NextGen Cup Challenge, driven by McDonald's and Starbucks, rolls out reusable cup pilot in California

The programs — set to debut at independent coffee shops around San Francisco and Palo Alto — could pave the way for major chains to eventually make the switch as they seek to meet their environmental goals. 

By E.A. Crunden • Feb. 20, 2020

Recycling Partnership report identifies more than a dozen large cities with curbside expansion potential

Indianapolis, Baltimore, Detroit and Milwaukee are among those highlighted in the nonprofit's new research. The report also focuses on untapped "recycling deserts" in certain regions of Texas.

By E.A. Crunden • Feb. 19, 2020

GFL Environmental reprices IPO, could still raise upward of $2.4B

The Canadian company is moving ahead with plans to sell subordinate shares at $19 each, along with a separate offering of tangible equity units, amid market turbulence. The offerings are set to close on Thursday.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated March 4, 2020

Report argues most plastics, especially #3-7s, falsely labeled as recyclable

A Greenpeace survey of U.S. MRFs found mixed plastics are virtually unrecyclable in the current market. The organization argues many major product companies are in violation of FTC requirements. 

By E.A. Crunden • Feb. 18, 2020

Waste Connections did nearly $838M in 2019 acquisitions, sees 'long runway' ahead

While some analysts wonder if certain fall election results could change the M&A landscape, CEO Worthing Jackman said he sees billions worth of useful assets left to buy for years to come regardless.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 14, 2020

Republic Services sees 'momentum shift' around recycling contracts, plans solar investment

A multiyear effort to rework municipal recycling contracts is paying off, with hundreds now at higher pricing. The company also reported $526 million in M&A and ongoing overall price improvements.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 14, 2020

Waste Management predicts March DOJ approval for Advanced deal, with 'robust' divestiture interest

2019 earnings were favorable, despite prolonged recycling headwinds, and landfill pricing continues to rise. Executives now anticipate $100 million-plus in synergies if the Advanced Disposal deal closes.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 14, 2020

EPA proposes yet another cut to waste minimization and recycling budget

The Trump administration's proposed budget would add new grant programs, but significantly shrink sustainable materials management funding. This comes as the agency insists it remains committed to strengthening national systems.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 12, 2020

The quickly disappearing corrugated box: How packaging is changing

Manufacturers set their sights on packaging as a means to reduce waste, improve sustainability and lower shipping costs.

By Jen A. Miller • Feb. 11, 2020

Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act debuts in Congress, instigating packaging EPR debate

The bill would also establish a national container deposit system, ban single-use plastic products and set recycled content requirements. Staunch opposition is expected from some recycling and plastics trade groups.

By E.A. Crunden • Feb. 11, 2020

National EPR campaign kicks off with anti-plastic film screening, activist support

Rep. Alan Lowenthal, sponsor of the upcoming Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act, rallied activists around the bill at a Washington event. The film teases out likely divides between industry and advocacy groups.

By E.A. Crunden • Feb. 10, 2020

Maine packaging EPR bill, a national bellwether, could reshape municipal funding

The newly introduced bill will kick off a complex debate around whether producers should help pay recycling and disposal costs. The proposed model would be similar to one shaped in Québec, Canada.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Feb. 12, 2020

Congress ramps up scrutiny on recycling amid renewed calls for federal help

During Wednesday's House subcommittee on "challenges and opportunities" facing recycling, lawmakers hashed out questions about the EPA's authority, EPR policy, municipal funding and more.

By E.A. Crunden • Feb. 6, 2020

Cascade breaks ranks with other cart manufacturers by adding 10% PCR plastic

Waste Management will be its first customer — as well as the company collecting the necessary curbside materials from residential customers – but municipalities are also looking to purchase the new "EcoCart."

By Leslie Nemo • Feb. 6, 2020

How the REMADE Institute hopes to reshape manufacturing with recycling in mind

Grand plans of recyclability and reuse often fall short of real-life implementation. REMADE wants to close that gap, and quickly, with industry input along the way.

By Leslie Nemo • Feb. 5, 2020

Plastic bag group rebrands, sets new recycled content goals amid anti-plastics legislative push

The American Progressive Bag Alliance is now the American Recyclable Plastic Bag Alliance and aims for 20% recycled content by 2025. Anti-plastics groups remain skeptical. 

By E.A. Crunden • Feb. 3, 2020

Florida governor signs third attempt at curbside recycling contamination bill into law

Under the industry-backed legislation, municipal contracts with haulers or MRFs will have to include specific contamination-related elements required by the state.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated June 19, 2020

2020 could be the year of legislative boom – or bust – for national recycling policy

An influx of legislation in Congress aims to tackle problems facing the recycling industry amid rising public attention. The bills range widely in their industry backers and odds of success.

By E.A. Crunden • Jan. 29, 2020

Tracking the future of US recycling policy in Congress

The House reintroduced the bipartisan Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act, a bill that would offer grants to improve recycling access in underserved communities. 

By Megan Quinn • Updated April 11, 2025

Notable waste industry M&A activity continues in 2020

With confirmed deals by GFL Environmental, Waste Connections and Interstate Waste Solutions, the year is off to a busy start. The pending Waste Management-Advanced Disposal deal is among more to come.

By Cole Rosengren • Jan. 29, 2020

Nestlé backs amendment to bill mandating PCR for plastic bottles in Maine

Joining multiple environmental groups, Nestlé Waters North America is pushing requirements for plastic bottles to have 30% PCR by 2030. The beverage giant is among many that need much more material to hit sustainability goals.

By E.A. Crunden • Jan. 27, 2020

Letter to the editor: Starbucks food packaging goal also about food waste

Rhodes Yepsen, executive director of the Biodegradable Products Institute, says a broader materials management discussion is key to understanding the shift toward new waste reduction targets.

Jan. 27, 2020

Coca-Cola says it won't ban plastic bottles because consumers like them

Head of Sustainability Bea Perez said people like being able to reseal the drinks in lightweight packaging, adding that alternatives could push up the company's carbon footprint and hurt sales. 

By Lillianna Byington • Jan. 27, 2020

Starbucks ramps up waste reduction goals, focusing on reusable and recyclable cups

The coffee giant's "resource positive" goals seek 50% reduction in waste sent to landfills by 2030. Its emphasis on changing cup design for recyclability, as opposed to compostables, differs from some competitors.

By E.A. Crunden • Jan. 24, 2020

California Senate votes against EPR changes for struggling bottle bill

Beverage distributors would have been required to form a product stewardship organization for container collection. The state's container redemption program has experienced mounting financial strain.

By Katie Pyzyk , Cole Rosengren • Updated Jan. 31, 2020