Can carbon capture make incinerators a net-zero solution? European operators aim to find out.

Climate goals are inspiring European operators to explore new technologies for their emissions, yet the environmental and financial outcomes remain to be seen. Skeptics say reduction, reuse and recycling are still the best options.

By Leslie Nemo • July 26, 2022

Former Recology employee indicted for alleged San Francisco bribery, following prior charges

John Porter, formerly vice president and manager of the company’s San Francisco group, was previously charged for an alleged role in directing more than $1 million in benefits to a city official in exchange for favorable treatment.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated July 25, 2022

Nashville approves $13.5M in new collection contracts with Platform Waste, Waste Pro

The new contracts are the latest ripple effect from Red River’s service issues in recent months. They follow emergency contracts the city approved with WM and Waste Pro earlier this year.

By Cole Rosengren • July 22, 2022

Fueled by new Clairvest investment, Boston Carting has many plans for the 'hottest market in the country'

CEO Patsy Sperduto, along with investors from Ironwood Capital and Laurel Mountain Partners, talk about future development and acquisition plans for the fast-growing company following a recapitalization.

By Cole Rosengren • July 21, 2022

3 reasons to believe in the future of plastic recycling

Recent articles have hammered a drumbeat of negativity on plastics recycling, but it can work with the right investment and policy action, writes the senior director of strategy and research at The Recycling Partnership.

By Scott Mouw • July 20, 2022

Republic Services reports on progress toward 2030 climate goals, restates emissions accounting

The company says it’s on track to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and boost recovery of certain “key materials,” with more electric vehicles on the way. It has also begun using an industry-created emissions standard.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated July 22, 2022

EPA chemical recycling debate heats up with letters from lawmakers, activists and industry pushback

Some environmentalists and lawmakers want pyrolysis and gasification units to remain regulated as waste combustion, but the plastics industry says the label doesn’t apply to most chemical recycling. EPA will consider new rules.

By Megan Quinn • July 19, 2022

Gainesville, Florida, seeks to be Southeast leader with major EV deployment, zero-waste policies

The college town is aiming to be a regional leader when it comes to reuse, edible food recovery and other areas. An upcoming contract with GFL Environmental also calls for dozens of electric collection vehicles.

By Maria Rachal • July 19, 2022

Pending copper shortfall threatens energy transition, greenhouse gas reduction goals: S&P Global

Even assuming record levels of mining and recycling, there won’t be enough copper to meet the needs of electric vehicles and other components of the energy transition, according to a recent report.

By Ethan Howland • July 15, 2022

Ocean Conservancy rescinds 2015 ocean plastics report

The environmental group now says its “Stemming the Tide” report unfairly placed blame on Asian countries for the bulk of plastic pollution and was wrong to promote incineration as a waste disposal option.

By Megan Quinn • July 15, 2022

EPA seeks feedback on environmental justice action plan, equitable use of infrastructure funds

At a virtual community meeting on Wednesday, participants urged the agency to approve recycling projects, funded with infrastructure grant money, that avoid creating further environmental harm to disadvantaged communities. 

By Megan Quinn • July 14, 2022

South Carolina governor signs electronics EPR law prioritizing convenience over weight collected

The state is the second to update its extended producer responsibility law to reflect electronic device lightweighting. Other states could make similar changes to their e-scrap recycling metrics in coming years.

By Megan Quinn • July 13, 2022

Allied Industrial Partners expects Waste Eliminator to be 'first of several' industry investments

The latest private equity firm to enter this space discusses its $150 million investment plans for the Atlanta-area company, plus its own aspirations for other waste and recycling transactions.

By Cole Rosengren • July 13, 2022

Container deposit rates in most states didn't return to pre-pandemic levels in 2021

Return rates are decreasing in many bottle bill states, but factors beyond COVID-19 played a role, a new Container Recycling Institute report says. Oregon and Michigan’s rates remain among the highest.

By Megan Quinn • July 12, 2022

San Francisco Bay Area, inspiration for California’s organics law, offers recycling lessons and limitations

Organics recycling has been the norm in San Francisco, Oakland and other jurisdictions for years. Part 5 of our series explores how some are trying to elevate their diversion efforts with residual waste sorting and other strategies.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated July 12, 2022

Zara parent Inditex invests $30M in textile waste company Circ

The fashion company joined Bill Gates-founded Breakthrough Energy Ventures in a Series B funding round.

By Dani James • July 12, 2022

What’s still on California’s legislative agenda for waste and recycling

Single-use plastics in e-commerce, state purchasing requirements, diversion credits from waste-to-energy facilities and a bottle bill expansion for wine are still in play before lawmakers end their session.

By Megan Quinn • July 11, 2022

Rhode Island governor signs plastic bag ban law

By 2024, retailers in the state could face fines up to $500 for offering single-use plastic bags.

By Megan Quinn • July 8, 2022

Waste Eliminator becomes sizable metro Atlanta presence with new acquisitions

Two newly announced transactions in the region add recycling, transfer and disposal capacity for multiple streams. This is part of plans by Allied Industrial Partners to invest $150 million into the business.

By Cole Rosengren • July 7, 2022

How 3 Southern California programs are ramping up organics recycling

Preparing for SB 1383’s recycling requirements is a bigger lift for areas that didn’t already collect food scraps. Program officials in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Bernardino County share their stories in Part 4 of our series.

By Cole Rosengren • July 7, 2022

National bottle bill supporters eyeing 2023 for updated draft legislation

Proponents of a nationwide container deposit bill are revising a draft first announced last year, which would call for a 5-cent redemption value on most container types, with the hope that it can get bipartisan support.

By Megan Quinn • July 7, 2022

Detroit Dirt draws from community, corporate partnerships for waste diversion

Pashon Murray, founder of Detroit Dirt, talks about growing her urban composting initiative and encouraging companies to make waste diversion and environmental justice a larger part of their ESG strategy. 

By Megan Quinn • July 6, 2022

House subcommittee members urge 'complementary' recycling efforts but differ on new plastics

The Environment and Climate Change subcommittee discussed merits of the Recycling and Composting Accountability Act, Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act, CLEAN Future Act and Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act.

By Megan Quinn • July 5, 2022

Red River bankruptcy proceedings continue as GFL Environmental takes over Fort Wayne contract

The Texas-based company is in talks to be acquired by a private equity firm. Meanwhile, the Indiana city is cutting ties with Red River after months of service issues that have also been seen in Nashville and elsewhere.

By Cole Rosengren • July 1, 2022

California Gov. Newsom signs nation's most comprehensive paper and plastic packaging EPR bill

The landmark legislation sets ambitious recycling and reduction rate targets for plastic and other types of packaging. Its passage averts a plastics fee ballot initiative and comes after years of stalled legislative efforts.

By Megan Quinn , Cole Rosengren • Updated July 1, 2022