How much top waste CEOs, and their median employees, earned in 2019

Recent proxy filings detail the rising, multimillion-dollar figures paid to the CEOs of Waste Management, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, Covanta and Casella Waste Systems.

By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden • May 18, 2020

Stericycle and Covanta report medical waste volumes down despite initial coronavirus concerns

Even as COVID-19 waste ramped up, prompting concerns about China-like levels, public companies largely saw a decrease in overall volume following the cancellation of elective procedures and other effects.

By E.A. Crunden • May 18, 2020

5 key pandemic trends from the solid waste industry's Q1 earnings reports

Results are in for seven publicly traded North American companies, and it's clear the industry is resilient. But many questions remain about adapting to volume shifts and whether early optimism for economic recovery will bear out.

By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden • May 13, 2020

GFL Environmental Q1: Notable Canadian coronavirus effects, ongoing North American expansion

In its first report since going public, GFL outlined financial effects from the pandemic and optimism for an economic recovery. Executives also previewed future growth plans after starting the year with significant M&A spending.

By Cole Rosengren • May 12, 2020

Major waste industry companies highlight coronavirus challenges in Q1 earnings reports

The economic effects of COVID-19 will be much more prominent in Q2 reports, but early indicators of revenue and volume declines began appearing in March. Companies also reported ongoing pressures on recycling.

By Waste Dive Team • Updated May 13, 2020

Waste Connections Q1: Coronavirus cut revenue by $12M, worst effects in Northeast and Canada

Q2 results will be affected, with April revenues down by 6%, but executives reported early signs of a potential turnaround. While M&A activity has been delayed, multiple deals are still in the works.

By Cole Rosengren • May 7, 2020

Waste Management: $40M coronavirus Q1 revenue hit, Advanced Disposal deal progressing

The company suspended 2020 guidance, repeatedly emphasizing unpredictable conditions. While executives were optimistic about early landfill trends, long-term effects on small business customers were described as "the big unknown."

By Cole Rosengren • May 6, 2020

Republic Services reports tough coronavirus effects, but optimistic 'worst is behind us'

Q1 earnings were positive, but more recent double-digit percentage volume declines from the pandemic shutdown have been difficult. Still, executives reported early signs of recovery and heightened M&A activity.

By Cole Rosengren • May 6, 2020

Puerto Rico's yearslong debate over WTE continues as the island's landfill issues mount

After a proposed incinerator project stalled in 2018, the territory's long-term plan remains uncertain as noncompliant landfills are reaching capacity. Meanwhile, recycling programs and waste reduction efforts are still evolving.

By Genevieve Glatsky • May 1, 2020

Waste industry has received federal stimulus funding, but no one knows how much

The U.S. Small Business Administration could not provide a breakdown of how much went to the industry from a broader $15 billion funding category. Trade groups are aware of smaller companies applying, but also do not have data.

By E.A. Crunden • April 22, 2020

New player founded by former Advanced Disposal CEO enters Austin, Texas market via M&A

Integrated Waste Solutions recently acquired Central Texas Refuse and a sizable greenfield landfill project. Chairman Charlie Appleby and board member David Green discuss the potential to become "a very large company," including a focus on recycling. 

By Cole Rosengren • April 21, 2020

One year covering COVID-19's impact on the waste and recycling sector

The coronavirus pandemic brought sweeping changes to the U.S., including significant effects for an industry that continued its work throughout the crisis. Catch up on all of Waste Dive's reporting from the initial year.

By Waste Dive Team • Updated March 15, 2021

Pandemics were not part of most contingency plans, but waste and recycling industry proving resilient

Precautions previously in place for industry disruptions did not account for a coronavirus-induced economic disruption. Companies and public sector consultants discuss what's next more than a month in.

By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden • April 17, 2020

Industry groups push for inclusion of recycling infrastructure in next federal coronavirus aid package

The Recycling Partnership, NWRA, SWANA and others argue recycling should be in the next stimulus effort as part of any infrastructure designation amid fears that momentum around national bills has faltered during the pandemic. 

By E.A. Crunden • April 17, 2020

Reducing food waste emerges as key climate solution

Project Drawdown's 2020 report, released before the pandemic, elevated food waste as an increasingly relevant solution while highlighting the role industry can play in tackling the issue through reducing waste sent to landfills.

By E.A. Crunden • April 16, 2020

New analysis finds sites owned by Waste Management and others could be discharging PFAS

The Environmental Working Group singled out around 30 waste sites as potential sources. While the pandemic diverts attention from PFAS, federal lawmakers say current focus on public health could drive regulation of the toxic chemicals.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated April 16, 2020

Multiple states suspend landfill bans for yard waste over COVID-19 fallout

Iowa, West Virginia and Kentucky have all temporarily suspended disposal bans due to workforce limitations. At the same time, many municipalities are grappling with a sudden uptick in yard waste as residents stay home.

By E.A. Crunden • April 14, 2020

New York reports more than 350 COVID-19 cases among sanitation workers, one death

The city's outsized numbers far surpass reported cases involving the industry in other metropolitan areas, based on inquiries by Waste Dive, but transparency is limited and collection workers remain concerned about ongoing exposure risks.

By E.A. Crunden , Cole Rosengren • Updated April 9, 2020

Chicago's ailing recycling program under new scrutiny

Pre-pandemic, the Department of Streets and Sanitation announced plans for a new waste study, aldermen called for oversight hearings and residual rates were a controversial issue. This attention comes as recycling contracts are up for renewal soon.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 1, 2020

Uncharted waters: Waste and recycling companies adapting to the coronavirus economy

Commercial volumes are down dramatically in many markets, employee hours are being cut and contract terms are tested. How service providers respond could have lasting reputational and financial implications.

By Cole Rosengren • March 31, 2020

Republic Services confirms acquisition of Santek Waste Services, sizable landfill operator

The Tennessee-based company, known for its focus on privatizing publicly-owned landfills, has grown into a vertically-integrated player with assets in nine states. The deal would give Republic new capacity in multiple key markets.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated May 6, 2020

Stericycle: Medical waste volumes from COVID-19 not as high as Ebola so far

Medical waste companies are seeking a uniform approach as the industry braces for coronavirus waste impact. NWRA, Stericycle and others are warning against "overclassifying" coronavirus waste as medical waste as part of that effort.

By E.A. Crunden • March 19, 2020

Medical waste companies preparing for potentially elevated volumes as coronavirus concerns accelerate

China has seen staggering amounts of medical waste. It is unclear if U.S. impacts might be similar, but companies such as Veolia North America and Stericycle are closely monitoring new developments. 

By E.A. Crunden • March 17, 2020

GFL Environmental paid more than $15M to settle Waste Industries landfill suit in Tennessee

A local official called the settlement over the Decatur County landfill "significant," not only for its dollar amount but also for the scope of agreements the company made around operational changes.

By E.A. Crunden • March 13, 2020

Waste companies react to coronavirus and alter travel plans amid uncertain operational effects

Some of the industry's largest companies shared an evolving range of approaches to travel expectations, meeting structures, and operational decisions. Plans for SWANApalooza and ISRI 2020 have been suspended.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated March 12, 2020