Solid waste companies talk disposal pricing, ESG and Biden in Q1 earnings outlooks

Waste Management, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, Covanta and Casella Waste Systems leaders commented on pandemic recovery trends and other pressing topics.

By Cole Rosengren • May 10, 2021

Companies ignoring ESG may become 'uninvestable,' says investment bank chief

Interest in sustainability goals is growing "enormously," and companies that ignore the trend risk rejection by investors, according to Larry Wieseneck, co-president of investment bank Cowen.

By Jim Tyson • May 10, 2021

Environmental justice and diversity should be priorities for recyclers, ISRI panelists say

Speakers at ISRI's annual convention stressed the importance of fostering meaningful relationships in environmental justice communities where they operate, both to mitigate harm and to prepare for potential regulation.

By Megan Quinn • May 4, 2021

Waste Management raises guidance as pandemic recovery accelerates, predicts possible labor headwind

Pricing and the Advanced Disposal acquisition were key first quarter boosts. Executives also announced a new chief sustainability officer and weighed in on the Biden administration's infrastructure proposal.

By Cole Rosengren • April 27, 2021

Washington governor signs minimum recycled content bill

Washington will become the second state to set requirements for the makeup of plastic beverage containers and trash bags. It will also become the latest state to pass a ban on expanded polystyrene containers this year.

By Megan Quinn • Updated May 18, 2021

Plastics Recycling Conference debates aspirational recycling goals as deadlines approach

Numerous organizations, companies and governments have pledged to meet recycling-related goals by as early as 2025. Panelists discussed what could help achieve these targets, despite skepticism.

By Megan Quinn • April 14, 2021

Businesses urge Biden to set ambitious federal climate target

Vanguard Renewables and Sims Limited joined hundreds of other businesses and investors in a call for the U.S. to cut greenhouse gas emissions at least 50% below 2005 levels by 2030

By Cailin Crowe • April 13, 2021

Ron Gonen on 'waste profiteers,' transforming the recycling industry and getting serious about ESG

The Closed Loop Partners CEO and author of new book "The Waste-Free World" shares his views on how CPG companies, service providers, local governments and consumers must adapt to build a more circular economy.

By Cole Rosengren • April 8, 2021

NERC conference explores EPR, refillable bottle and circular economy possibilities

Panelists at the Northeast Recycling Council's spring conference covered how lessons learned from Canada and Europe could help improve U.S. recycling systems while also debating the merits of chemical recycling.

By Megan Quinn • April 7, 2021

As early renewables near end-of-life, attention turns to recycling and disposal

The coming need to address renewable energy assets that reach the end of their useful lives is spurring conversations about creating an economy that's circular as well as green.

By Emma Penrod • March 24, 2021

Wheelabrator debuts WIN Waste Innovations brand following Tunnel Hill acquisition

The newly combined operations of 10 companies will have an estimated $1 billion annual revenue run rate. Following a recapitalization, CEO Bob Boucher said more M&A is planned and an IPO or sale could happen in the future.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated April 6, 2021

Racial justice scorecard says waste companies fall short on providing detailed workplace equity metrics

Waste Management and Republic Services were listed in an As You Sow report calling on S&P 500 companies to acknowledge racism and provide details related to pay equity, promotions, recruitment and retention numbers.

By Megan Quinn • March 17, 2021

SEC official: Companies avoiding ESG disclosures 'risk higher costs of capital'

"Arguments in favor of a single global ESG reporting framework are persuasive," said the corporation finance lead at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, adding the agency "should play a leading role" in creating such standards.

By Jim Tyson • March 16, 2021

Renewed focus on landfill calculations as waste industry faces pressure to reduce emissions

Greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change are under growing scrutiny from regulators and investors alike. Finding the most precise way to measure them remains a complex effort.

By Leslie Nemo • March 9, 2021

2020 earnings coverage for US waste and recycling companies

Catch up on Waste Dive's quarterly analysis of results from Waste Management, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, Covanta and Casella Waste Systems during 2020.

By Waste Dive Team • Feb. 24, 2021

2020 earnings coverage: Republic Services

The industry's second-largest player adapted to the pandemic, completed a busy year of M&A and pushed ahead on fleet electrification plans.

By Waste Dive Team • Feb. 24, 2021

2020 earnings coverage: Waste Management

The North American industry's largest company weathered the pandemic, announced new ESG plans and completed the major acquisition of Advanced Disposal Services.

By Waste Dive Team • Feb. 24, 2021

Republic Services reiterates all in on electrification over CNG, Santek close nearing

The second-largest North American waste operator expects economic recovery to continue in 2021, with bullish plans for M&A.

By Maria Rachal • Feb. 23, 2021

Climate leaders herald return to Paris agreement, pledge to halve emissions by 2030

The new "America Is All In" coalition of U.S. communities, businesses and institutions, has pledged to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 with support from the federal government. 

By Chris Teale • Feb. 22, 2021

New year brings string of partnerships on waste fleet electrification

Romeo Power and XL Fleet are among those in the electric vehicle space that have recently gone public via SPACs and are linking up with waste specialists to gain a foothold in the sector.

By Maria Rachal • Feb. 22, 2021

New action on horizon for sustainable materials management under Biden, experts predict

Recycling market development and food waste are among many issues stakeholders hope will receive renewed federal engagement, despite limited attention in the president's agenda to date.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Feb. 17, 2021

Waste Management debuts recycled plastic uniforms, downplays landfills at annual ESG event

The national uniform rollout, and plans to invest $100 million in recycling infrastructure, were touted at a climate-focused sustainability forum. The industry's largest landfill company also described disposal as "a last resort."

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 10, 2021

EVs, turbines, solar panels pose circular economy dilemma: NIST workshop

Representatives from throughout the supply chain reflected on how batteries and electronics can find their place as greener solutions in the circular economy at a recent National Institute of Standards and Technology workshop.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 3, 2021

SEC appoints policy advisor to advance new ESG initiatives

The appointment of an ESG advisor by the acting SEC chair follows commitments by President Joe Biden to redouble efforts to combat climate change.

By Jim Tyson • Feb. 2, 2021

Anaergia CEO sees big organics recycling potential after building nation’s largest digester

As the company's California facility enters final commissioning, founder Andrew Benedek previews more to come as the state ramps up for SB 1383 implementation. Potential expansion into the Northeast is next.

By Cole Rosengren • Jan. 27, 2021