The Waste Dive Awards for 2019

From operations to policy, these are some of the top organizations and executives that shaped the waste and recycling industry this year.

Dec. 9, 2019

Philadelphia reports 50% diversion rate, ongoing 'zero waste' progress

Despite high-profile recycling issues earlier this year, the city says its plans are still on track. Waste reduction and organics recycling are among the top priorities moving forward.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 25, 2019

Funding advances for 3 Mid-Atlantic anaerobic digestion projects

New announcements from RNG Energy Solutions and Bioenergy DevCo are the latest sign of an uptick in financing interest for organics processing infrastructure.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 22, 2019

Trouble in paradise: Recycling a tough proposition for US territories

Devastating hurricanes have strained weak infrastructure in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Guam has newer infrastructure, but still faces market challenges. All are often overlooked in national recycling discussions.

By Genevieve Glatsky • Updated Nov. 18, 2019

EPA: National recycling rate 35% in 2017, composting at record high

New figures show overall MSW volumes increased, with total recycling volume declining slightly. The agency also resumed its focus on greenhouse gas emissions reduction benefits.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Nov. 14, 2019

Phoenix City Council preserves curbside recycling with rate increase

The city, viewed as a model for circular economy efforts, had run into financial challenges due to a turbulent recycling market and growing population. This will be its first residential rate increase since 2009.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated Feb. 12, 2020

New Hampshire legislators call for major changes to meet modern 'realities' of waste and recycling

A legislative committee set out to examine the state of New Hampshire's recycling, but ended up writing a broad report about underlying infrastructure and policy challenges.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 11, 2019

Scaling up organics recycling and biogas projects, in the Midwest and beyond

The BioCycle REFOR19 conference in Madison, Wisconsin covered how both local governments and private enterprise can optimize their efforts with projects that fit regional needs.

By Max Witynski • Updated Nov. 7, 2019

What cities can learn from Phoenix's circular economy experiments

Home to a unique incubator, the fast-growing Arizona city has embarked on multiple new ventures in recent years. WASTECON panelists shared economic, logistical and political advice.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 1, 2019

Key stories from the New York commercial waste reform saga

The multiyear push to implement a nonexclusive franchise system has been tumultuous and complex. Follow along with Waste Dive’s in-depth coverage.

Updated Nov. 20, 2024

Federal government and food industry take aim at organic waste with formal commitment

A senior EPA official told Supply Chain Dive the effort is intended to change industry "attitudes and apathy" around the issue of food waste and relieve some confusion around food recovery and donation liability. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Oct. 30, 2019

New York City Council advances commercial zone bill, opponents make final push

The successful vote came after 13 council members endorsed a letter requesting more time to consider a proposal that will dramatically reshape the city's open market system. A final vote is scheduled for Oct. 30.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 29, 2019

New York commercial waste zone bill finalized ahead of imminent vote

Aside from new language on labor retention, the version council members will be asked to vote on remains largely unchanged from a prior draft. A vote is expected Oct. 30.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Oct. 23, 2019

Who comes out on top if New York passes commercial waste zones?

How many local haulers will be left to win franchise contracts, and whether any new entrants join the fray, all comes down to how legislative negotiations play out.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Oct. 9, 2019

Massachusetts raises 2050 waste reduction target, may expand organics ban

The Department of Environmental Protection's new solid waste master plan draft indicates support for new packaging policies, additional waste bans and future infrastructure as disposal capacity shrinks.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 1, 2019

Philadelphia solicits bids for new compost facility with statewide implications

The city aims to expand organics processing infrastructure via a public-private partnership that could reduce annual food waste by nearly 150 tons as part of its 2035 "zero waste" goals.

By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 26, 2019

In fight against food waste, EPA and corporate leaders focus on business case

Administrator Wheeler, ReFED and others held a Sunday roundtable to discuss waste reduction progress. They agreed measurement is a crucial first step to move beyond just philanthropic actions.

By Emma Cosgrove • Sept. 24, 2019

How Oregon DEQ is challenging common food waste perceptions

The agency shared surprising results about why food rescue may not always be the most environmentally beneficial option and how composting assuages consumer guilt.

By Leslie Nemo • Updated Sept. 23, 2019

Kroger expands line of Apeel produce to tackle food waste

After a pilot in Cincinnati, the grocer will stock the long-lasting avocados in 1,100 stores with plans to add asparagus and limes to some locations later this fall.

By Jennifer Sweeney • Sept. 18, 2019

New Jersey releases draft plan to reduce food waste 50% by 2030

The Department of Environmental Protection's long-awaited plan calls for establishing a Food Waste Reduction Council and estimates barely 10% of wasted food is recovered in the state.

By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 17, 2019

PFAS: New efforts to put the genie back in the bottle

The EPA may be moving slowly, but action is ramping up across multiple levels of government and the waste industry. Rich Thompson breaks down the latest updates, including from EREF's recent summit.

By Rich Thompson • Sept. 12, 2019

Study: Shoppers overestimate perishable grocery habits, causing food waste

Researchers from The Ohio State University took a uniquely close look into what's getting tossed from U.S. refrigerators – and why. 

By Leslie Nemo • Sept. 9, 2019

ReFED announces $400K for first Nonprofit Food Recovery Accelerator cohort

Backed by the Walmart Foundation, the initial group of 10 organizations from around the country will receive dedicated business training and funding to help reduce organic waste.

By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 5, 2019

Bernie Sanders's $16.3T climate plan promises major waste and recycling shifts

The Democratic presidential candidate's platform includes a national recycling program, divestment from incinerators, funding for food recovery and composting investments, and a right to repair policy.

By Rina Li • Aug. 30, 2019

Renewable natural gas: A climate solution with untapped potential

RNG's benefits include new revenue streams, climate change mitigation and enhanced energy security through a diversified resource supply, writes Ameresco's Michael Bakas.

By Michael Bakas • Aug. 28, 2019