EPA to end environmental justice programs, monitoring tools

As part of the Trump administration’s end to environmental justice programs, the waste industry no longer has access to EJScreen, a monitoring tool used to track environmental justice metrics near facilities. 

Quest names Moss as CEO, starts layoffs after ‘very disappointing year’

Quest Resource Management Group is elevating a former Rubicon leader to CEO and bringing in a former Republic executive. It reported “disappointing” results in 2024 despite earning its most new clients ever.

EPA revisiting dozens of climate, environment rules in ‘day of deregulation’

The agency said it would roll back a range of rules and programs, including some that are foundational to its climate change work. A new WOTUS definition is expected, as well as rollbacks to an emissions reporting program.

EPA reconsiders auto, truck emissions requirements

The agency is reevaluating stricter rules for model-year 2027 cars and trucks set by the Biden administration.

GHGSat research shows landfills are undercounting methane emissions

The satellite monitoring company’s 2023 site-level data underscores the importance of technology in obtaining a more accurate picture of landfills’ greenhouse gas emissions, executives said.

Navigating next steps on EPR in California and beyond

CalRecycle said it will revise the regulations and associated documents, and initiate a new formal rulemaking process, starting with a 45-day public comment period.

Updated March 13, 2025

Walmart says it’s unlikely to meet 2025 plastic, recycling targets

The largest U.S. retailer discussed challenges to increasing PCR adoption. More than two-thirds of its global private-brand packaging was recyclable, reusable or industrially compostable in 2023, according to a company update.

Connecticut agency recommends approval of Reworld biomedical permit

Reworld is hoping to burn 57 up to tons per day of biomedical waste at a Connecticut facility. A Department of Energy & Environmental Protection memo recommending approval ahead of a final decision.

Lori Chavez-DeRemer confirmed as labor secretary

DOL’s future plans are still evolving, though there are hints the agency may be assuming a more pro-worker stance than in certain Republican administrations given support from unions such as the Teamsters.

Veolia takes over former Reworld-run Vancouver WTE facility

The change is another step in Reworld’s retreat from the Pacific Coast. It’s also an extension of Veolia’s plans to expand its energy infrastructure in North America.

Newsom sends California back to the drawing board on EPR implementation

Following public input, multiple revisions and a missed deadline to finalize SB 54 rules, one state Democrat called progress “significantly delayed.” Some environmental advocates say they would again consider a ballot initiative.

Texas MRF operator for sale amid $8M loan dispute, possible asset liquidation

Independent Texas Recyclers, which once served some 1 million Houston households, allegedly missed payments on equipment and later discontinued operations.

Updated March 24, 2025

Gaps in Oregon landfill emissions rule allow some operators to avoid reporting, group says

A Beyond Toxics report argues that exemptions from Oregon’s landfill gas emissions rule have allowed operators to avoid monitoring large areas of their landfills. The group is supporting a bill it hopes would address the issue.

Maryland’s recycling needs assessment sheds light on possible EPR impacts

A newly released assessment, along with a recommendation report from a stakeholder group, could both help shape EPR for packaging legislation this year.

Divert COO moves to advisory role as company continues growth

Private equity-backed Divert has processed more than 3 billion pounds of unsold food since Nick Whitman co-founded the company. He will change roles as the company brings new facilities online.

Updated March 6, 2025

Interstate Waste Services opens $30M MRF to take on NYC commercial volumes

IWS designed the MRF to accommodate specific volumes from New York City’s commercial waste zones, while also allowing the company to internalize volumes it once sent to other recyclers.

Colorado’s proposed landfill methane rule may include first-ever provisions

State regulators are exploring measures such as an end to open gas flaring, the installation of biofilters and allowing advanced monitoring technologies.

Waste companies report RNG progress; plus news from Aemetis, Waga and more

Despite companies like BP shifting away from renewables, major waste companies continue to advance renewable natural gas projects at their landfills. RNG companies also reported strong results to end the year.

LRS sells its Wisconsin assets to GFL Environmental

LRS will exit the Wisconsin market, including a MRF contract, to focus on organic growth in its other core regions, CEO Matt Spencer said. The company also sold a small business in Illinois.

Major public waste companies spent nearly $11B on M&A in 2024

WM drove major spending with its $7.2 billion Stericycle deal in 2024. Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental and Casella Waste Systems also completed numerous deals during the year.

Wasted food increased to pre-pandemic levels in 2023, ReFed reports

The shift comes after more cooking at home and reduced trips to the store likely caused a drop in 2020. But the food waste solutions nonprofit sees signs of improvement, including through legislation and technology.

What’s next for GFL after environmental services deal closes

Executives discussed a variety of moves that may reshape the company, including re-domiciling in the U.S. and ramping up M&A. GFL is now targeting more than $3 billion in EBITDA (Canadian) by 2028.

PureCycle reports ‘significant progress’ toward profitability in Q4

The company reported $346.6 million in debt for 2024. It expects upcoming deals with consumer goods companies will drive resin sales, while plant improvements aim to raise production volumes.

WM Florida landfill expansion advances; sites approved for L.A. wildfire debris

Also in this landfill roundup: sites operated by WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental and other local entities gave expansion and community relations updates.

Tracking GHG emissions of US waste management companies

GFL Environmental recently updated its target to aim for a 30% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.

Updated Feb. 26, 2025