NYC market continues to consolidate, leading to new questions for waste zone system

Waste Connections’ purchase of a fellow awardee has left potential openings for competitors after it exceeded a 15-zone threshold. Meanwhile, Interstate Waste is buying up haulers, and others could become subcontractors.

Recology has satisfied requirements of San Francisco deferred prosecution agreement, DOJ says

The federal government is seeking to close out a three-year agreement that stemmed from the company’s role in a major public corruption scandal. Two executives have been sentenced and multiple others have left the company.

Key stories from the New York commercial waste reform saga

The multiyear push to implement a nonexclusive franchise system has been tumultuous and complex. Follow along with Waste Dive’s in-depth coverage.

Updated Oct. 7, 2024

Recycling industry eyes export improvements after port strike resolution

Ports important to recycled commodities trade are expected to reopen now that a labor strike is tentatively resolved, but some residual logistics and commodity price impacts could linger due to backlogs.

Treasury’s missing RNG credit guidance, plus news from Opal Fuels and more

The federal agency has yet to provide guidance on potentially lucrative tax credits passed as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. Nevertheless, companies like WM and Opal Fuels continued to progress on new projects.

LRS releases first sustainability report, unveils emissions reduction plan

LRS’ sustainability report offers baseline greenhouse gas emissions data and a general plan for reducing emissions from landfills and fleet vehicles while maintaining recycling rates and continuing to improve safety rates.

Reworld to get new minority owner as EQT strikes deal with GIC

The transaction would increase the stake of investor GIC, which manages the Singaporean sovereign wealth fund. It would also infuse Reworld’s growth plans with fresh capital, executives said.

What’s next now that California’s EPR for textiles law has passed

CalRecycle is expected to start working on regulations early next year. Recycling and waste groups say the law should divert more textiles, which can be problematic to process, into reuse or repair end markets instead of landfills.

9 federal recycling and waste grants to apply for in 2024

Grant applications are due soon for numerous waste, recycling and organics programs funded by the U.S. EPA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The How2Recycle label is getting a new look

The campaign to transform the instructional label program involves a refreshed design, plans for greater investment in consumer education, enhanced data sources and partners handling different aspects of the system.

Compostable packaging’s relationship status with organics recyclers: ‘It’s complicated’

The BPI Summit highlighted tension and complexity around how to handle this growing category of packaging. The California Compost Coalition, Athens Services, Dirt Hugger, A1 Organics, Moonshot Compost and others weighed in.

Updated Oct. 1, 2024

California Gov. Newsom signs textile EPR bill into law; vetoes and signs other recycling bills

Newsom also signed laws updating PaintCare, carpet stewardship and organics procurement programs. He vetoed bills related to marine flares and vehicle traction battery management.

Updated Sept. 30, 2024

Michigan towns sue Republic Services subsidiary to prevent interstate shipment of hazardous waste

A site owned by Republic Services in Wayne County, Michigan, was set to receive radioactive waste from New York this fall before towns sued the company, seeking to halt the disposal plan.

How to handle the global issue of election waste

Local governments are preparing to deal with high volumes of yard signs, mailers and campaign material as the fall election season ramps up. Programs in Pennsylvania, Texas, Florida and elsewhere encourage recycling and reuse.

EPA warns landfill owners to meet gas monitoring and collection obligations amid noncompliance

The federal agency issued alerts that revealed its findings from over 100 inspections. It noted the climate impact of failing to control methane pollution and warned landfill owners that the agency would hold them accountable. 

Oregon multifamily recycling report calls for better funding, access

The report outlines well-known recycling challenges for people living in multifamily housing, such as lack of access and space constraints. It calls for a producer responsibility organization to dedicate funding for improvements.

San Francisco’s BottleBank aims to help in a state with limited container deposit options

California is set to invest millions in innovations meant to make its container deposit return system operate more efficiently. BottleBank shares lessons from its first two years in operation as a mobile bag drop program.

California’s organics diversion mandate enters its ‘adolescent age,’ updated with new laws

The law requiring jurisdictions to divert organic waste from landfills has survived years of difficulty. Some newly passed tweaks for rural areas and composters look to move it beyond its growing pains. 

Lawsuits from California AG and others take aim at ExxonMobil’s chemical recycling claims

Coordinated lawsuits target the company’s role in pollution and describe the limitations of mechanical and advanced recycling to manage waste. Packaging companies have partnered with ExxonMobil to source recycled plastics.

DOE’s $3B funding round includes battery recycling projects

American Battery Technology Co., Ascend Elements, Cirba Solutions, Clarios Circular Solutions, Li Industries and others will use the funding for facilities to recycle and process critical materials needed for new battery manufacturing.

Tracking the future of US recycling policy in Congress

A bipartisan bill supported by the plastics industry calls for nationwide plastic recycling standards, a 30% recycled content rate, and chemical recycling provisions. 

Updated Sept. 20, 2024

Reworld sued again over decommissioned WTE facility in Connecticut

Country Holding alleges Covanta, now Reworld, unnecessarily decided to demolish the facility, which it had agreed to purchase, rather than leave assets to be upgraded or repurposed. Reworld argues it acted within the sale contract.

New and upcoming recycling facility projects boost regional capabilities

Cards Recycling, WM, Aurubis and a waste authority in Alabama have all invested in recent facility upgrades that could have implications for regional curbside programs or hard-to-recycle materials.

California closes reusable plastic carryout bag loophole

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed SB 1053, a law that will eliminate plastic bags as an option at store checkouts. Retailers will still be allowed to sell certain recycled paper bags.

Veolia North America sets baseline GHG emissions, touts PFAS work

The French company released a global sustainability report and companion data for North America. It recently had its decarbonization targets verified by the Science-Based Targets initiative and set an emissions reduction road map.