Rail business drags on Enviri’s Q3, while Clean Earth remains strong

The company’s rail business continued to drag on cash flow, but CEO Nick Grasberger said he expects that segment to turn around by the end of next year. 

SWANA details new EPR guidance in technical policy documents

SWANA aims to be a “convener and curator” of EPR stakeholder conversations, especially policies that integrate existing recycling systems and make the industry safer. 

Clean Harbors idles California oil re-refinery, plans to open Nebraska incinerator soon

Executives touted strength in other parts of the business, due in part to recent acquisitions, despite near-term oil and industrial market softness. 

Republic Services reports continued pricing growth, advancements on RNG and EV plans

The company reported capital expenditures were on pace for polymer centers, renewable natural gas facilities and electric trucks. Executives also discussed ongoing efforts to push pricing in the environmental solutions segment.

Southwest Airlines brings bamboo on board for new cups

The airline recently stirred up change when it began stocking the bamboo-based cold beverage cups and wooden stir sticks, following a yearlong R&D process stemming from plastic reduction goals. 

WM reports strong Q3, says Stericycle synergies estimate was ‘conservative’

WM noted solid collection and disposal activity, higher commodity prices and continued RNG and recycling project completion during Q3. It’s on track to complete its acquisition of Stericycle in Q4.

How the 2024 election could affect waste and recycling policy

The presidential nominees have different takes on environmental and regulatory policies that could affect the industry, including those addressing emissions, recycling, PFAS, labor and environmental justice.

USDA convenes stakeholders to tackle PFAS contamination from biosolids

Suggested long-term solutions include finding new ways to detect contamination and developing tools to stop "forever chemicals" before they cause harm to soil.

Coastal Waste buys Florida’s Southwest Waste in notable C&D deal

This is the largest transaction to date for Macquarie-backed Coastal. Southwest, founded by Charles Lomangino in 2021, operates multiple facilities throughout western Florida.

Waste industry going ‘on the offense’ with landfill emissions technology

Presenters at the Solid Waste Association of North America’s annual event discussed new and more efficient methods of capturing landfill emissions and extracting value from the gas.

Stericycle opens $110M medical waste incineration facility in Nevada

The new facility is designed to meet or exceed environmental standards while adding more capacity in the West, the company said. This follows the closure of a Utah facility in 2022.

Groups call for updated Colorado landfill regulations after new federal grant

The state is the beneficiary of Climate Pollution Reduction Grants funding meant to bolster its methane monitoring efforts. Environmental groups say the state could leverage those funds to enact stricter standards.

Waste Connections reports record M&A activity, sees good momentum into 2025

CEO Ron Mittelstaedt confirmed the company expects to close between 30 to 35 deals this year, with $700 million in revenue acquired so far. Waste Connections also raised its 2024 guidance and previewed 2025.

GreenWaste orders first set of Hyzon hydrogen refuse trucks in North America

A recently announced purchase order marks the first deal to use the vehicles for commercial operation. GreenWaste expects to get the first vehicles delivered to the Bay Area as early as Q4 2025.

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 Oct. 25, 2024

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.