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

Fleet tech forges ahead, but some bide time on higher-stake EV investments

The pandemic strained finances for some waste and recycling collectors looking to upgrade their operations. But falling costs and ESG pressures could catalyze EV pilots, routing software adoption and more in 2021.

By Maria Rachal • Updated Jan. 27, 2021

Biden moves to rejoin Paris climate accord on first day, signs order to review Trump regulatory actions

Stakeholders say Biden's day one actions signify that energy and the environment will be a top priority for his team.

By Catherine Morehouse • Jan. 21, 2021

No 'green halo' for renewables: Veolia, First Solar, others tackle wind and solar environmental impacts

From manufacturing effects to the difficulty of recycling PV panels and turbine blades, solar and wind in particular can spur consequences the industries are trying to reduce.

By Lynn Freehill-Maye • Dec. 18, 2020

Vanguard Renewables eyes national anaerobic digestion expansion with new alliance

Initial members of the Farm Powered Strategic Alliance include Unilever, Starbucks and Dairy Farmers of America, all of which will direct their organics to a rapidly expanding network of Vanguard facilities across the country.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 14, 2020

GE announces first US wind turbine blade recycling program with Veolia

Blades, the only turbine component not getting recycled, will now be shredded to replace raw material for cement manufacturing with lower CO2 emissions.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 11, 2020

Republic Services highlights plastic market limitations, clarifies EPR stances, in report

A recent report, stemming from a shareholder resolution this year, shows the financial complexities around managing mixed plastics. It's also the latest sign of an industry shift on the rising producer responsibility discussion.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 9, 2020

How Harsco reimagined its Clean Earth division mid-pandemic as a national hazardous waste player

President David Stanton discusses building a new business following the acquisition of assets from Stericycle, pandemic effects, recycling opportunities, and the big potential around managing PFAS waste.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 8, 2020

Sustainability reporting nearly universal among large companies, survey finds

Although some reporting standards are widely used, there isn’t a single framework for companies to ensure accurate measurement and communication of their environmental impact, a KPMG survey found. 

By Robert Freedman • Dec. 4, 2020

Diageo pledges 100% recyclable packaging, 50% supply chain emissions reduction by 2030

After falling short on some 2020 goals, the maker of Guinness and Smirnoff laid out plans to reduce emissions and improve packaging recyclability through 2030.

By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 2, 2020