Collections & Transfer: Page 32
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Deep Dive
Diversity efforts taking shape at waste industry's big companies, but serious work remains
Public companies are increasing their focus on diversity and inclusion, from the frontlines to the boardroom, following national attention on racism. Nearly 74% of sector executives or senior managers are White males, per federal data.
By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 2, 2020 -
Top waste companies report further recovery in Q3, ongoing pandemic effects
The second full quarter to reflect the pandemic's effects showed ongoing recovery of overall volumes and stronger commodity pricing. See results from Waste Management, Republic, Waste Connections, GFL, Covanta and Casella.
By Cole Rosengren • Updated Nov. 6, 2020 -
Waste Connections Q3: Pandemic recovery plateauing, $500M ESG plan launched
Business is still rebounding from shutdown levels, and M&A activity continues across North America, but unknowns also remain ahead of the election and a rising coronavirus caseload.
By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 29, 2020 -
Brand commitments, legislation and pandemic all influencing plastic recycling
Speakers at last week's Paper and Plastics Recycling Conference weighed in on the many factors affecting markets for different plastics, as supply chains are disrupted and demand for greater recycling activity is on the rise.
By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 28, 2020 -
Home soda machines reveal circular economy potential — and limitations — during pandemic
With beverage brands looking to reduce their plastic footprint, options like SodaStream could gain market share. A new partnership with TOMRA aims to resolve recent issues exchanging the CO2 cylinders that make it possible.
By Karine Vann • Updated Oct. 29, 2020 -
Waste Management completes $4.6B acquisition of Advanced Disposal, following regulatory approval
The news caps off a more than 18-month process, with substantially more divestitures than originally planned. The sale to GFL Environmental of divested assets in 10 states is now complete.
By Cole Rosengren • Updated Oct. 30, 2020 -
Republic Services to acquire Minnesota hauler Randy's Environmental
The family-owned company describes itself as the largest independent operator in the state, with numerous contracts in the Minneapolis area. It is also known for a unique co-collection system for organics.
By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 23, 2020 -
RTS acquires organics recycler and circular product manufacturer Ambrosia
The deal includes Ambrosia's processing facility in New Jersey, making RTS vertically integrated for organics in the New York metro area. Future facilities will be considered in other markets.
By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 22, 2020 -
New Jersey recycled content bill seeing multiple changes, likely moving action into 2021
The substitute bill will more closely follow a recently passed California law, reflecting feedback from regulators and business interests. It comes as the industry increasingly embraces recycled content minimums.
By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 21, 2020 -
Deep Dive
Toxic PFAS waste that lasts 'forever' poses financial, logistical challenges for landfills
Some worry PFAS could have National Sword-level implications for landfills. Stakeholders are aiming to avoid blame for contamination, while seeking out solutions to address the mounting crisis.
By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 19, 2020 -
Waste Management updates sustainability plan with 2025 targets focused on climate
Existing 2038 sustainability goals haven't changed, but executives recognized the need for more near-term progress. Procuring more renewable energy and reducing recycling contamination are among the newly announced priorities.
By Cole Rosengren • Updated Oct. 15, 2020 -
Texas conference highlights growing PFAS, environmental justice concerns
Speakers at the 2020 Texas Recycling and Composting Summit covered PFAS contamination in biosolids, a state market development study, racial issues in the industry and more.
By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 13, 2020 -
City sanitation workers across the country seek hazard pay, looking to federal relief funds for help
With no end in sight to the pandemic, municipal sanitation workers in Philadelphia, Baltimore and other cities are asking for better compensation. Successful efforts in multiple Virginia cities offer a possible model to follow.
By Amir Khafagy • Oct. 12, 2020 -
Mack advances toward electric truck production, Republic Services among first customers
The manufacturer recently handed off pre-production LR Electric models to Republic and New York's Department of Sanitation after initial tests. Production will begin in 2021, as multiple competitors look to gain market share.
By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 7, 2020 -
City budget crunch could present textile recycling's moment to grow
Boston paused curbside textile plans, but Philadelphia recently launched a pilot and recyclers see the potential to do even more. Now, they just need fragile end markets for used clothing to hold up.
By Karine Vann • Sept. 30, 2020 -
Shreveport, Louisiana contract impasse and MRF closure pauses multiple recycling programs
The city could become one of the nation's largest to lose curbside recycling service following failed negotiations with Pratt Industries and Republic Services. Some Waste Management operations in Texas are also affected.
By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 29, 2020 -
Deep Dive
Calls for e-cigarette legislation increase amid growing fire hazard to waste and recycling industry
The proliferation of vape pens for nicotine and cannabis is the latest example of how embedded lithium-ion batteries are creating a safety risk for the sector. Advocates hope national and state policy proposals can change that.
By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 22, 2020 -
Top stories from 2020's WasteExpo
Catch up on coverage of sessions about federal elections, evolving approaches to technology, PFAS regulations, recycling technology, policy and more.
By Waste Dive Team • Updated Sept. 30, 2020 -
Long Beach, California, revamps recycling to focus on plastics by item type, not resin numbers
Though the city waited as long as it could for new markets to appear, international trade changes ultimately led public works officials to alter their approach to curbside recycling.
By Leslie Nemo • Sept. 16, 2020 -
As technology spreads across the industry, independent haulers see adaptability as unique edge
From collection vehicles to the back office, industry systems are evolving rapidly. National players may have more resources, but during a WasteExpo panel smaller companies said they can pivot more quickly.
By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 16, 2020 -
WasteExpo: Positive recycling trends endure despite steep pandemic impacts
During the virtual event, representatives from the U.S. EPA, New York Department of Sanitation and Waste Management discussed recent impacts to recycling, as well as signs for optimism around domestic markets.
By E.A. Crunden • Sept. 15, 2020 -
Q&A
New York sanitation commissioner warns against 'devastating' budget cuts ahead of resignation
After six-plus years on the job, Kathryn Garcia is considering a run for mayor. In an exit interview, she discourages further layoffs, forecasts more commercial waste zone delays and says "zero waste" by 2030 is likely unattainable.
By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 14, 2020 -
Waste Management report shows untapped recycling potential, clarifies policy positions
While observers are still parsing the details on MRF investments and material flows, some see the information as the latest sign that more can be done collectively to maximize national recycling activity.
By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 10, 2020 -
Bay Area startup Trash Warrior eyes West Coast growth after securing new funding
The San Francisco-based technology company, founded last year, is looking to make its mark in the area by competing on price and following a familiar "Uber for trash" dream.
By Samuel Wendel • Sept. 8, 2020 -
Reuse platforms push technology as saving grace from pandemic pressures
Last week's Circularity 20 featured leaders from Loop, Algramo, CupClub and other new ventures looking to expand market share during a year of surprising resurgence for single-use items.
By Karine Vann • Sept. 2, 2020