The waste and recycling industry is expected to potentially see another year of big change when it comes to consolidation, regulation and environmental expectations — all while grappling with continued labor and pandemic pressures. Waste Dive is here to help you keep track of these major developments with in-depth coverage.
![site logo](https://d12v9rtnomnebu.cloudfront.net/logo/printer_friendly/wastedive.jpg)
The Waste Dive Outlook on 2022
Get up to speed on what may be coming next around M&A, labor solutions, ESG investment trends, federal regulation, state policy, environmental justice, local programs and more.
![Gray and green garbage cans overfilled with domestic refuse](/imgproxy/_3Z_68mB-KkgO_nHz09RNbuk-HFn5ljC5hX1qwDrPXI/g:ce/rs:fill:1200:675:1/bG9jYWw6Ly8vZGl2ZWltYWdlL0dldHR5SW1hZ2VzLTExNDQxOTg1MDUuanBn.webp)
-
8 questions about the top trends shaping waste and recycling in 2022
By Cole Rosengren, Megan Quinn and Maria Rachal • Jan. 13, 2022Waste Dive is watching how much longer heightened M&A activity lasts, what it will take to maintain the workforce in a tough market, where organics infrastructure is growing, what's next for recycling and more. Read the full article ➔
-
Waste industry M&A spree shows no sign of slowing in 2022, prompting exit of longtime operators
By Cole Rosengren • Jan. 27, 2022Pandemic exhaustion, labor strain, capital costs and high valuations are among the factors companies give for selling. Now, the dealmaking activity is beginning to rival historic levels of spending and consolidation. Read the full article ➔
-
Workforce questions set to dominate waste collection’s evolution in 2022, with fleet tech still catching up
By Maria Rachal • Feb. 9, 2022As 2022 begins, collection workers may have greater leverage on pay and benefits while employers face continuing high inflation. More automation and alternative fuel vehicles are likely to come. Read the full article ➔
-
What’s on the Biden administration’s waste and recycling to-do list in 2022
By Megan Quinn • Jan. 24, 2022One year in, the administration has started work on a range of climate and environmental justice initiatives. Catch up on what's next from the EPA and others on the circular economy, PFAS, grant funding and more. Read the full article ➔
-
EPR remains top item in state recycling policy debate, but bottle bills and plastic bans also in play
By Megan Quinn • Feb. 9, 2022After a "breakthrough" in 2021, legislators and supporters aim to pass more laws in 2022 they say will improve recycling systems and curb litter. Competing stakeholder perspectives could complicate the finish line for many bills. Read the full article ➔
Recommended Reading
- Tracking the industry: US waste and recycling info hub By Waste Dive Team • Updated Nov. 23, 2021