Bottle bill or ‘recycling refund’ legislation? Advocates commit to 2023 policy push

More than a dozen organizations voiced support for passing container deposit laws in 2023 and changing some terminology to garner more support. Some MRF representatives are wary. 

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 27, 2023

US Plastics Pact makes varied progress on circular packaging; 2025 targets may be out of reach

Executive Director Emily Tipaldo praised data collection that’s occurred since 2020, even as maximizing reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging has run into barriers.

By Maria Rachal • Feb. 27, 2023

Stericycle touts revenue improvements, previews 2023 capital investments

CEO Cindy Miller said the company continues to grow revenues and bounce back from inflationary pressures, settlement costs and divestiture impacts in 2022. It’s looking ahead to a Nevada facility opening and other investments.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 24, 2023

To raise recycling rates, The Recycling Partnership advocates for packaging EPR in every state

A new report from the group says “smart, well-designed” extended producer responsibility for packaging will dramatically boost recycling. Policy and government lead Dylan de Thomas discusses what that could look like.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 22, 2023

Casella previews ‘robust’ year of pricing to offset inflation; notes more acquisitions ahead

The Vermont-based company reported favorable Q4 results. Executives also previewed upcoming RNG projects, investment in a rail-served landfill and further growth through acquisitions.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 17, 2023

Q4 earnings results for major waste and recycling companies

Follow the latest results from WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, Casella Waste Systems, Clean Harbors, Stericycle and Rubicon as they close out 2022 reports and give guidance for 2023.

Updated March 9, 2023

Waste Connections ends 2022 favorably despite headwinds; spent $2.3B on acquisitions

Waste Connections executives expect a strong start to 2023 due to anticipated acquisitions activity, as well as minor improvements in recycled commodity and energy credit values.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 16, 2023

Republic says it’s ready for any economy; M&A remains a priority after spending $2.7B in 2022

Executives said they anticipate growing revenue potential from the company’s environmental solutions division. The company also previewed upcoming plastic recycling center investments and acquisition plans.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 16, 2023

What’s in store for state recycling policy in 2023?

Recycling policy experts from Colorado, Connecticut, Michigan and Washington predicted the legislative season’s biggest trends in a live panel discussion with Waste Dive.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 15, 2023

RTS acquires Cycle in effort to broaden reverse vending systems at sports stadiums and events

Recycle Track Systems will offer Cycle’s RVMs as part of its expanding stadium and recycling rewards business. The companies recently debuted a new machine at the Super Bowl.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 15, 2023

Waste and recycling industry leaders discuss the operational impact of corporate ESG trends

LRS CEO Alan Handley and Vanguard Renewables Chief Sustainability Officer David Darr recently joined Waste Dive for a live discussion about investment trends, sustainability reporting, customer expectations and more.

By Waste Dive Staff • Feb. 15, 2023

Lawmakers call for EPA to more tightly regulate plastic production and cut ties with chemical recycling

In a letter, lawmakers urged Administrator Michael Regan to carry out provisions first outlined in last year’s Protecting Communities from Plastic Act, saying the agency can do more to curb plastic pollution.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 14, 2023

Production begins at Circularix’s inaugural rPET facility

The company, which is a joint venture between Macquarie Group and HPC Industries, plans to open four additional PET recycling facilities in the next two years to meet growing demand.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 14, 2023

Sonoco reports ‘pivotal year’ of growth driven by consumer packaging demand and M&A

During a recent earnings call, CEO Howard Coker touted the importance of the company’s metal packaging acquisition — its largest ever — and why he thinks it “feels like we are in a recession.” 

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 13, 2023

Sustainability talks emphasizes real talk and bold action for 2023

Between the ever-increasing tsunami of plastics; textile- and food waste filling up landfills; and mountains of packaging being kicked to the curb every day, it’s time for bold action toward a sustainable future.

Feb. 13, 2023

With federal agencies still falling behind on PFAS deadlines, activists seek lawmakers’ help

The Environmental Working Group and Safer States say the U.S. EPA is moving too slowly on setting standards for PFAS in water, packaging and more. They’re pushing Congress and state legislatures to act as well.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 10, 2023

Direct Pack gets Recycling Partnership grant for PET thermoform recycling in Mexico

California-based Direct Pack bought over 4,000 tons of PET from Phoenix in 2022 — a relationship the city touted ahead of the Super Bowl — for processing in Mexicali, where new capacity will be built.

By Maria Rachal • Updated Feb. 14, 2023

Toledo, Ohio, advances plan to build new MRF by 2025

Lucas County will partner with a yet-to-be-named MRF operator to build the site on 15 acres. The county anticipates the project can reduce transportation costs and boost local jobs.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 8, 2023

DOE report touts chemical recycling R&D opportunities while noting plastic’s environmental justice issues

The report, part of a long-term Energy Department effort to boost the viability of plastics recycling and cut energy use, touts opportunities in researching bio-based plastics as well as chemical recycling technologies. 

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 6, 2023

WestRock notes global paper market headwinds but touts sustainability investments as growing opportunity

WestRock reported lower Q1 income and withdrew full-year guidance due to market uncertainty. CEO David Sewell said increased packaging revenue and a focus on plastic packaging replacement projects are positive signs, however.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 2, 2023

WM boosts planned MRF and RNG spending by $590M, sees signs of inflation easing

Volumes may be flat, and recycling values are down, but executives hope cost control measures and long-term investments will offset headwinds. They said federal regulations are driving an attractive environment for RNG projects.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 1, 2023

AI is a reason for optimism in recycling in 2023 and beyond

Claims that recycling can’t ever work fail to account for the high degree of innovation making recycling processes more efficient and cost effective, writes AMP Robotics CEO Matanya Horowitz.

By Matanya Horowitz • Feb. 1, 2023

Oregon’s bottle bill system CEO talks tech improvements, refillables and the prospects for a national system

Oregon aims to attain its highest return rates yet with a range of modern updates. Jules Bailey, new CEO of the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative, talks through what’s working and what’s next.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 1, 2023

Northstar Recycling acquires Sonoco’s ‘asset-light’ waste services business

The private equity-backed company has purchased a business that focuses on providing third-party service and consulting to large manufacturing clients from the major packaging company.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 1, 2023

EPR still top recycling issue for state policymakers, but plastics and repair laws also on the horizon

While federal action is uncertain, multiple state governors and policy advocates aim to build on the momentum of producer responsibility laws for packaging this year. Numerous other bills are also expected to get consideration.

By Megan Quinn • Jan. 30, 2023