The Latest
-
Tracking the waste and recycling industry’s M&A activity
VLS acquired a Virginia field services company; Capital Waste acquired a Tennessee hauler and landfill operator; Reworld acquired a hazardous waste transport company; Rumpke acquired an Ohio hauler.
Updated Dec. 19, 2024 -
EPA grants California waiver for low-NOx truck emissions rule
The rule had been adopted by nine states in anticipation of the waiver. But President Trump previously sparred with California over waivers for its emissions rules, and many expect him to do so again in his second term.
-
What’s next now that Oregon has adopted final EPR for packaging rules
Finalized rules include new permitting and living wage requirements for MRFs, as well as new fees the PRO will be expected to pay certain recyclers.
-
Vanguard Renewables names new CEO as owner BlackRock looks for growth
The anaerobic digestion company’s former CEO, who held the role since before Vanguard was purchased by a division of BlackRock Real Assets, has departed, the company confirmed.
-
Denver airport’s diversion pilot program tackles waste through ‘valet’ service
The Zero Waste Valet program, run by compost company Scraps, aims to raise the airport's diversion rate. It diverted more than 69 tons of material in the first six months.
-
Aspen Waste announces organic expansion into Colorado, bucking M&A trend
Family-owned Aspen Waste enters the Colorado market during a time of consolidation in the region. It aims to offer a customer service-focused choice as the state prepares to implement its EPR for packaging law.
-
US Composting Council executive director to step down
Frank Franciosi announced he will leave his position next year, and will be succeeded by the organization’s deputy director, Linda Norris-Waldt.
-
Casella-operated New York landfill to close in 2028; Republic appeals Tennessee expansion denial
Current or proposed landfills in Arizona, Hawai’i, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia had recent updates on permitting and other projects. This includes sites operated by WM, GFL Environmental and others.
-
New York Gov. Hochul signs law expanding organics recycling mandate
The governor signed the bill on Thursday after it passed the state’s legislature in May. It lowers the threshold at which certain entities must divert organics under the state’s existing food recovery and recycling law.
Updated Dec. 13, 2024 -
Notable waste and recycling conferences in 2025
The C&D World Conference & Exhibition and EREF Summit on Landfill Emissions are the latest industry events to add dates for 2025.
Updated Dec. 11, 2024 -
WM buys Fulcrum BioEnergy site in Nevada via bankruptcy process
A judge recently approved WM’s purchase of a feedstock processing facility adjacent to one of the company’s landfills. Fulcrum’s biorefinery, which sought to convert waste to fuel, went to a different company.
-
Rubicon names new CFO and board members, hints at pending sale
Rubicon’s new CFO, Eric Bauer, comes from Circulus, where a Rubicon board member serves as CEO. The company also sold $20 million in preferred equity to Rodina Capital, an entity affiliated with Rubicon’s majority shareholder.
Updated Dec. 13, 2024 -
Maryland late on EPR recommendations, continuing work into 2025
The advisory council says it needs information from a recycling needs assessment to move forward on extended producer responsibility for packaging legislation recommendations that were originally due Dec. 1.
-
Q&A
Crystal Clean ‘all in’ on PFAS remediation services amid shifting regulatory landscape
Crystal Clean’s Darci Ackerman said the company is expanding its PFAS remediation services, researching new options for treatment and calling for more research into soil remediation and other PFAS science.
-
Nexus W2V receives backing to begin first RNG facility outside Chicago
The company first announced plans for growth after an outside investment last year. Now, it hopes its Kingsbury Bioenergy Complex can be the first in a series of “waste-to-value” facilities.
-
Judge approves agreement limiting PFAS pollution from GFL landfill in North Carolina
The consent decree between GFL Environmental and the Southern Environmental Law Center, first released in August, will address PFAS contamination, odors and other issues at the facility.
Updated Dec. 10, 2024 -
GHGSat and Carbon Mapper satellites take flight as landfill gas monitoring tech matures
Satellite fleets are growing and bringing new data on fugitive landfill emissions. Their owners hope the technology can play a central role in landfill gas monitoring.
-
Aluminum can recycling in US at lowest point in decades: report
A 2030 target to achieve a 70% aluminum beverage can recycling rate is unachievable based on the current state of U.S. recycling systems and policies, the Can Manufacturers Institute and Aluminum Association reported.
Updated Dec. 11, 2024 -
Maine adopts final rules for EPR for packaging law
The finalized rules come after months of public comments and stakeholder meetings. Certain stakeholders voiced concerns over costs, and some waste groups questioned a disposal reimbursement provision.
-
Biogas investment tax credit finalized with favorable language for RNG
The final rule includes properties that convert biogas into renewable natural gas in a lucrative credit program designed to boost investment in clean energy. Developers are expected to rush to qualify before the end of the year.
-
Massachusetts governor signs law to form EPR commission for packaging, other categories
A special commission, led by the state’s Department of Environmental Protection, will report back to the legislature by early 2026. It marks incremental progress in a state known for legislative inaction on waste issues.
-
Delayed Miami-Dade incinerator plan draws Trump attention while other Florida projects advance
Commissioners in Miami-Dade County again postponed a decision on building a new combustion facility. Meanwhile, projects in Lee, Palm Beach and Pasco counties are taking steps forward.
-
California PRO names former CalRecycle director as state lead
Rachel Wagoner, former director of CalRecycle, will become CAA’s executive director for the state, where she will help oversee the rollout of an EPR for packaging law.
-
Textile takeback company Trashie expands into electronics recycling
The textile processing company, which rewards consumers who send in old clothing, sees fast-growing opportunities in the electronics recycling sector.
-
Coca-Cola lowers ambition with new 2035 packaging sustainability targets
The new goals cover packaging design and collection. The move follows an August statement that it was “behind plan” to meet certain 2030 goals.