Future of troubled Renovare unclear after West Virginia facility closure, surprise merger reversal

The company — formerly known as BioHiTech Global — has seen its stock price plummet following financial, operational and legal issues. Former partner Entsorga sees a path forward for its shuttered showcase plant.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated July 1, 2022

California EPR bill passes state Assembly, final vote must happen immediately

After four years of attempts, this major legislation could finally pass. The bill must now make it through the state Senate and reach the governor’s desk by the end of June to avert a competing plastics ballot measure.

By Megan Quinn • June 30, 2022

Congress makes moves on recycling funding, single-use plastic reduction

A rural recycling infrastructure bill gets a House version, efforts to reduce plastic packaging at the U.S. Capitol move forward, and USAID tackles ocean plastic with new Save Our Seas funding.

By Megan Quinn • June 29, 2022

Pay growth continued for top waste and recycling leaders in 2021 as CEO-median employee pay ratio widened

See the latest compensation data for executives at WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, Clean Harbors, Stericycle, Harsco and Casella Waste Systems in our annual report.

By Cole Rosengren • June 29, 2022

Clock ticking for contentious California EPR bill to avert plastics ballot measure

SB 54 is supported by major recyclers, including Republic Services, but it is drawing opposition from key environmental groups. It must pass by the end of this month to stop an upcoming plastics fee ballot initiative.

By Megan Quinn • Updated June 27, 2022

California's local governments grapple with financial and logistical demands of organics recycling law

Regulations weren’t finalized for years, and the pandemic delayed many plans. New state grants worth $180 million will help, but more will be needed to meet this unfunded mandate. Read Part 3 of our series.

By Cole Rosengren • June 23, 2022

Surveying the corporate-controlled EPR landscape in 2022

Amid new producer responsibility action in states such as Colorado, New York and Hawaii, Neil Seldman of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance weighs in on the best way to approach this policy going forward.

By Neil Seldman • June 22, 2022

University of Maine researchers: Circular economy concepts may be overlooking environmental justice

The circular economy can offer “transformative promises” and potential job creation, but a recent literature review found many reports overlook EJ's role in sustaining such systems.

By Megan Quinn • June 21, 2022

How to find packaging materials in a 'perfect storm' of supply chain issues

The supply of corrugated boxes could improve in the next six months, according to Fastmarkets RISI, but other categories may be challenging until 2023.

By Jen A. Miller • June 16, 2022

WM explains plans to accelerate automation amid a 'war for talent'

With the company potentially phasing out up to 7,000 positions in the next few years, Chief Customer Officer Michael Watson elaborated on efforts to “upskill” employees and seize growth opportunities even in a tight labor market.

By Maria Rachal • June 15, 2022

Recycled cotton company Recover raises $100M in funding led by Goldman Sachs

The latest round of funding for a company focused on textile waste speaks to the need for innovation in an industry that creates tons of waste annually.

By Dani James • June 13, 2022

How Cleveland is restarting curbside recycling after more than 2 years

Curbside service returned Monday. Ren Brumfield, the city’s first recycling coordinator, discussed the new contract with Rumpke, how to measure success, the challenges and opportunities with a total reset, and more.

By Maria Rachal • June 13, 2022

EPA aims to disburse $375M in waste and recycling funds from infrastructure bill by spring 2023

Stakeholders have called for the EPA to move quickly on implementing funding from grants and initiatives that the agency says represent its “largest investment in recycling in 30 years.”

By Megan Quinn • Updated June 15, 2022

California’s high-stakes experiment to cut organic waste disposal 75% by 2025

Waste companies and local governments in the state are making massive investments and operational changes to meet the demands of SB 1383. Explore the implications with our ongoing series.

Updated Nov. 14, 2022

Palo Alto, California, amending GreenWaste recycling contract in move to prioritize domestic markets

The update will direct some rigid plastics and mixed paper to domestic processors at a cost of up to $1.2 million after the company had been been unable to prove the materials were responsibly managed once exported.

By Megan Quinn • June 8, 2022

San Francisco voters approve reform measure in wake of Recology corruption scandal

The first major change to the local refuse ordinance in 90 years will update a rate-setting process that resulted in significant overcharges. It could also affect the company’s lock on hauling permits, pending further legislative action.

By Cole Rosengren • June 8, 2022

How New Jersey’s environmental justice law is beginning to affect operators around the country

Environmental lawyer Matthew Karmel offers insight on the law's newly-released draft rule language, plus M&A considerations and tips for navigating EJ risk assessments in any state.

By Megan Quinn • June 7, 2022

EPA’s Carlton Waterhouse: Environmental justice means thinking beyond regulatory requirements

The EPA official previewed a new recycling infrastructure map, more data and updates on grants to help facilities "green" their operations. He also urged facility operators to invest in their communities.

By Megan Quinn • May 31, 2022

Big Food's sustainable packaging goals hit supply and demand reality

As consumer packaged goods companies set targets to cut virgin plastic use, the pandemic, poor weather and war have complicated their timelines.

By Samantha Oller • May 25, 2022

City Haul: Federal pandemic funds offer rare opportunity for waste and recycling investments

Climate and cleanliness goals, plus worker safety concerns, help sanitation projects compete for flexible American Rescue Plan funds, as localities also await next steps on the rollout of recycling grants through the infrastructure law.

By Maria Rachal • May 24, 2022

Willie Goode, founder of multiple DC-area waste companies, reflects on 30 years in business

After starting out on the back of a truck, the CEO of Maryland-based Goode Cos. has since grown a multi-company portfolio. He reflects on what it took to get there, a tough contract experience in Florida and what's next.

By Cole Rosengren • May 23, 2022

WasteExpo highlights big ideas for solving food waste, recycling, data and infrastructure problems

Speakers from Recology, ERI, Generate Upcycle, Orlando and the state of California shared advice on how to advance waste, recycling and organics operations.

By Megan Quinn , Maria Rachal • Updated May 23, 2022

How top waste companies are competing around M&A, recycling, inflation and labor

Hear what executives from Casella Waste Systems, Coastal Waste & Recycling, LRS, Republic Services, USA Hauling & Recycling, Waste Connections and others had to say about key trends at WasteExpo.

By Cole Rosengren • May 18, 2022

Lithium-ion battery industry ramps up recycling focus as geopolitical events challenge supply chain

The Russia-Ukraine war and booming EV demand are contributing to surging battery commodity prices. Federal funding and private-sector investments could boost recycling to make the domestic supply more sustainable.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 17, 2022

Gov. Polis signs Colorado's EPR for packaging bill

This is now the third state bill of its kind to pass. The law will create an advisory board with recycler representation and has seen support from certain packaging industry groups.

By Megan Quinn • Updated June 3, 2022