Republic shareholders nix Teamsters’ proposal to report labor impact of climate policies

A strong majority of shareholders voted against the proposal, which sought to compel Republic to more explicitly detail how its investments in automation and artificial intelligence affect workers.

By Jacob Wallace • May 30, 2024

Casella president outlines growth plans for mid-Atlantic and other priorities

Ned Coletta, roughly six months into his role as president, is working on multiple aspects of the company’s strategy. He recently shared updates on disposal capacity, PFAS treatment, RNG projects, training and more.

By Megan Quinn • May 16, 2024

Waste Pro leaders talk employee training and growth plans in the Southeast

CEO Sean Jennings and COO Keith Banasiak say offerings like CDL and technician schools, plus a focus on customer service and selective acquisitions, could help them hit the $2 billion revenue mark in a few years. 

By Megan Quinn • May 14, 2024

Mittelstaedt touts ‘significant’ labor improvements after returning as Waste Connections CEO

The company is making major labor and retention changes, investing in internal training and hiring and reducing voluntary turnover, CEO Ron Mittelstaedt said during WasteExpo.

By Megan Quinn • May 13, 2024

4 ways safety managers recommend building trust with front-line workers

Better employee engagement comes from everyday interactions with workers, said safety leaders from Casella Waste Systems, GFL Environmental, Lytx, Republic Services and Waste Connections during a panel at WasteExpo.

By Megan Quinn • May 10, 2024

GFL eyes new opportunities in Canada amid improving cash outlook

Revenues outperformed expectations and costs improved in the first quarter of the year, executives said, leading to an updated outlook for the company for the full year.

By Jacob Wallace • May 2, 2024

Stericycle reports progress on workforce and fleet optimization plan, touts new document service

The company reported margin improvement from various cost saving measures, and shared construction updates for an upcoming incinerator project in Nevada.

By Megan Quinn • April 26, 2024

NWRA hires industry veteran Hoffman as next CEO

Michael E. Hoffman, a longtime financial analyst who currently works at Stifel, is taking on the lead role at the industry’s largest trade association.

By Cole Rosengren • April 26, 2024

WM credits cost savings, strong EBITDA margins for positive Q1

CEO Jim Fish said the company “outperformed our own high expectations” for Q1 through cost savings in labor and operations. Expiring RNG tax credits and anticipated MRF upgrade costs are expected to become headwinds.

By Megan Quinn • April 25, 2024

Waste Connections seeing labor retention improvements as it eyes ‘record’ M&A year

The company reported better-than-expected revenue for a quarter which included a sizable acquisition in Indiana. CEO Ron Mittelstaedt also shared updated thoughts on how PFAS regulations will affect the sector.

By Jacob Wallace • April 25, 2024

Labor Department will raise overtime salary threshold to $44K in July, $59K next year

The final rule expands overtime pay eligibility to millions of U.S. workers, the department said, and covers employees working in the waste management sector.

By Ryan Golden • April 24, 2024

The data on climate change’s link to employee deaths, injuries

Exposure to extreme heat, ultraviolet radiation and air pollution poses a serious threat to workers globally, the International Labour Organization said.

By Ryan Golden • April 22, 2024

LRS hires more C-suite execs as company refocuses under new leadership

LRS also underwent a recent round of layoffs, citing "ongoing integration efforts." The changes come after the Macquarie-backed company completed restructuring plans following a period of rapid growth through acquisitions.

By Megan Quinn • April 4, 2024

CMI calls for bottle bill policies that prioritize EJ, informal recycling communities

A Can Manufacturers Institute report calls for container deposit systems that are convenient and inclusive for more kinds of users, particularly informal recyclers, unhoused people and immigrants.

By Megan Quinn • March 20, 2024

SWANA CEO envisions collaborative environment to build safety, culture

Amy Lestition Burke, SWANA’s new CEO, says building partnerships can make the industry and the organization stronger and better resourced to take on climate change and an evolving workforce.

By Megan Quinn • March 19, 2024

NWRA, partner’s new safety program aimed at smaller haulers

NWRA and Together for Safer Roads are partnering to offer online training for companies with less than 100 trucks, which often don’t have the same resources as bigger competitors.

By Megan Quinn • March 4, 2024

Stericycle to continue workforce reduction plans, incinerator construction

Stericycle reported a continued focus on efficiency and cost savings during its Q4 earnings call, including more ERP system rollouts and eight divestitures.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 28, 2024

Republic reports strong core business growth in 2023, eyes new opportunities in 2024

The company surpassed its full-year guidance as core pricing and average yield increased in the fourth quarter. Republic expects additional opportunities, including those related to PFAS, to fuel growth in 2024.

By Jacob Wallace • Feb. 28, 2024

Rubicon trims workforce, including COO, as part of profitability plan

The move is part of an ongoing effort to achieve profitability since the broker and technology company went public in 2022. At a recent event, CEO Phil Rodoni said Rubicon was at “the precipice” of becoming profitable soon.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 23, 2024

GFL posts record solid waste pricing, sees expansion opportunities through EPR and M&A

Continued strong pricing, combined with volume shedding of subpar contracts, contributed to margin expansion in solid waste. That trend combines with other tailwinds as GFL continues to improve its debt.

By Jacob Wallace • Feb. 21, 2024

Casella says acquisition activity, safety improvements marked an ‘exceptional’ year

Casella touted a successful year from numerous acquisitions and operational improvements. Executives previewed further infrastructure upgrades at the Willimantic recycling facility, plus a $800M acquisition pipeline for 2024.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 16, 2024

5 issues to watch as New York reshapes its commercial waste system

Many questions remain about how companies were selected, how much recycling investment will occur, how soon companies get electric vehicles, when implementation will begin and more.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 16, 2024

Waste Connections highlights ‘disciplined execution’ for Q4 and recovering labor trends

CEO Ron Mittelstaedt characterized 2023 as a “year of renewal” and applauded strong acquisition activity and improved safety and retention.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 14, 2024

WM touts sustainability spending, ‘strong’ operations growth to wrap up Q4

Executives credited price and cost-saving measures for Q4 earnings growth and said the company will invest up to $2.9B in its recycling and renewable energy platforms through 2026.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 13, 2024

New York to pilot automated collection of large containers for high-density buildings

DSNY Commissioner Jessica Tisch described this as the biggest advance for local waste collection technology in decades as the city continues its push toward containerization and limiting manual collection.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 1, 2024