubicon's first ESG report emphasizes software pivot, $208M potential savings for cities

The technology company plays up its municipal offerings and highlights case studies from commercial customers, while talking about a "waste wake-up call." More detailed climate metrics are expected in a future edition.

By Cole Rosengren • May 22, 2020