The Latest

  • Aerial view of a collection truck picking up waste or recyclables in a residential area
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    RichLegg via Getty Images
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    Tracking the waste and recycling industry’s M&A activity

    Reworld acquired Red Technologies, including a rail transfer station; GFL acquired LRS’ Wisconsin assets; Collective Waste Solutions acquired an Alberta hauler; Mazza Recycling acquired a Philadelphia transfer station.

    Updated March 5, 2025
  • A Walmart paper mailer.
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    Courtesy of Walmart
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    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.

  • Entrance to a building with reflective windows leading to a larger industrial shed. A smokestack is visible behind the building, as well as a sign on its front reading “Reworld.”
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    Permission granted by Francis Pickering
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    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.

  • Sean O'Brien is looking at Lori Chavez-DeRemer
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    Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
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    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.

  • A photograpgh of an industrial building with a smoke stack, with trees and cars parked in front.
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    Courtesy of BusinessWire
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    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.

  • Gov. Gavin Newsom (seated) signs SB 54 on June 30, 2022. State Sen. Ben Allen far left. Assembywoman Luz Rivas to Newsom's right.
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    Courtesy of State Sen. Ben Allen
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    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.

  • Equipment and bales of paper
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    (2025). [photo]. Retrieved from PPL Group.
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    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.

  • Gas well equipment pokes out a tarp covering a sloped area. Fields and forested area are visible in the background.
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    (2024). "P6210154" [Photograph]. Retrieved from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
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    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.

  • A brick building with a blue and white spire.
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    gregobagel via Getty Images
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    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.

  • Two people stand next to each other in an office
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    Permission granted by Divert
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    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
  • Workers sort recycling by hand on a conveyor belt
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    Courtesy of Interstate Waste Services
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    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.

  • A flame burns out of a metal stack against a dark sky
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    The image by Carl Young is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
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    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.

  • UW Oshkosh Foundation Rosendale Digester
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    Permission granted by American Biogas Council
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    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.

  • Blue garbage truck on road
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    Permission granted by LRS
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    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.

  • Garbage truck empties cart into back.
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    Anton Novikov via Getty Images
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    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.

  • A pile of food waste in a waste bin
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    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.

  • A demonstration hauler with GFL's logo outside a conference center
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    Jacob Wallace/Waste Dive
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    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.

  • The exterior of PureCycle's plant in Ironton, Ohio
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    Courtesy of PureCycle Technologies
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    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.

  • people sift through debris from a fire
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    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.

  • Illustration of heavy equipment at a landfill
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    Danielle Ternes/Waste Dive
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    Tracker

    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
  • A worker sorts recycling at a MRF
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Waste companies plan continued fees, tech investments to offset 2025 commodity dips

    To mitigate possible commodities-related headwinds in 2025, major waste companies will continue to fine-tune their ongoing automation investments, fee-for-service programs and involvement in EPR contracts.

  • Four people, including members of Congress, sit in chairs under a sign that reads "President Joe Biden Historic Climate Action." Biden stands on a small stage to the right.
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    Andrew Harnik via Getty Images
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    The Climate Corps may have ended, but waste-related service jobs continue

    The phase out of this Biden administration program is expected to be more about changing program labels than funding itself. Local corps members have worked on waste reduction, recycling and food recovery in multiple states.

  • A variety of small-sized packaging and caps in various colors and shapes.
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    Katie Pyzyk/Waste Dive
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    Caps, pumps, pods: Preventing small packaging from slipping through recycling systems

    Tens of thousands of tons of small-format packaging could be captured each year with technological upgrades, according to a Closed Loop Partners report. A consortium aims to advance recovery of the small packaging.

  • A trash truck picks up a dumpster
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    Courtesy of Rumpke Waste & Recycling
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    Q&A

    Rumpke CEO: ‘Our growth has been dramatic.’

    Bill Rumpke Jr. noted a busy 2024 for acquisitions and infrastructure investments led to $1.2 billion in revenue. He previewed more hiring, employee training and tech investments for 2025.

  • Garbage truck empties cart into back.
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    Anton Novikov via Getty Images
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    Q4 earnings results for major waste and recycling companies in 2024

    Follow the latest results from WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, Casella Waste Systems, Clean Harbors and Enviri.

    Updated Feb. 25, 2025