By the numbers: Key 2023 waste and recycling trends

Look back on the year through data points on issues such as labor, M&A, federal funding, state policy and commodity pricing.

By Jacob Wallace , Megan Quinn , Cole Rosengren • Dec. 22, 2023

Los Angeles commercial waste system at a crossroads amid contract renegotiation

The recycLA program has seen positive results, but haulers are lagging on diversion targets and organics service. The city, while trying to amend the program, could issue a new RFP or even take over service itself.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 21, 2023

Waste worker fatality rate decreased in 2022, but waste remains seventh deadliest job: BLS

It’s the third year in a row that fatality rates for the sector decreased, though MRF fatalities increased in 2022.

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 20, 2023

Women’s leadership a key to stronger waste workforce, networking groups say

Rachel Oster and Melissa Young, two professionals that help lead the women’s leadership groups WISR and W4R, say connecting women at every level of the industry will create stronger companies and organizations.

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 19, 2023

Next Summit Digital: Conversations on the future of fleet operations

Rubicon’s four-part webinar series brings its annual technology summit to the masses.

Dec. 4, 2023

Stericycle sets net zero GHG goal in latest sustainability report

The company aims to achieve a net zero scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions goal by 2050 and reduce its injury rate through new driver training and other improvements.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 28, 2023

Has the waste and recycling industry’s multiyear M&A boom peaked?

Experts from Stifel, Houlihan Lokey, Comerica Bank, Raymond James, Waste Connections and others weigh in on the latest trends involving valuations, private equity, environmental services, antitrust and more.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 27, 2023

Waste Connections’ Mittelstaedt talks industry changes, improvements during time away from CEO job

Ron Mittelstaedt discussed how trends in sustainability, technology and investor interest are “rapidly changing” the waste industry during a session at the Corporate Growth Conference.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 21, 2023

Teamsters continue labor fight in Republic Services’ backyard

The union is facing an uphill battle as it attempts to negotiate its first contract for 286 employees across three unionized Republic yards in the Phoenix area.

By Jacob Wallace • Nov. 20, 2023

Mack Trucks workers vote to ratify 5-year UAW labor agreement

The agreement comes after more than a month of striking at five Mack plants, including one that assembles its refuse collection vehicles.

By Jacob Wallace • Nov. 17, 2023

How to optimize your hauling fleet with Rubicon’s technology suite

In the fast-paced world of waste and recycling, staying ahead requires more than just hard work.

By Rubicon • Nov. 13, 2023

Injury rates for waste industry workers rose in 2022

Injury rates rose just a year after the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the lowest rates since 2006. Solid waste collection workers reported slightly fewer illnesses in 2022.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 9, 2023

Stericycle announces ‘workforce reduction’ plan, lowers guidance

Stericycle expects future efficiencies from its new ERP system but is facing headwinds from commodity volatility. It also divested businesses in the Netherlands and UAE.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 6, 2023

Teamsters approve new Republic Services contract in Atlanta

The contract ensures good pay for members as they move from an incentive-based to an hourly-based pay system, union officials said.

By Jacob Wallace • Updated Nov. 3, 2023

Casella reports ‘pivotal and exciting’ Q3 due to recent acquisitions and strong pricing

Casella raised revenue guidance and predicted a strong Q4 due to its retrofitted Boston MRF and operations it acquired from GFL.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 3, 2023

California projects emphasize zero waste equity by keeping marginalized groups at the center

An equitable zero waste future means partnering with businesses, unhoused people, waste workers and grassroots groups, speakers from San Francisco and Los Angeles said at the National Zero Waste Conference. 

By Megan Quinn • Updated Nov. 6, 2023

Q3 earnings results for major waste and recycling companies

Follow the latest results from WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, Casella Waste, Clean Harbors, Stericycle and others.

By Waste Dive Staff • Updated Nov. 9, 2023

NLRB pushes joint employer rule effective date to February

The board essentially reinstated the standard articulated in the 2015 Browning-Ferris Industries case, which has been the center of a nearly decade-long employment law saga.

By Ryan Golden • Updated Nov. 17, 2023

Republic Services touts momentum into 2024, including Indianapolis polymer center

CEO Jon Vander Ark said recent price increases and upcoming investments should position the company for favorable margin expansion next year. The company also shared updates on its electric vehicle infrastructure.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 27, 2023

Waste Connections reports Q3 growth despite costs from landfill and employee safety incidents

An ongoing odor issue at a California landfill and a slope failure in Texas could cost about $20M in Q4. Meanwhile, the company is planning employee training to reduce safety incident rates.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 26, 2023

WM reports inflation headwinds are easing, shifts timing for certain sustainability projects

WM reported “strong results” in Q3, citing its pricing strategy as well as revenue growth in the collection and disposal lines and cost savings from attrition.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 25, 2023

Waste Connections sets more ambitious GHG reduction target, reports lower emissions in 2022

The company says it has nearly reached a 2033 scope 1 and 2 reduction target. It’s now doubling the goal to a 30% reduction and is seeking approval from the Science Based Targets initiative.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 25, 2023

Covanta has laid off more than 100 workers at Miami-Dade WTE site

A second round of layoffs follows a decision by the Florida county to move on from a former refuse-derived fuel plant that was destroyed by a fire in February.

By Jacob Wallace • Oct. 12, 2023

UAW strike at Mack Trucks affects key refuse vehicle manufacturing facility

The 3,900-member strike includes a plant in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley where Class 8 refuse trucks are assembled, including the company’s CNG and electric models.

By Jacob Wallace • Oct. 11, 2023

Young SWANA leaders lay out strategy for industrywide marketing campaign to bolster recruitment

The latest cohort of the association’s Young Professionals Leadership Academy delivered a comprehensive report, with multiple ready-to-use resources, on how to “reframe perception of the industry as employers of choice.”

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 9, 2023