Collections & Transfer: Page 32
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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 -
CNG trucks still used by many in the industry, but electric vehicles gaining ground
Natural gas-powered vehicles have been the industry's preferred form of alternative fuel for years, but while investments continue, 2020 is shaping up to be the year that electric breaks through.
By Lori Lovely • Sept. 2, 2020 -
California governor signs nation's first recycled content requirement for plastic beverage containers
Containers will need to have 50% recycled content by 2030, a standard described as among the world's most aggressive. This comes after another major packaging bill did not pass during this year's legislative session.
By E.A. Crunden • Updated Sept. 25, 2020 -
SWEEP standard coming to fruition with industry support and pilot cities
After years of work, an accreditation system modeled after LEED is reaching a notable milestone. Those behind it hope to improve data standardization and drive sustainable materials management policies around the country.
By Cole Rosengren • Updated Aug. 31, 2020 -
Diverse group of stakeholders launch US Plastics Pact, aim for circular packaging by 2025
The collaborative is part of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's worldwide Plastics Pact network. Members include major waste trade groups, recyclers and large brands.
By E.A. Crunden • Aug. 26, 2020 -
Advanced Disposal shareholders approve amended terms for $4.6B sale to Waste Management
This favorable vote on a lower price, largely considered a foregone conclusion, marks the latest milestone toward closing a major transaction that has been delayed by divestiture requirements and pandemic effects.
By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 26, 2020 -
Q&A
Wastequip aims to develop product GHG emission scores as part of new sustainability program
VP Kristin Kinder cited customer demand and industry trends as motivating factors behind a step many equipment manufacturers have yet to take, while also discussing diversity and inclusion efforts.
By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 25, 2020 -
Q&A
Waste Pro's new COO pledges more executive time in the field, talks 'controlled growth' strategy
Keith Banasiak discusses his parallel career path alongside new CEO Sean Jennings, as well as the company's pandemic response, ESG perspective, future M&A plans and more.
By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 21, 2020 -
Industry-supported organics hauling bill comes up short in California legislature
Proponents say AB 2959 would clarify a loophole allowing smaller haulers to undercut franchise agreements and hinder progress toward state diversion targets. Critics said it would hurt the state's efforts to curb organic waste.
By E.A. Crunden • Aug. 19, 2020