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

Recycling Partnership grants could boost curbside polypropylene acceptance by 6%

The Polypropylene Recycling Coalition has awarded $4.2 million to date for equipment upgrades as consumer product companies look to bounce back from last year's recyclability access downgrade by How2Recycle.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated Sept. 7, 2021

Tesla made electric trucks 'cool.' Now fleets face financial hurdles.

Total cost of ownership for electric trucks is more attractive than diesel, executives said at ACT Expo, but issues around charging are significant.

By Jim Stinson • Sept. 1, 2021

Raven SR's waste-to-hydrogen project with Republic Services could have implications beyond California

Creating green hydrogen from organics is one way to meet the state's SB 1383 goals, but Raven's CEO said he hopes this process can be a competitive way to handle waste streams in any state.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 31, 2021

Brand commitments contributing to higher recycled HDPE prices

The recent run of strong pricing, especially for HDPE natural, has caught recyclers' attention. At least one expert believes market dynamics have decoupled recycled resin and virgin prices.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 26, 2021

Natural gas trucks: A fit for all fleets?

There are multiple factors to consider even before examining overall cost, including range needs and infrastructure access, one executive said.

By Amanda Loudin • Aug. 19, 2021

Progress report: Brands face increasing pressure on recyclability claims in 2021

Major corporations have pledged to make big recycling-related changes by 2025, and environmental groups are holding them accountable through reporting requirements, shareholder agreements and lawsuits.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 12, 2021

Waste-to-energy supporters aim to 'clear the air,' reposition technology as landfill alternative

Recent research shows better performance across multiple environmental measures for WTE versus landfills, but few U.S. communities show an interest in new facilities, and opposition continues to limit growth.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 4, 2021

Republic Services Q2: 'no pause' on M&A after Santek, eyeing environmental solutions deals

The labor shortage and coronavirus pose some uncertainty, the company acknowledged, but it raised guidance based on strong recovery trends. Executives also discussed new landfill gas and recycling opportunities.

By Maria Rachal • July 30, 2021

GFL launches renewable energy platform, forecasts ample M&A opportunities

While Canada's economic recovery is expected to roll into next year, the company is already seeing pre-pandemic volumes in other areas and big free cash flow gains. A new focus on landfill gas projects may boost that trend.

By Cole Rosengren • July 29, 2021