Final TCFD report notes growth in climate disclosures as task force disbands

There has been “steady momentum” in the number of companies disclosing information aligned with the group’s recommendations, but the report said more progress is needed to mitigate climate risks.

By Lamar Johnson • Oct. 30, 2023

Waste Connections sets more ambitious GHG reduction target, reports lower emissions in 2022

The company says it has nearly reached a 2033 scope 1 and 2 reduction target. It’s now doubling the goal to a 30% reduction and is seeking approval from the Science Based Targets initiative.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 25, 2023

Tracking GHG emissions of US waste management companies

Waste Connections’ latest report notes a reduction in emissions intensity, despite a near-term emissions increase due to acquisitions. Compare its emissions reporting with other waste companies, including Casella and WM.

By Megan Quinn , Jacob Wallace , Cole Rosengren • Updated Oct. 25, 2024

Synagro publishes first sustainability report as it ramps up SB 1383 compliance assistance

The company is looking to increase its diversion of biosolids from landfills while accepting greater quantities of food waste, eyeing an opportunity to improve its emissions.

By Jacob Wallace • Oct. 10, 2023

Recology meets cleaner fleet goal, announces new 5-year targets

The West Coast waste hauler and processor fuels 90% of its vehicle fleet via renewable or alternative fuels. It set new goals on landfill emissions and facility power.

By Jacob Wallace • Sept. 27, 2023

WM’s sustainability report shows progress on GHG emissions reduction, diversity

The company’s most recent report, which reflects newer metrics it first published in 2022, shows progress on reducing Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions aligned with SBTi requirements. WM made less progress on its materials recovery goal due to construction on recycling facility upgrades.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 7, 2023

Republic expects higher revenues amid plans for polymer centers, environmental solutions growth

Republic Services’ leaders shared new details about its polymer centers and continued integration of US Ecology, but noted it may have found the ceiling for price increases in certain markets.

By Jacob Wallace • Aug. 1, 2023

WM lowers 2023 guidance due to commodity prices but reports ‘solid results’ despite headwinds

WM CEO Jim Fish said he was pleased with how the company managed inflation, commodity and volume headwinds to end the second quarter.

By Megan Quinn • July 26, 2023

Republic Services updates climate transition plan, advances safety metrics

The company reported continued progress on its landfill gas collections and materials circularity efforts. It also says it’s still on track to purchase 50% electric trucks by 2028.

By Jacob Wallace • July 25, 2023

Amazon phasing out plastic mailers and working to reduce e-commerce packaging

While 92% of its packaging material weight in the U.S. and Canada is recyclable curbside, Amazon intends to further eliminate hard-to-recycle materials and has seen a boost in deliveries that ship in their own containers.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 21, 2023

Heritage-Crystal Clean set to go private in $1.2B transaction

The pending transaction could see private equity firm J.F. Lehman & Co. purchase one of North America’s larger providers of various environmental services.

By Cole Rosengren • July 20, 2023

Wastequip touts recycled Toter cart, safety and diversity in first ESG report

The company has been working to align its goals through a corporate responsibility program since 2020. The report reveals the carbon intensity of certain products and progress in using recycled resins in Toter products.

By Jacob Wallace • July 20, 2023

Strategic Materials reports lowered emissions, greater waste diversion

The glass recycler reported its second year of GHG emissions measurements and said it will soon set SBTi-aligned reduction targets.

By Megan Quinn • July 19, 2023

GreenWaste releases sustainability report with first emissions goals

The report sets a net zero by 2040 goal. GreenWaste is also looking to reduce its incident rate for workplace injuries.

By Jacob Wallace • June 20, 2023

WIN Waste Innovations’ first sustainability report touts material recovery, avoided emissions

The Northeast-based company’s initial report includes statistics on the overall amount of material being recycled and managed, though it isn’t disclosing greenhouse gas emissions data yet.

By Jacob Wallace • May 22, 2023

EPA mapping tool shows how rising sea levels could affect hazardous waste facilities

The federal agency wants such facilities to more quickly prepare for increased flooding and says a new interactive map will help with planning.

By Megan Quinn • May 19, 2023

Amazon, Yum Brands, Kroger face upcoming shareholder votes on circular packaging

Shareholder advocacy nonprofit As You Sow, which negotiated a recent agreement with McDonald’s, has filed numerous proposals seeking to curb plastic usage and prompt major brands to consider reusable packaging.

By Maria Rachal • May 10, 2023

Waste industry braces for ‘bumps and bruises’ in EV rollout as California sets the pace

Haulers and vehicle manufacturers at WasteExpo said they expect a potential collision between regulation-fueled demand and limited supply of battery-electric trucks. Charging infrastructure is also a growing concern.

By Jacob Wallace • May 10, 2023

WM CEO Jim Fish discusses the economy, labor automation and sustainability investments

The industry’s most high-profile executive weighed in about what will and won’t be changing when it comes to WM’s strategy on temporary labor, secondary processing for recyclables, anaerobic digestion and more.

By Cole Rosengren • May 10, 2023

Covanta CEO shares environmental services and M&A outlook after sizable Circon deal

In a recent interview, Azeez Mohammed outlined the company’s new scale and offerings after closing the deal this week. Plus, he shared an update on the serious facility fire in Miami-Dade County.

By Jacob Wallace • May 4, 2023

Ball’s net zero climate plans touts support for EPR, container deposit policy

Director of Global Sustainability Adam Shalapin discusses what’s needed to realize more can-to-can recycling, Ball’s approach to policy advocacy and why a climate plan considering multiple paths is important.

By Maria Rachal • April 7, 2023

Rubicon CEO on the company’s next chapter and the challenges of going public

Phil Rodoni, previously chief technology officer, took the helm during an eventful period for the company. He discusses Rubicon’s efforts to become profitable, grow its software business and compete in the sector.

By Cole Rosengren • March 22, 2023

Refill and reuse sectors strive for scale to upend single-use packaging’s stronghold

Changing consumer perceptions about convenience and value will be important to achieve greater market dominance, according to speakers from Loop, Clorox and other companies at the Sustainability in Packaging US event.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 17, 2023

GreenWaste CEO envisions ‘stronger presence’ for company in California following private equity investment

Over a year after selling to a Macquarie fund, CEO Tracy Adams reports a “great partnership.” He discusses the company’s targeted acquisition strategy, the state’s SB 1383 organics recycling law and more.

By Cole Rosengren • March 16, 2023

Rubicon doubles down on higher-margin software business in ongoing push to boost profitability

After weathering challenges and executive changes, the tech-focused waste broker projects a turnaround. In addition to noting price increases on waste accounts, Rubicon touted a software expansion for commercial fleets.

By Cole Rosengren • March 9, 2023