Recology COO discusses how the West Coast company is weathering a year of wildfires, pandemic disruptions

Sal Coniglio – recently promoted to one of the company's top jobs – talks future plans, COVID-19 business effects and how previous fires taught the company to stock up on masks.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 11, 2020

How the 2020 election could impact the waste and recycling industry

The outcome could affect major issues like climate change, PFAS, taxes, M&A, recycling policies and more. 

By E.A. Crunden • Nov. 2, 2020

Republic Services to acquire Minnesota hauler Randy's Environmental

The family-owned company describes itself as the largest independent operator in the state, with numerous contracts in the Minneapolis area. It is also known for a unique co-collection system for organics.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 23, 2020

RTS acquires organics recycler and circular product manufacturer Ambrosia

The deal includes Ambrosia's processing facility in New Jersey, making RTS vertically integrated for organics in the New York metro area. Future facilities will be considered in other markets.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 22, 2020

Disposing 'forever' toxics: How the waste and recycling industry is tackling the PFAS chemicals crisis

Found everywhere from Arctic seawater to the blood of most humans, PFAS are inevitable in the waste stream. With the prospect of regulations and litigation mounting, the industry is figuring out how to handle one of its most difficult issues in years.

By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 19, 2020

'We can never get to zero': Organics recyclers face hard choices in responding to PFAS contamination

Composting and biosolids stakeholders worry regulations will decimate their industry, while environmental and health groups say action is critical.

By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 19, 2020

Waste Management updates sustainability plan with 2025 targets focused on climate

Existing 2038 sustainability goals haven't changed, but executives recognized the need for more near-term progress. Procuring more renewable energy and reducing recycling contamination are among the newly announced priorities.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Oct. 15, 2020

Texas conference highlights growing PFAS, environmental justice concerns

Speakers at the 2020 Texas Recycling and Composting Summit covered PFAS contamination in biosolids, a state market development study, racial issues in the industry and more.

By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 13, 2020

New guidelines aim to address labeling confusion for compostable packaging

The Biodegradable Products Institute will offer manufacturers input on labeling and identification strategies — addressing a long-running problem for organics diversion and an uptick in legislative attention.

By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 5, 2020

Multi-state West Coast initiative enlists food retailers in push to reduce waste 50% by 2030

Led by the Pacific Coast Collaborative, a growing voluntary agreement aims to support goals across the region through public-private partnerships and on-the-ground collaboration, as well as measurement and reporting metrics.

By E.A. Crunden • Sept. 23, 2020

New York sanitation commissioner warns against 'devastating' budget cuts ahead of resignation

After six-plus years on the job, Kathryn Garcia is considering a run for mayor. In an exit interview, she discourages further layoffs, forecasts more commercial waste zone delays and says "zero waste" by 2030 is likely unattainable.

By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 14, 2020

Pittsburgh joins 10-city cohort to curb food waste

The Natural Resources Defense Council's Food Matters Initiative will help the chosen cities overcome common barriers to preventing food waste, including a lack of data and resources.  

By Cailin Crowe • Sept. 2, 2020

SWEEP standard coming to fruition with industry support and pilot cities

After years of work, an accreditation system modeled after LEED is reaching a notable milestone. Those behind it hope to improve data standardization and drive sustainable materials management policies around the country.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Aug. 31, 2020

Wastequip aims to develop product GHG emission scores as part of new sustainability program

VP Kristin Kinder cited customer demand and industry trends as motivating factors behind a step many equipment manufacturers have yet to take, while also discussing diversity and inclusion efforts.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 25, 2020

Chicago anaerobic digester, urban farm project secures final funding for $32M campus

The facility, slated for a brownfield site, is expected to process 85,000 tons of organics annually when it opens in 2022. Backers describe it as a positive step toward environmental justice in the area.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 20, 2020

Food waste coalition launches with 14 major manufacturers and retailers

The group, whose members include General Mills, Kellogg, Nestlé and Walmart, have targeted cutting global food loss per capita in half by 2025.

By Lillianna Byington • Aug. 19, 2020

Industry-supported organics hauling bill comes up short in California legislature

Proponents say AB 2959 would clarify a loophole allowing smaller haulers to undercut franchise agreements and hinder progress toward state diversion targets. Critics said it would hurt the state's efforts to curb organic waste.

By E.A. Crunden • Aug. 19, 2020

New Jersey governor signs landmark environmental justice bill with big permit implications

The long-anticipated legislation had key backing from community groups. Despite some business opposition and industry trepidation, waste and recycling stakeholders also expressed support.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated Sept. 18, 2020

Halfway through an upended year, 8 big questions remain for waste and recycling

Back in January, Waste Dive laid out guiding themes for coverage around safety, M&A, sustainability, policy, organics and PFAS. Now, the pandemic has changed many of them and racial justice is also receiving heightened attention.

By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden • Updated July 28, 2020

Major Connecticut WTE facility closing by 2022, waste to be exported

The expected move comes after plans to refurbish the Materials Innovation Recovery Authority's aging RDF facility fell apart for a host of reasons.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Dec. 10, 2020

House Democrats back EPR, other recycling mandates in new climate plan

The lengthy document from the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis endorses legislation like the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act and hints at how Democrats could tackle policy on a wide range of emissions sources.

By E.A. Crunden • July 7, 2020

Public and private sector leaders project long-term changes due to coronavirus

During last week's SWANApalooza, Waste Connections, DSNY and other service providers discussed expectations for operational and fiscal changes to last into at least 2021.

By Cole Rosengren • June 29, 2020

Waste industry focuses on PFAS strategies, research as long-term concerns mount

This year's SWANApalooza featured numerous sessions on PFAS management and treatment, underscoring the heightened attention around "forever chemicals" at landfills and other facilities.

By E.A. Crunden • June 26, 2020

RTS acquires Enevo's US accounts, expanding presence in multiple states

The second acquisition for the New York-based technology company brings a sizable number of new customers, including multiple restaurant franchises. 

By Cole Rosengren • June 15, 2020

Connecticut policy to limit landfilling faces pivotal moment as major WTE project stalls

An aging RDF facility that handles one-third of Connecticut's waste could begin exporting to out-of-state landfills unless an agreement can be reached between the local authority, developer and state officials in less than three months.

By Cole Rosengren • June 11, 2020