What does it take to go compostable? Seattle grocer PCC is finding out

The trend-setting company plans to make all of its deli packaging compostable within three years – but it's found that getting there isn't easy.

By Krishna Thakker • Aug. 28, 2019

New Jersey governor vetoes controversial food waste bill

The organics diversion mandate, which would have still allowed material to go to incinerators and most landfills, returns to the state legislature.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Aug. 28, 2019

Federal bill aims to extend renewable energy tax credits for biogas and WTE

The bill would incentivize development of qualifying biogas, WTE and biomass projects. While attention to organic waste has spurred recent biogas investment, new incinerator projects have been less frequent.

By Rina Li • Aug. 22, 2019

Research shows carbon sequestration potential of compost in California

A 19-year study from UC Davis explores how compost improved carbon storage in agricultural settings. The findings come amid growing concern about managing greenhouse gas emissions from organic waste.

By Leslie Nemo • Updated Aug. 22, 2019

Kroger cut food waste 9% in 2018

The company's latest report on its Zero Hunger Zero Waste initiative also shows notable progress toward reducing plastics, conserving energy and diverting supermarket waste.  

By Lauren Manning • Aug. 13, 2019

Bioenergy DevCo planning multiple anaerobic digesters with new investment backing

A $106 million commitment from Newlight Partners is expected to help the international company build organics processing infrastructure throughout the U.S. The first project is slated for Maryland.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Aug. 9, 2019

Scrap Collector: Rep. Ilhan Omar's Zero Waste Act billed as 'key part' of Green New Deal

Plus: Florida activists dump 3,000 pounds of plastic litter in front of historic state capitol, and India's first "garbage cafe" offering food for trash.

By Rina Li • Aug. 2, 2019

Compology's contamination technology gains market share

CEO Jason Gates shared updates on how the company's AI capabilities are helping service providers rethink education strategies and improve quality for all types of waste and recycling streams.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 2, 2019

Republic climate goals approved by Science Based Targets initiative

The international recognition is a first for any U.S. waste and recycling company’s sustainability plan. Republic has committed to reducing key greenhouse gas emissions 35% by 2030.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Sept. 24, 2019

Bipartisan Senate bill aims to create biogas tax credits, bolster organics infrastructure

The expiration of a 30% investment tax credit — responsible for growing the wind and solar sectors — has reduced financing options for anaerobic digesters in recent years.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Sept. 27, 2019

Pasadena, California's 'zero waste' progress stymied by rising per capita disposal

According to a new report, the amount of landfill waste increased by 50% over a six-year period — a consequence of both economic growth and recycling challenges.

By Rina Li • July 24, 2019

GFL Environmental IPO filing outlines plans for significant expansion

A new SEC filing offers key details about the industry's fourth-largest player — including the revelation that CEO Patrick Dovigi pulled in nearly CA$47.5 million last year.

By Cole Rosengren • July 23, 2019

Scrap Collector: US stands as lone OECD opponent of Basel plastic amendment

Plus: Cambodia returning illegal waste imports, and India's capital cracking down on food waste at social functions.

By Rina Li • July 19, 2019

Upcoming California law could set stage for recycling definition debate

The rulemaking process for SB 1335, which will require state facilities to use reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging starting in 2021, may lay the groundwork for bigger legislation to come.

By Rubi Rajbanshi • July 19, 2019

FCC Environmental wins Omaha, Nebraska contracts, securing Midwest foothold

After months of debate, the Omaha City Council approved a 10-year collection contract as well as a separate deal for seasonal yard waste pick-up. The contracts are worth an estimated $24.2 million per year.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Aug. 28, 2019

Disputed ground: The future of landfill gas-to-energy

Gas capture at landfills creates electricity and revenue, but also has economic and environmental disadvantages.

By Max Witynski • July 12, 2019

Connecticut bag ban spurs contentious food waste debate

One of the year's more mildly worded state bag bans was prefaced by heated discussion around whether compostable products should be exempt.

By Cole Rosengren • July 11, 2019

Local governments may have more recycling power than they realize

Neil Seldman of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance has long been a proponent of grassroots policymaking. He shares examples of cities and counties taking the lead on glass, organics and more.

By Cole Rosengren • July 10, 2019

Boston casts wide net for organics options, including in-sink

The city's first move on its "zero waste" plan indicates large-scale ambitions. Two new RFPs for curbside food and textile collection also serve as a reminder of current budget constraints.

By Cole Rosengren • July 9, 2019

Report: Supply chains cause 40% of food waste in North America

Companies and countries will need better data as they move forward with food waste reduction plans, according to data from the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization.

By Matt Leonard • July 2, 2019

Food waste is piling up. How are manufacturers responding?

More than 1.6 billion tons of food go to waste annually, representing $1.2 trillion in value and a third of all global food production — and according to a 2018 report, it's getting worse.

By Craig Guillot • July 2, 2019

ISRI members get preliminary injunction from California reporting law

An upcoming law requiring new recycling and composting data has been challenged by scrap recyclers over various concerns, including the classification of material as "solid waste."

By Rubi Rajbanshi • Updated July 17, 2019

New Jersey passes food waste bill favoring landfills and WTE

A bill once intended to promote diversion to compost and digestion facilities will now allow unique exemptions due to lobbying from landfill and incinerator operators.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated June 28, 2019

Deadly day for workers refocuses spotlight on industry safety progress

Three unrelated June 13 fatalities across multiple states are the latest reminder that top-down policy fixes may not be able to drive fundamental changes in safety culture.

By Cole Rosengren • June 25, 2019

Boston finally reaches recycling deal with Casella

Covanta and Wheelabrator will also retain residential waste contracts. Both deals may be regional bellwethers of higher prices to come.

By Cole Rosengren • June 24, 2019