Tracking GHG emissions of US waste management companies

Waste Connections’ latest report notes a reduction in emissions intensity, despite a near-term emissions increase due to acquisitions. Compare its emissions reporting with other waste companies, including Casella and WM.

Updated Oct. 25, 2024

EPS producers say foam recycling is improving, despite bans on related types of the material

The EPS Industry Alliance says 168 million pounds of the material, used in applications such as transport packaging, were diverted from disposal in 2022. Infrastructure investments could improve collection, it says.

Updated 21 hours ago

Industrious Labs report highlights landfill cover, gas collection opportunities ahead of EPA regulation

The report looks at how updating requirements for gas collection systems and landfill cover practices could deliver significant emissions savings. EPA said it will update those requirements in 2025.

With BeyondPFAS, Veolia launches ‘comprehensive’ PFAS management services

The suite of consulting, treatment and disposal options and other bespoke services are an expansion of Veolia's PFAS service segment.

Notable waste and recycling conferences in 2025

Many industry events are on the calendar for 2025, including SWANA’s newly named RCon. See details about next year’s events covering business trends, organics, plastic recycling and more.

Updated Oct. 23, 2024

GFL, Waste Pro to pay millions for settlements of EEOC race and sex discrimination lawsuits

Waste Pro in Florida will pay $1.4 million and subsidiaries of GFL Environmental in Georgia will pay $3.1 million to settle separate lawsuits with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. 

Food waste responsible for 14% of US methane emissions: ReFED

A report issued by ReFED with the support of the Global Methane Hub outlines where food waste spurs methane emissions and how solutions like composting could help.

Federal judge agrees to dismiss pending charge against Recology in San Francisco bribery case

Judge William Orrick said he didn’t believe two former executives charged with bribery were the only ones involved but said he felt the company’s compliance revamp had satisfied the terms of a DOJ agreement.

Republic Services flags barriers to circularity with new index

The waste company collaborated with The Harris Poll to survey executives across the economy and identify how much progress companies are making on their commitments to reduce waste.

Athens Services set to receive LA recycling contract potentially worth $87M

The proposed five-year deal, which includes possible extensions, would cover the processing of 450 tons per day of residential recyclables. If approved, it would end years of short-term agreements with the major local company.

Reworld to close Oregon facility, further limiting West Coast incinerator presence

Reworld sent a letter to local officials informing them of its plan to close a facility in Marion County. It comes shortly after the company also made public plans to close its last mass burn facility in California.

NASA’s new space odyssey: Tackling waste in space

The LunaRecycle challenge offers $3 million for projects that can successfully recycle materials on the surface of the moon. The agency hopes projects will also help to advance recycling on Earth.

Solarcycle reaches panel recycling agreement with Runergy Alabama

Solarcycle will both recycle Runergy’s decommissioned panels and provide the manufacturer with glass for new panels via its Georgia facility, which is slated to open in 2026.

Landfill expansions advance for WIN Waste and Casella, while GFL delays plans

State officials recently approved key steps for landfill expansions in Ohio, Maine and elsewhere. Meanwhile, a Republic Services subsidiary is facing a lawsuit in California.

Updated Oct. 15, 2024

How2Recycle doesn’t want to abandon the chasing arrows

Consumer comprehension data played a central role in how How2Recycle redesigned its instructional label, leaders of the process explained. But potential restrictions in California pose a challenge.

Urbaser to acquire Stericycle’s assets in Spain, Portugal

The deal comes as WM is still set to acquire Stericycle in the coming months. A Canadian antitrust review is still pending.

State resources boost zero waste efforts in Massachusetts and Colorado

Speakers at the National Zero Waste Conference discussed how strong state and local partnerships can help leverage funding and technical assistance that may not often be accessible to smaller communities.

From schools to stadiums: Tips for zero waste at large venues

Speakers at the National Zero Waste Conference last week discussed ways to incorporate reusable products in places where people gather, displacing a single-use status quo.

Clorox says 2023 cyberattack hurt progress on 2030 plastic, waste reduction goals

Data shows the company stagnated on lowering virgin material and upping PCR in packaging. It also disclosed the estimated potential costs from extended producer responsibility policies.

Coalition in EPR-friendly British Columbia reports increased collection volumes in 2023

Stewardship Agencies of British Columbia said residents are recycling more beverage containers and batteries than before. The coalition aims to increase collection rates on more items through coordinated programs.

Terex completes $2B purchase of Environmental Solutions Group

The deal valued Environmental Solutions Group, which includes brands like Heil and Soft-Pak, at 8.4 times its expected earnings for the year. Terex noted expected growth in the refuse vehicle market as one of its motivations.

Updated Oct. 9, 2024

Inside the debate over PLA, the packaging industry’s favorite bioplastic

Polylactic acid has been around for decades, but it only became popular as an option for compostable packaging more recently. While some environmental groups question its credentials, the packaging sector expects demand to grow.

Reworld to shut down California’s last MSW incinerator

The decision to close the Stanislaus County facility comes two years after California removed incentives for jurisdictions to route their waste to incineration. Reworld said it will focus on business opportunities elsewhere.

NWRA CEO Hoffman says ‘playing offense’ is key to better industry representation

Michael E. Hoffman discusses his first few months on the job and the association’s outlook on important policy and regulatory changes related to EPR, climate and the upcoming election.

Nation’s largest curbside organics collection program rolls out across New York City

The New York City Sanitation Department will now collect food waste from residents in Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island after previously rolling out the service to Brooklyn and Queens.