Major waste and recycling companies report on a uniquely challenging Q2

The first full quarter to reflect the pandemic's effects showed volume and revenue declines among some solid waste companies, but it also saw multiple signs of resilience.

By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden • Updated Aug. 10, 2020

Waste Management reports $400M revenue decline in Q2, additional divestitures to GFL

Company executives said results "exceeded our expectations," during an earnings call, with economic activity picking back up around the country even as COVID-19 cases rise.

By Cole Rosengren • July 30, 2020

Corrugated box industry bolstered by pandemic trends, including e-commerce

In a year upended by major challenges, corrugated boxes are emerging as a potential bright spot for recyclers. But shifts from industrial and commercial volumes over to residential collection have generated quality concerns. 

By E.A. Crunden • July 29, 2020

Colorado law calls for exploration of recycling market development center, EPR policies

A bill recently signed by Gov. Jared Polis directs state staff to study creating a new market development program and launching a statewide education program, among other items.

By Leslie Nemo • July 29, 2020

Halfway through an upended year, 8 big questions remain for waste and recycling

Back in January, Waste Dive laid out guiding themes for coverage around safety, M&A, sustainability, policy, organics and PFAS. Now, the pandemic has changed many of them and racial justice is also receiving heightened attention.

By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden • Updated July 28, 2020

Renewed interest in automated side loaders driven by pandemic concerns, persistent safety issues

ASLs have become increasingly popular with some predicting they could see more interest due to pandemic safety concerns. But tighter capital budgets may be a short-term challenge.

By Leslie Nemo • Updated July 23, 2020

Flexible packaging separation pilot deemed a success, but end markets unproven

Curbside collection of this emerging stream isn't expected to happen at scale near-term, and sustainable markets don't currently exist. But the Pennsylvania MRF that tested it reports clear benefits.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 22, 2020

Major Connecticut WTE facility closing by 2022, waste to be exported

The expected move comes after plans to refurbish the Materials Innovation Recovery Authority's aging RDF facility fell apart for a host of reasons.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Dec. 10, 2020

Waste industry received at least $583M in PPP loans, preserved 67K jobs

Nearly 4,000 industry participants have received funding from the pandemic relief program since April, according to U.S. Small Business Administration data. Waste Dive has collected the full list for public access.

By E.A. Crunden , Cole Rosengren • July 16, 2020

New California regulation could jump-start solar panel recycling sector

The state's upcoming classification of photovoltaic panels as universal waste is expected to allow for greater efficiencies in handling a material stream that is projected to grow substantially in coming decades.

By Matthew Bandyk • July 15, 2020

Container demand changing alongside pandemic-driven volume shifts

Service providers are adjusting capital spending following months of heightened residential activity and regional drops in commercial waste. Cart and container manufacturers discuss the emerging effects for their businesses.

By Lori Lovely • July 14, 2020

Diageo and PepsiCo will debut paper bottles in 2021

The alcohol giant will launch the 100% plastic-free packaging for Johnnie Walker whisky early next year, while PepsiCo and Unilever are developing it for their products. 

By Lillianna Byington • July 14, 2020

House hearing highlights political divide over plastics and pandemic response

The plastics industry says the pandemic has proven the need for its products, which are a key component in masks and other equipment. Environmental advocates and many Democrats said the ramifications of plastics pollution outweigh the benefits.

By E.A. Crunden • July 10, 2020

Risk and race concerns fuel ongoing debate around hazard pay during pandemic

Sanitation workers have held numerous strikes and demanded concessions including hazard pay, frequently linking their fight to movements like Black Lives Matter. But the issue remains a contentious one for the waste industry.

By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden • July 9, 2020

Wheelabrator acquires New England hauler as part of vertical integration strategy

Charles George Companies, which has a decades-long history in the region, represents an expansion into collection and recycling operations across two states for the Macquarie-backed waste-to-energy company.

By Cole Rosengren • July 8, 2020

House Democrats back EPR, other recycling mandates in new climate plan

The lengthy document from the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis endorses legislation like the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act and hints at how Democrats could tackle policy on a wide range of emissions sources.

By E.A. Crunden • July 7, 2020

Major brands extend $54M investment with Closed Loop Partners despite pandemic

A group of leading corporate foundations and CPG companies are renewing their original investment in the Closed Loop Infrastructure Fund to bolster recycling through MRF upgrades, contamination reduction and other actions. 

By E.A. Crunden • July 1, 2020

Recycling stakeholders say years of turbulence helped prepare industry for pandemic

During this year's virtual SWANApalooza, speakers from the U.S. EPA, Waste Management and The Recycling Partnership said the sector has learned valuable lessons from ongoing market challenges.

By E.A. Crunden • June 30, 2020

Public and private sector leaders project long-term changes due to coronavirus

During last week's SWANApalooza, Waste Connections, DSNY and other service providers discussed expectations for operational and fiscal changes to last into at least 2021.

By Cole Rosengren • June 29, 2020

Waste industry focuses on PFAS strategies, research as long-term concerns mount

This year's SWANApalooza featured numerous sessions on PFAS management and treatment, underscoring the heightened attention around "forever chemicals" at landfills and other facilities.

By E.A. Crunden • June 26, 2020

Top consumer brands seen falling behind on recycling goals, failing to avert plastic pollution

None of the 50 companies evaluated by shareholder advocacy group As You Sow earned higher than a B- on recycling, reusability or compostability goals. Multiple companies pushed back on the report.

By E.A. Crunden • June 24, 2020

Michigan legislature considers bill to shape recycling market development spending

Allocated two years ago, an annual $15 million recycling and reuse development budget is currently spent under guidance from waste laws that some think are outdated due to their landfill emphasis.

By Leslie Nemo • June 24, 2020

WCA Waste sets 2030 sustainability goals, including 35% GHG reduction target

The Texas-based company aims to mitigate landfill emissions, purchase more CNG vehicles, recycle at higher volumes, improve safety rates and more, according to CEO Bill Caesar.

By Cole Rosengren • June 18, 2020

Senate hearing revives federal recycling discussion with little consensus

Lawmakers appeared keen to restart conversations around U.S. recycling issues. Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM) touted his own plastics-focused bill, while other lawmakers expressed reservations about such regulation.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated June 17, 2020

Can textile recycling be the next 'zero waste' frontier?

Clothes comprise a notable chunk of the waste stream, and can have valuable second lives, but market dynamics are complex. Recent pandemic disruptions haven't helped.

By Karine Vann • June 16, 2020