2021 earnings coverage: GFL Environmental

In its second year as a public company, GFL continued an aggressive expansion pace throughout North America, including multiple large acquisitions such as Terrapure and PDC.

By Waste Dive Team • Updated Feb. 10, 2022

Could better recycling logistics solve EPR challenges?

More flexible collection systems may be a solution to packaging issues — regardless of the regulatory landscape — writes Ryan Smith, CEO and founder of startup Recyclops.

By Ryan Smith • Nov. 3, 2021

With landfill methane in the climate spotlight, satellite and flyover measurements attract a following

Landfill operators, nonprofits and regulators are looking to remote measurement technologies as a new way to check on methane releases. But it's too soon to know if they'll settle the emissions modeling debate.

By Leslie Nemo • Nov. 3, 2021

What's next for HDPE, PET, OCC and mixed paper markets

Paper & Plastic Recycling Conference speakers predicted mostly favorable near-term demand for commodities due to e-commerce trends and brand commitments. Yet some worried new PCR laws may overly pressure pricing.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 2, 2021

Tracking the industry: US waste and recycling info hub

Follow some of the most essential developments around M&A, ESG pledges, federal and state policy, PFAS regulations, quarterly earnings results and more with Waste Dive's unique trackers and ongoing in-depth coverage.

By Waste Dive Team • Updated Nov. 23, 2021

2021 earnings coverage for US waste and recycling companies

Catch up on Waste Dive's quarterly analysis of results from WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental and others during 2021.

By Waste Dive Team • Updated Feb. 18, 2022

2021 earnings coverage: Waste Connections

For the industry's third-largest company, 2021 continued a trend of heightened M&A activity, new ESG investments and ongoing pandemic recovery.

By Waste Dive Team • Updated Feb. 17, 2022

2021 earnings coverage: Republic Services

Revisit Waste Dive's coverage of Republic's earnings reports from an eventful year, which featured ramped up spending on ESG efforts and M&A, including the acquisitions of Santek Waste Services and ACV Enviro.

By Waste Dive Team • Updated Feb. 11, 2022

2021 earnings coverage: WM

The North American waste industry's largest company was focused on integrating Advanced Disposal Services, ramping up recycling investments and maneuvering through pandemic effects throughout the year.

By Waste Dive Team • Updated Feb. 2, 2022

Q3 earnings: A complex economic recovery continues, with M&A spending on the rise

Inflation and labor were also cited as notable challenges during recent reports. Catch up on our takeaways from key public companies.

By Waste Dive Team • Updated Nov. 4, 2021

Waste Connections acquisitions worth $240M in revenue through Q3, at least $100M more anticipated

The company upped its outlook thanks to economic recovery trends and M&A but reported inflationary pressures. CEO Worthing Jackman also described potential vaccine mandates as a notable labor headwind.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 28, 2021

High aluminum prices, supply chain issues create 'best of times and the worst of times' for recyclers

The light metal has soared out of a slump, with UBC pricing strong and sustainability goals driving demand, yet operators such as Virginia's TFC Recycling say transportation difficulties make it hard to capitalize on that.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 27, 2021

Wave of investment just the beginning for EV battery recycling

Within a short period this fall, four lithium-ion battery recyclers saw a collective $255 million worth of investment and another completed a merger. As existing EV batteries age out and new vehicles hit the market, demand is growing fast.

By Jacob Wallace • Oct. 27, 2021

Plastic’s GHG emissions could outpace those from coal by 2030: report

New research from nonprofit Beyond Plastics takes a critical look at the plastics industry's climate effects, with renewed criticism of chemical recycling. Major plastics trade groups pushed back on the report.

By Jacob Wallace • Oct. 25, 2021

Oregon's new landfill methane emissions rules now strictest in the country

Most sites fall under the new state rule, which requires additional monitoring, testing and permitting requirements based on size. The plan goes further than some federal regulations and could serve as a template for other states.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 21, 2021

11 CFO tips for riding the rising tide in ESG activism

CFOs eager to steer clear of shareholder activists should publicly embrace sustainability despite flaws in the measurement of best practices.

By Jim Tyson • Oct. 20, 2021

California beverage makers struggle to meet upcoming recycled content requirements

Bottlers must use at least 15% postconsumer resin in plastic containers by 2022, and more from there, but a recent CalRecycle report shows many haven't yet hit the mark. PET supply and a strained redemption system are key factors.

By Jacob Wallace • Sept. 30, 2021

Loop reusable packaging system expands beyond e-commerce to new stores, including Kroger

TerraCycle's Loop says the new offerings will make it easier for consumers to reduce waste, but industry experts say the program is just one small step toward scaling up reuse systems in a circular economy.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 28, 2021

Upstream CEO sees huge potential in burgeoning reuse-refill sector, including for haulers

Matt Prindiville, head of a nonprofit focused on holistic waste solutions, is at the center of discussions with brands and activists alike about not just relying on recycling to create a more circular economy.

By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 23, 2021

Wastequip commits to further reducing its virgin resin use

The approach to slashing 25% of virgin resin from the cart manufacturing process emphasizes increasing recycled plastics in Toter carts, extending carts' years of use and telling customers the recycled content in each product.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 22, 2021

Covanta, Casella, Vanguard Renewables and others continue the conversation at virtual WasteExpo

The event included insight on industry discussions such as EPR, environmental justice, waste-to-energy, climate change, recycling and technology.

By Megan Quinn , Cole Rosengren , Maria Rachal • Sept. 17, 2021

BlackRock losing 'patience' on pace of corporate ESG disclosure

The hedge funds behind most of this season's proxy battles are looking to address investor concerns about sustainability. Panelists at a recent event said boardrooms must take this more seriously if they aren't already.

By Jim Tyson • Sept. 16, 2021

California governor signs full slate of circular economy bills

The package includes bills regulating recyclability and compostability claims on products, restricting exports of plastic scrap and updating the state's container redemption program.

By Megan Quinn • Updated Oct. 6, 2021

Archaea Energy merger completed, setting up major landfill RNG producer

Archaea and Aria Energy have joined forces in a deal led by a special purpose acquisition company, signaling that the waste industry sees increasingly lucrative potential in high-Btu landfill gas projects.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Sept. 16, 2021

Republic Services purchases ACV Enviro for environmental services expansion

The acquisition of this New Jersey-based operation follows CEO Jon Vander Ark's prior comments about growing the company's environmental services business, including hazardous waste.

By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 2, 2021