COVID-19 turns some recycled fiber market dynamics on their head

Surges in consumer toilet paper and e-commerce purchases are causing a boom in demand for certain types of recycled fiber, but supply is falling short. Moore & Associates, ISRI, Closed Loop Partners, The Recycling Partnership and others weigh in.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 13, 2020

Dishwashers and data laid the groundwork for California city's landmark waste reduction ordinance

The ReThink Disposable program, designed to help restaurants switch to reusables, was a model for Berkeley's foodware ordinance set to fully take effect this summer. Whether the COVID-19 pandemic will disrupt those plans remains to be seen. 

By Karine Vann • April 9, 2020

As some MRFs close during the pandemic, more adapt and carry on

Social distancing has become a challenge, PPE is in high demand and staffing availability is shifting. While MRFs in some states have closed, the industry's biggest residential recyclers report their facilities are still largely operational.

By Cole Rosengren • April 8, 2020

New York reports more than 350 COVID-19 cases among sanitation workers, one death

The city's outsized numbers far surpass reported cases involving the industry in other metropolitan areas, based on inquiries by Waste Dive, but transparency is limited and collection workers remain concerned about ongoing exposure risks.

By E.A. Crunden , Cole Rosengren • Updated April 9, 2020

Waste Management resumes all California MRF operations after COVID-19 concerns

Waste Management previously sent force majeure letters to municipal customers warning of potential issues during the pandemic. Other companies were also making changes that could temporarily disrupt residential recycling.

By E.A. Crunden , Cole Rosengren • Updated May 19, 2020

New York bans expanded polystyrene foam products statewide

Gov. Andrew Cuomo approved the legislation, which will take effect in 2022. New York joins Washington in showing a willingness to target some plastics, despite a push by industry groups to promote their products during the pandemic. 

By E.A. Crunden • Updated April 3, 2020

Chicago's ailing recycling program under new scrutiny

Pre-pandemic, the Department of Streets and Sanitation announced plans for a new waste study, aldermen called for oversight hearings and residual rates were a controversial issue. This attention comes as recycling contracts are up for renewal soon.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 1, 2020

Uncharted waters: Waste and recycling companies adapting to the coronavirus economy

Commercial volumes are down dramatically in many markets, employee hours are being cut and contract terms are tested. How service providers respond could have lasting reputational and financial implications.

By Cole Rosengren • March 31, 2020

How to talk about EPR, product stewardship and minimum content policies

Neil Seldman, director of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance's Waste to Wealth initiative, advocates for the use of common terminology in policy discussions around recycling.

By Neil Seldman • March 27, 2020

COVID-19 puts BYO coffee cups on hold, but sanitized reusable systems could fill the void

Major brands like Starbucks and Dunkin' have banned the use of personal to-go containers in recent weeks over coronavirus fears, raising new questions in a wider debate around packaging safety. 

By Karine Vann • March 25, 2020

Oregon DEQ calls for emphasis on 'low-impact' materials, not 'recyclable'

As highlighted in a recent Northeast Recycling Council webinar, research shows that a recyclable product isn’t always the one that creates less waste or uses fewer valuable resources.

By Leslie Nemo • Updated April 1, 2020

At least 8 states suspend bottle bill requirements during coronavirus pandemic

Pressure on overwhelmed grocery stores and ongoing concerns about the transmission of COVID-19 via recyclables are key issues. Additional changes may be coming in the remaining two states with bottle bills.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated March 25, 2020

OSHA: Treat municipal waste and recycling with possible COVID-19 contamination normally

The federal workplace safety regulator's previous guidance said any municipal solid waste with coronavirus connections should be treated as regulated medical waste, sparking concerns throughout the industry. NWRA and SWANA pushed for the change.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated March 20, 2020

Stericycle: Medical waste volumes from COVID-19 not as high as Ebola so far

Medical waste companies are seeking a uniform approach as the industry braces for coronavirus waste impact. NWRA, Stericycle and others are warning against "overclassifying" coronavirus waste as medical waste as part of that effort.

By E.A. Crunden • March 19, 2020

Boise, Idaho temporarily sending EnergyBag plastics to cement manufacturing facility

After stockpiling the bags for months due to an equipment issue at Renewlogy's Utah pyrolysis facility, the city has decided this is a preferable interim solution following preliminary results from an environmental review.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated May 27, 2020

Coronavirus poses multiple safety risks for waste and recycling workers

Concerns persist about infection exposure while social distancing requirements are changing how collection routes and MRFs are operated. Labor unions are calling for answers around paid leave policies.

By Cole Rosengren • March 18, 2020

Municipalities suspend recycling due to coronavirus impact on prison labor, broader safety concerns

Several areas across the country have temporarily cut programs as the pandemic ramps up, citing COVID-19 safety fears and dwindling availability of incarcerated workers at MRFs.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated March 19, 2020

How 12 months of the coronavirus pandemic disrupted US waste and recycling service

A year into the pandemic, waste and recycling workers are increasingly gaining access to the COVID-19 vaccine through a range of eligibility categories.

By Cole Rosengren, Nami Sumida • Updated March 15, 2021

New York City Council outlines big plans for curbside organics, textiles and EPR

A new agenda calls for the expansion of curbside residential organics collection citywide, along with more than a dozen other policies, to accelerate progress toward "zero waste" by 2030. Mention of a "save-as-you-throw" program is notably absent.

By Cole Rosengren • March 16, 2020

Waste companies react to coronavirus and alter travel plans amid uncertain operational effects

Some of the industry's largest companies shared an evolving range of approaches to travel expectations, meeting structures, and operational decisions. Plans for SWANApalooza and ISRI 2020 have been suspended.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated March 12, 2020

End of Waste Foundation ramps up glass recycling platform, aims for $10M investment

The unique startup hopes to facilitate recycling for 15,000 tons of glass this year, with a focus on more municipal partnerships. Founder Ionut Georgescu projects that could increase to 500,000 tons next year with new funding.

By Cole Rosengren • March 11, 2020

Waste and recycling trade groups issue coronavirus guidance for worker safety

SWANA, NWRA and ISRI do not think there is cause for heightened alarm. Though they emphasized broader caution, at a time when details are changing rapidly and many events are being postponed or canceled.​

By E.A. Crunden • Updated March 12, 2020

Baltimore council members back goal of 'zero waste' by 2040 amid incinerator litigation

Activists pushing for the closure of Wheelabrator Baltimore are calling for a dramatic turn toward waste reduction and diversion. A majority of council members introduced a resolution Monday in support of that plan.

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

IPO helps GFL Environmental raise nearly $2.2B, CEO expects to be more 'nimble' for M&A

CEO Patrick Dovigi spoke about finally going public amid market turmoil, future growth strategy and plans for the company's first sustainability report. A new filing indicates the company has since paid down at least $1.2 billion in debt.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated March 12, 2020

House lawmakers debate regulatory role of federal government in plastics and recycling

In a Wednesday hearing, lawmakers formed stances along partisan lines over several pieces of federal recycling legislation. Republicans took a hard line against plastics bans and seemed to scrutinize shifting oversight to the federal government.

By E.A. Crunden • March 5, 2020