Environmental groups outline $1.3B worth of federal plastics reduction, recycling recommendations

Ahead of potential stimulus legislation, more than 250 groups are calling on the Biden administration and Congress to keep recycling priorities in mind. Proposals include $500 million for "new and improved" MRFs.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 5, 2021

Recycling Leadership Council, key senators call for 'national strategy' to fix system

A report from the coalition of packaging companies, brand-backed nonprofits, and researchers, highlights the need for standardization, infrastructure investment and other priorities through legislation and federal funding.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 5, 2021

Former Boston Mayor Marty Walsh confirmed as labor secretary

The leader with union ties emphasized the need for safety standards during his confirmation hearing, calling OSHA "one of the first and top priorities for me."

By Ryan Golden • Updated March 23, 2021

Austin, Texas, pitches customer cost savings as curbside composting reaches over 200K homes

The final phase of Austin Resource Recovery's expansion comes as some other cities pull back on similar programs during the pandemic. Meanwhile, new data shows residential food waste remains a pressing issue.

By Maria Rachal • Feb. 4, 2021

7 takeaways on organics recycling trends from COMPOST2021

The U.S. Composting Council event featured perspectives on contamination reduction, market development, climate change and more from WeCare Denali, Waste Management, Recology and Atlas Organics.

By Cole Rosengren , Maria Rachal • Feb. 3, 2021

Buttigieg DOT confirmation boosts hope for massive infrastructure investment

Several officials said the former South Bend, Indiana, mayor's experience in local government will serve him well and have called on him to embrace innovations like autonomous and electric vehicles. 

By Chris Teale • Feb. 3, 2021

Lakeshore Recycling Systems accelerates Midwest expansion following biggest acquisition yet

The Illinois-based company has resurrected a landfill into one of the state's most active disposal sites, recently picked up a sizable independent hauler in the Chicago area and is making moves in Wisconsin.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 2, 2021

CDC publishes vaccination posters, templates for employers with essential workers

Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved plans to put essential workers next in line for vaccines, state rollout plans vary.

By Ryan Golden • Feb. 1, 2021

WASTECON: Coronavirus underscores shared challenges and adaptations for city leaders

Officials from New York, Toronto, Miami-Dade County, Philadelphia and Baltimore highlighted ongoing budget and staffing challenges nearly a year into the pandemic. Now, they're seizing the moment for long-term changes.

By Maria Rachal , Cole Rosengren • Feb. 1, 2021

California recycling commission report urges major changes, with many policy implications

To get California back on track toward its environmental goals, a commission of industry experts recently recommended 19 actions around infrastructure, contamination, producer responsibility and more.

By Megan Quinn • Jan. 29, 2021

WASTECON: EPA's 50% recycling goal possible, but only with a lot more funding and focus

Panelists from Waste Management, The Recycling Partnership, CalRecycle and New York's Department of Sanitation previewed what it may take to hit the new 2030 target.

By Cole Rosengren • Jan. 28, 2021

After years of pressure, glass recycling may be at a turning point

Companies and groups throughout the supply chain say targeted community solutions, infrastructure investments and educational campaigns are all contributing to a glass recycling resurgence.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 27, 2021

Anaergia CEO sees big organics recycling potential after building nation’s largest digester

As the company's California facility enters final commissioning, founder Andrew Benedek previews more to come as the state ramps up for SB 1383 implementation. Potential expansion into the Northeast is next.

By Cole Rosengren • Jan. 27, 2021

Fleet tech forges ahead, but some bide time on higher-stake EV investments

The pandemic strained finances for some waste and recycling collectors looking to upgrade their operations. But falling costs and ESG pressures could catalyze EV pilots, routing software adoption and more in 2021.

By Maria Rachal • Updated Jan. 27, 2021

Biden moves to rejoin Paris climate accord on first day, signs order to review Trump regulatory actions

Stakeholders say Biden's day one actions signify that energy and the environment will be a top priority for his team.

By Catherine Morehouse • Jan. 21, 2021

Environmental efforts key for Biden, but industry expects limited recycling policy movement in 2021

While existing initiatives such as a national recycling goal are likely to make headway, and Democratic majorities in Congress could affect legislation, trade groups don't anticipate major changes due to a crowded agenda.

By Megan Quinn • Jan. 20, 2021

Chicago awards $79.6M residential recycling contract to LRS, keeps city service in 2 zones

LRS will take over Blue Cart collection service from Waste Management across multiple areas in June, marking a key expansion for the locally based company.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated April 5, 2021

Leaders praise local provisions in Biden's recovery plan

The president-elect's $1.9 trillion stimulus package includes $350 billion in direct assistance for state and local governments, which localities have requested for months.

By Chris Teale • Jan. 20, 2021

How mattress recyclers adapt to evolving consumer trends

Bulky, hard to compact and ubiquitous, mattresses are seen as a promising area to help reduce hauling costs and drive progress on recycling. The ongoing shift to foam varieties is adding new complexity to this evolving market.

By Karine Vann • Jan. 15, 2021

Cleveland seeks roadmap to more circular economy while awaiting curbside recycling reboot

The city is still in the process of deciding how to revamp and restart its long-stalled recycling program. In the meantime, a deep dive into its waste streams may help shape circular economy plans.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 13, 2021

9 questions about the future of waste and recycling in 2021

As we gear up for another eventful year, Waste Dive will be focusing on trends around ESG, M&A, recycling policy, market development, PFAS, local budgets, collection technology, safety, diversity and much more.

By Cole Rosengren , Megan Quinn , Maria Rachal • Jan. 13, 2021

Packaging, PPE and surgical supplies: How COVID-19 is pushing hospitals to reduce waste

Some waste is inevitable, but supply chain leaders are finding ways to reduce quantities, in addition to reusing and recycling when possible and adjusting procurement and packaging.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • Jan. 12, 2021

Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao resigns following insurrection at Capitol

Chao said the department will help President-elect Joe Biden's pick for transportation secretary, Pete Buttigieg, assume the post.

By S.L. Fuller • Jan. 7, 2021

Vaccine rollout boosts medical waste volumes, as workers wait for their shot

States will determine where waste workers fall in line for the coronavirus vaccine, including those responsible for properly disposing of materials from the mass inoculation.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 7, 2021

How COVID-19 is changing packaging

The pandemic-accelerated shift to e-commerce has driven changes in automation, packaging size, consumer perception of packaging and waste, and design for more return-friendly packaging.

By Jen A. Miller • Jan. 6, 2021