New guidelines aim to address labeling confusion for compostable packaging

The Biodegradable Products Institute will offer manufacturers input on labeling and identification strategies — addressing a long-running problem for organics diversion and an uptick in legislative attention.

By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 5, 2020

Multi-state West Coast initiative enlists food retailers in push to reduce waste 50% by 2030

Led by the Pacific Coast Collaborative, a growing voluntary agreement aims to support goals across the region through public-private partnerships and on-the-ground collaboration, as well as measurement and reporting metrics.

By E.A. Crunden • Sept. 23, 2020

New York sanitation commissioner warns against 'devastating' budget cuts ahead of resignation

After six-plus years on the job, Kathryn Garcia is considering a run for mayor. In an exit interview, she discourages further layoffs, forecasts more commercial waste zone delays and says "zero waste" by 2030 is likely unattainable.

By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 14, 2020

Pittsburgh joins 10-city cohort to curb food waste

The Natural Resources Defense Council's Food Matters Initiative will help the chosen cities overcome common barriers to preventing food waste, including a lack of data and resources.  

By Cailin Crowe • Sept. 2, 2020

SWEEP standard coming to fruition with industry support and pilot cities

After years of work, an accreditation system modeled after LEED is reaching a notable milestone. Those behind it hope to improve data standardization and drive sustainable materials management policies around the country.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Aug. 31, 2020

Wastequip aims to develop product GHG emission scores as part of new sustainability program

VP Kristin Kinder cited customer demand and industry trends as motivating factors behind a step many equipment manufacturers have yet to take, while also discussing diversity and inclusion efforts.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 25, 2020

Chicago anaerobic digester, urban farm project secures final funding for $32M campus

The facility, slated for a brownfield site, is expected to process 85,000 tons of organics annually when it opens in 2022. Backers describe it as a positive step toward environmental justice in the area.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 20, 2020

Food waste coalition launches with 14 major manufacturers and retailers

The group, whose members include General Mills, Kellogg, Nestlé and Walmart, have targeted cutting global food loss per capita in half by 2025.

By Lillianna Byington • Aug. 19, 2020

Industry-supported organics hauling bill comes up short in California legislature

Proponents say AB 2959 would clarify a loophole allowing smaller haulers to undercut franchise agreements and hinder progress toward state diversion targets. Critics said it would hurt the state's efforts to curb organic waste.

By E.A. Crunden • Aug. 19, 2020

New Jersey governor signs landmark environmental justice bill with big permit implications

The long-anticipated legislation had key backing from community groups. Despite some business opposition and industry trepidation, waste and recycling stakeholders also expressed support.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated Sept. 18, 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

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

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

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

RTS acquires Enevo's US accounts, expanding presence in multiple states

The second acquisition for the New York-based technology company brings a sizable number of new customers, including multiple restaurant franchises. 

By Cole Rosengren • June 15, 2020

Connecticut policy to limit landfilling faces pivotal moment as major WTE project stalls

An aging RDF facility that handles one-third of Connecticut's waste could begin exporting to out-of-state landfills unless an agreement can be reached between the local authority, developer and state officials in less than three months.

By Cole Rosengren • June 11, 2020

GFL Environmental pledges to disclose, reduce GHG emissions in coming years

The Canada-based company's first sustainability report calculates emissions avoided from recycling, organics and other lines of business. GFL also touted its efforts to divert nearly 1.17 million metric tons of material in 2019.

By Cole Rosengren • May 27, 2020

Rubicon's first ESG report emphasizes software pivot, $208M potential savings for cities

The technology company plays up its municipal offerings and highlights case studies from commercial customers, while talking about a "waste wake-up call." More detailed climate metrics are expected in a future edition.

By Cole Rosengren • May 22, 2020

New York follows through with sanitation cuts, preserves some organics funding

Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration cut funding for curbside organics collection, recycling outreach and other areas in a new budget agreement. Funding for drop-off sites and community composting was preserved.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated July 1, 2020

Puerto Rico's yearslong debate over WTE continues as the island's landfill issues mount

After a proposed incinerator project stalled in 2018, the territory's long-term plan remains uncertain as noncompliant landfills are reaching capacity. Meanwhile, recycling programs and waste reduction efforts are still evolving.

By Genevieve Glatsky • May 1, 2020

One year covering COVID-19's impact on the waste and recycling sector

The coronavirus pandemic brought sweeping changes to the U.S., including significant effects for an industry that continued its work throughout the crisis. Catch up on all of Waste Dive's reporting from the initial year.

By Waste Dive Team • Updated March 15, 2021

Pandemics were not part of most contingency plans, but waste and recycling industry proving resilient

Precautions previously in place for industry disruptions did not account for a coronavirus-induced economic disruption. Companies and public sector consultants discuss what's next more than a month in.

By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden • April 17, 2020

Reducing food waste emerges as key climate solution

Project Drawdown's 2020 report, released before the pandemic, elevated food waste as an increasingly relevant solution while highlighting the role industry can play in tackling the issue through reducing waste sent to landfills.

By E.A. Crunden • April 16, 2020

Multiple states suspend landfill bans for yard waste over COVID-19 fallout

Iowa, West Virginia and Kentucky have all temporarily suspended disposal bans due to workforce limitations. At the same time, many municipalities are grappling with a sudden uptick in yard waste as residents stay home.

By E.A. Crunden • April 14, 2020