Stericycle reports challenging Q1, detailing recovery from labor and inflation headwinds

As it saw a decline in pandemic-related waste, Stericycle experienced its most acute period of driver illnesses yet. The company also previewed a new medical waste facility and closed out a $90 million corruption settlement.

By Megan Quinn • April 28, 2022

WM describes 'conservative' approach on M&A, sees strong Q1 price and volume trends

Executives at the industry's top company kicked off earnings season with updates on efforts to offset inflation, reduce head count through automation and focus more on ESG investments than on big acquisitions.

By Cole Rosengren • April 26, 2022

OSHA wants to make injury data public, but employers fear a PR nightmare

Employers also could face increased union activity, one employment law attorney said. The proposed regulations are similar to an Obama-era rule that the Trump administration ultimately rescinded.

By Carla Bell and Kate Tornone • April 25, 2022

Stericycle shareholders pass civil rights proposal; similar proposals pass at WM, fail at Republic

The Teamsters and investment firm Parnassus previously said independent audits could clarify progress on corporate ESG and DEI goals. The companies have said they already provide needed data on the issues.

By Megan Quinn • Updated June 2, 2022

Boston curbside composting pilot to begin service in August

Garbage to Garden and Save That Stuff will jointly provide collection service. Food waste will be sent to local composting and codigestion facilities.

By Maria Rachal • Updated May 27, 2022

As reusable takeout container systems expand, logistics questions abound

The pandemic threw startups for a loop, but many are still seeing strong demand. Now, companies and restaurants may have to balance brand identity with a factor that could be most helpful for reusables to succeed — uniformity.

By Leslie Nemo • April 20, 2022

Here comes the sun: OSHA launches new program for heat safety

The agency will inspect the jobsites of over 70 high-risk industries in indoor and outdoor settings when the National Weather Service issues a heat warning or advisory for a local area.

By Zachary Phillips • April 14, 2022

Republic Services closes acquisition of large Massachusetts hauler and recycler JRM

JRM was one of the last large independent companies left in the Greater Boston market. The deal fits in with Republic's existing transfer infrastructure in the region and will give it a MRF north of the city.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated May 20, 2022

EPR legislation not included in final New York state budget despite governor's support

Gov. Kathy Hochul spearheaded the effort to implement producer responsibility for packaging, but it didn't survive budget negotiations. Attention now turns to other pending legislation that would enact various forms of packaging EPR.

By Megan Quinn • April 11, 2022

Denver City Council greenlights pay-as-you-throw system for 2023

Officials voted Monday to implement volume-based pricing for trash, expand recycling pickups and provide weekly compost collection at no added cost.

By Maria Rachal • Updated June 28, 2022

After years of growing awareness, ReFED director sees a 'rubber-meets-the-road moment' for food waste

The U.S. government's 2030 food loss and waste reduction goal is fast approaching, and food prices are on the rise. Dana Gunders discusses what this all means for ongoing efforts to reduce, recover and recycle wasted food.

By Cole Rosengren • April 6, 2022

White House credits apprenticeships, outreach for trucker employment gains

Domino's, Frito-Lay, PepsiCo, Albertsons and UPS are among more than 100 employers that have launched programs to improve driver retention since December.

By Colin Campbell • April 4, 2022

Dramatic expansion potential for waste projects seen by RNG Coalition CEO as climate efforts intensify

RNG projects at North American landfills, anaerobic digesters and other sites are set to grow exponentially in the coming years. Johannes Escudero breaks down what's ahead.

By Cole Rosengren • April 1, 2022

Solid waste worker deaths down 46% in 2021, SWANA reports

SWANA reported 28 industry fatalities in North America during 2021, with most of the deaths among collection workers. Vehicle-related deaths remain prevalent among workers and members of the public alike.

By Megan Quinn • March 22, 2022

Fuel price bump prompts surcharges, renewed interest in waste and recycling fleet transitions

Many private-sector and city fleet operators have systems in place to pass along heightened costs. Meanwhile, industry leaders are also monitoring how the war in Ukraine could further strain supply chains for trucks and parts.

By Maria Rachal • Updated March 17, 2022

City Haul: Inside top issues facing municipal waste leaders

How are waste agencies dealing with labor constraints? What do leaders tell residents who doubt the recycling system? Who are some of the new faces steering local U.S. operations? Catch up on past editions of City Haul.

By Maria Rachal • Updated Feb. 6, 2023

Biden touts direct municipal aid in ARPA, infrastructure law at NLC conference

Administration officials on Monday urged the implementation of funds for transportation, public health and other critical needs. City leaders discussed challenges with accessing grants and the need for more proactive spending.

By Maria Rachal • March 15, 2022

Plastics Recycling Conference: Supply solutions needed to meet 2025 demand growth projections

Analysts said brands may struggle to reach their packaging goals, but investments in mechanical and chemical recycling infrastructure, plus growing consensus on EPR policies, could help. 

By Megan Quinn • March 14, 2022

Notable chemical recycling, EPR and bottle bill updates pass in state legislatures

A canned wine bottle bill and mattress recycling EPR passed in Oregon, along with chemical recycling bills in Mississippi and West Virginia. The fate of New York's packaging EPR proposal is pending in the state budget process.

By Megan Quinn • Updated March 16, 2022

Washington governor signs bill calling for 75% reduction of organic waste disposal by 2030

The law is seen as a natural evolution from the state's recent work on recycling and climate change. Organics recyclers are especially focused on new compost procurement rules and first-in-the-nation compostable product guidelines.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated March 25, 2022

Waste Dive Live: What's next for waste and recycling in 2022?

Watch the videos from our Feb. 10 virtual event to hear perspectives from the Waste Dive team, The Recycling Partnership and Reloop.

By The Waste Dive Team • March 9, 2022

White House accelerates plans for zero-emission trucks

The Biden administration announced new grant funding for manufacturers and a proposed rule to dramatically curb nitrogen oxide emissions by 2031.

By Jim Stinson • March 7, 2022

Bonuses, balance and respect: What will it take to attract more waste and recycling job applicants?

Industry employers Republic, Casella and WIN Waste, as well as recruiters and other partners, talked through the do's and don'ts of job postings, hiring processes and creating attractive workplaces during recent SWANA events.

By Maria Rachal • March 7, 2022

FCC Environmental makes first US acquisition, forecasts 'many more'

The Spanish company's U.S. division recently purchased a Texas hauler to help densify its commercial routes. CEO Inigo Sanz discusses other recent developments as the operation works toward $300 million in revenue.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 25, 2022

City Haul: Labor constraints lead waste agencies to get creative

New adaptations, collaborations and resilience planning can help municipalities avoid service cutbacks when they face worker or equipment shortages, explain waste leaders from Alabama, Arizona, Texas, Virginia and elsewhere.

By Maria Rachal • Feb. 24, 2022