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

Waste and recycling trade groups issue coronavirus guidance for worker safety

SWANA, NWRA and ISRI do not think there is cause for heightened alarm. Though they emphasized broader caution, at a time when details are changing rapidly and many events are being postponed or canceled.​

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

New Jersey governor signs contentious organics diversion bill

New Jersey will become the ninth site with some form of food waste diversion policy, but a multiyear debate over whether landfills with gas capture systems should count as a form of organics recycling is likely to continue.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated April 15, 2020

Baltimore council members back goal of 'zero waste' by 2040 amid incinerator litigation

Activists pushing for the closure of Wheelabrator Baltimore are calling for a dramatic turn toward waste reduction and diversion. A majority of council members introduced a resolution Monday in support of that plan.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated March 10, 2020

House lawmakers debate regulatory role of federal government in plastics and recycling

In a Wednesday hearing, lawmakers formed stances along partisan lines over several pieces of federal recycling legislation. Republicans took a hard line against plastics bans and seemed to scrutinize shifting oversight to the federal government.

By E.A. Crunden • March 5, 2020

Landfill operators say cap-and-trade could cost $138M in first year alone if emissions standards not changed

Republic Services and Waste Management predict GHG pricing at the state and federal level could be coming to their sector. If so, they worry current standards could "put a lot of us out of business."

By E.A. Crunden • March 2, 2020

PFAS concerns abound for landfill operators, even as industry sees potential for opportunity

Public outcry and regulations remain an ongoing worry, an issue highlighted at this year's Global Waste Management Symposium. Some also see solving the crisis as potentially lucrative. 

By E.A. Crunden • Feb. 27, 2020

Waste Management's Tara Hemmer says industry needs to be more proactive on climate issues

Speaking at the Global Waste Management Symposium, the senior vice president emphasized a need to be more proactive around emerging topics such as plastics and the Green New Deal.

By E.A. Crunden • Feb. 26, 2020

2019 earnings coverage for US waste and recycling companies

Catch up on Waste Dive's quarterly analysis of results from Waste Management, Republic Services, Waste Connections, Advanced Disposal Services, Casella Waste Systems and Covanta during 2019.

By Waste Dive Team • Feb. 26, 2020

2019 earnings coverage: Casella Waste Systems

Catch up on Waste Dive's quarterly coverage of results from the Vermont-based waste and recycling company as it completed another year of renewed expansion through acquisition.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 25, 2020

2019 earnings coverage: Advanced Disposal Services

Catch up on Waste Dive's quarterly coverage of results from one of the U.S. industry's largest public waste companies, including details of its announced sale to Waste Management.

By Waste Dive Team • Feb. 25, 2020

2019 earnings coverage: Waste Management

Catch up on Waste Dive's quarterly coverage of a big year for the North American industry's largest player, including its plans to acquire Advanced Disposal Services.

By Waste Dive Team • Feb. 25, 2020

2019 earnings coverage: Republic Services

Catch up on Waste Dive's quarterly coverage of results from the U.S. industry's second-largest player, including efforts to recalibrate its recycling business model.

By Waste Dive Team • Feb. 25, 2020

2019 earnings coverage: Waste Connections

Catch up on Waste Dive's quarterly coverage of results from the industry's third-largest player as it completed yet another year of major acquisition activity.

By Waste Dive Team • Feb. 25, 2020

Covanta processed record waste last year, claims 'active' talks around new US capacity

Commodity market turbulence remains challenging, but Covanta touted strong pricing growth and a string of upcoming international projects. The company also emphasized its role as a landfill alternative as climate concerns mount.

By E.A. Crunden • Feb. 24, 2020