WM sees more cost cutting opportunities through labor attrition, new truck deliveries

The industry’s largest company saw increased expenses during Q1 but remains confident in hitting its annual guidance through pricing and cost reduction efforts. Executives also previewed an upcoming Toronto MRF project.

By Megan Quinn • April 27, 2023

Waste Connections anticipates another busy M&A year as Mittelstaedt outlines long-term plans

In his first report since returning as CEO, Ron Mittelstaedt shared updates on labor, inflation and M&A. Amid ongoing economic uncertainty, executives said they’ve already locked in price increases for a majority of business.

By Cole Rosengren • April 27, 2023

Mittelstaedt back as Waste Connections CEO, Jackman departing

The abrupt announcement brings back the company’s founder and original CEO to a role he left in 2019. Mittelstaedt said the leadership change was a planned decision and not the result of company issues.

By Megan Quinn • April 24, 2023

Waste collection supervisors: The forgotten foundation

 Solid waste supervisors ensure efficient waste operations, but they are often under-resourced.

April 24, 2023

AFSCME highlights voices from 1968 Memphis sanitation strike, says issues persist today

Lee Saunders, president of the public-sector union that represented workers in that historic strike, says the event has implications for the modern industry. A new podcast also highlights Martin Luther King Jr.’s role in the movement.

By Megan Quinn • April 10, 2023

WM expects major MRF automation and efficiency plans to yield returns at ‘virtually any commodity price’

At a recent investor presentation, WM leaders said their 2026 recycling sustainability plan would expand markets and invest heavily in MRF automation to reap efficiency and labor benefits.

By Megan Quinn • April 6, 2023

Diverse waste and recycling workplaces should include younger workers: NERC

Speakers at the Northeast Recycling Council’s recent conference described opportunities for hiring diverse younger workers who may not be familiar with the industry. 

By Megan Quinn • April 5, 2023

Federal Reserve hikes main rate by quarter-point, notes ‘resilient’ banking system

The central bank tightened borrowing costs despite banking instability as inflation persists well above its 2% target.

By Jim Tyson • March 23, 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

LRS’ new $50M Chicago MRF is heavy on automation, with room for expansion

The MRF can handle nearly twice the material as the one LRS opened in a Chicago suburb just six years ago. The company “invested on the front end to reduce labor” amid a tight employment market the last few years.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 15, 2023

SWANA to hire new CEO, citing ‘changing vision,’ as Biderman departs

David Biderman joined the group in 2015 and helped grow its focus on safety, among other issues. SWANA has begun its search for a replacement.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated March 15, 2023

Daylight saving time: What HR should keep in mind

Changing the clocks is more than just a frustration or a boon; it can cause problems with payroll and workplace safety.

By Caroline Colvin • March 10, 2023

Powell says Fed may hike rates more than forecast

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell told a Senate committee on Tuesday that reducing inflation to the central bank’s 2% target may not lead to widespread layoffs.

By Jim Tyson • March 8, 2023

RoadRunner Recycling lays off 10% of its workforce

The Pittsburgh-based waste and recycling technology company, which raised $90 million and acquired Compology last year, is scaling down to weather a more challenging business environment, it said.

By Cole Rosengren • March 7, 2023

Biden to appoint Julie Su as Labor secretary

Su is known for cracking down on wage theft and has long settled disputes between employers and unions.

By Caroline Colvin • Feb. 28, 2023

Stericycle touts revenue improvements, previews 2023 capital investments

CEO Cindy Miller said the company continues to grow revenues and bounce back from inflationary pressures, settlement costs and divestiture impacts in 2022. It’s looking ahead to a Nevada facility opening and other investments.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 24, 2023

Q4 earnings results for major waste and recycling companies

Follow the latest results from WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, Casella Waste Systems, Clean Harbors, Stericycle and Rubicon as they close out 2022 reports and give guidance for 2023.

Updated March 9, 2023

Report: Walsh to resign as Labor secretary, lead NHL players’ union

President Joe Biden said he nominated Walsh, previously the mayor of Boston, in part due to Walsh’s background as a labor union president.

By Ryan Golden • Feb. 8, 2023

City Haul: How fast-growing cities have rerouted their collection systems

Early planning and understanding future development and data needs are key strategies for smooth schedule changes, according to waste leaders who have recently gone through the process in Phoenix, Sacramento and Fort Worth.

By Maria Rachal • Feb. 6, 2023

WestRock notes global paper market headwinds but touts sustainability investments as growing opportunity

WestRock reported lower Q1 income and withdrew full-year guidance due to market uncertainty. CEO David Sewell said increased packaging revenue and a focus on plastic packaging replacement projects are positive signs, however.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 2, 2023

Waste Pro sees workforce gains through safety awards, creative scheduling and emphasis on women

Vice President of HR Shannon Early discusses how safety awards fit into a broader range of creative recruitment and retention efforts. Plus, she highlights four-day workweeks and high percentages of women drivers in select markets.

By Cole Rosengren • Jan. 30, 2023

The Waste Dive Outlook on 2023

What you need to know on industry trends to watch, the hiring landscape, fleet maintenance and more to come as the new year gets underway.

By The Waste Dive Team • Updated Feb. 15, 2023

Lag times, labor shortfalls and leasing: What’s affecting waste fleet management in 2023

Some supply chain issues that have made it harder to procure trucks and parts could ease, but skilled maintenance workers are still in high demand. Leasing is looking more attractive to some customers.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 20, 2023

As some labor strains ease, the waste and recycling industry has further opportunity to grow its ranks

Pandemic-era labor challenges for the waste industry are persisting three years later. Read what experts from Stifel, SWANA, the Teamsters and the Women in Trucking Association think could help.

By Cole Rosengren • Jan. 19, 2023

6 waste and recycling trends to watch in 2023

The effects of ongoing M&A, the biogas boom, and regulatory and financial debates around plastics are among the most complex topics on Waste Dive’s radar in the new year.

By Cole Rosengren , Megan Quinn , Maria Rachal • Jan. 12, 2023