NYC officials spotlight commercial waste zone selection, pricing and M&A

A tense council hearing elicited more context about how the Department of Sanitation selected companies for coveted 10-year contracts but little new information on implementation timing beyond the first zone.

By Cole Rosengren • June 7, 2024

WM CEO says medical business growth makes Stericycle deal an attractive fit

During the Stifel Cross Sector Insight Conference, WM executives shared more insight about how Stericycle’s positioning in the medical waste and recycled paper markets aligns well with their long-term plans.

By Megan Quinn • June 6, 2024

Colorado’s PRO appoints executive director to manage state’s EPR rollout

Juri Freeman, CAA’s new executive director for Colorado, joins as the state buckles down on EPR implementation. Currently an RRS principal, he has served in numerous recycling and composting roles across the state. 

By Megan Quinn • June 5, 2024

AMP, Virginia waste company collaborate on AI-powered facility to divert recycling from MSW

AMP and Recycling and Disposal Solutions say a newly built facility will divert about 60% of MSW previously headed to the landfill. AMP’s technology is meant to be co-located at landfills and transfer stations.

By Megan Quinn • June 4, 2024

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

Senate hearing touts federal funds and private sector teamwork for recycling wins

At a recent committee hearing, speakers from The Recycling Partnership, North Carolina DEQ and Seattle Public Utilities urged continued federal funding for recycling projects and the passage of two bipartisan recycling bills.

By Megan Quinn • May 29, 2024

What to know about 4 EPR bills still in play in California

Bills meant to clean up SB 54 packaging rules and establish new programs for marine flares, textiles and household hazardous waste are still under consideration before the legislative session ends in August.

By Megan Quinn • Updated May 29, 2024

Experimentation with label-less containers advances, in effort to improve recyclability

Embossing, laser engraving and direct-to-packaging printing are some of the methods to ease the recycling process, as is using organic inks and labels that easily separate during the sink/float process.

By Hollie Stephens • May 24, 2024

Minnesota governor signs packaging EPR law with mixed response from recyclers

Minnesota became the fifth state to pass an EPR for packaging bill. The decision comes as California, Colorado, Maine and Oregon are working to implement detailed, complex packaging EPR programs of their own.

By Megan Quinn , Maria Rachal • Updated May 23, 2024

Litter audit data could drive more litigation and policy, experts say

A recent global analysis identified Coca-Cola as the source of 11% of all branded plastic found in litter surveyed globally. This type of data is part of growing transparency around packaging outcomes. 

By Maria Rachal • May 22, 2024

Minnesota legislature passes packaging EPR bill with ‘shared responsibility’ model

If signed by the governor, Minnesota could soon become the fifth state to enact such a law. Eureka Recycling heralded the outcome, and Ameripen described the legislation as “a fair compromise.”

By Maria Rachal • May 21, 2024

Apex Waste Solutions aims to scale in consolidated Colorado market

Apex launched with a goal of offering independent service after larger companies bought out many local haulers. Now, with private equity backing from Kinderhook, the company is growing quickly through its own purchases.

By Cole Rosengren • May 20, 2024

DTG Recycle names new CEO

Jordan Reber recently took the helm at the Washington-based company, which is backed by Macquarie. He brings experience with heavy equipment and leadership from multiple prior roles.

By Cole Rosengren • May 17, 2024

WM completes $23M MRF upgrades in Pennsylvania, part of multifacility plan

The AI-enabled optical sorter upgrades at the Pittsburgh MRF are designed to better sort polypropylene, WM said. It previously announced similar upgrades at a Wisconsin site and plans another facility opening in Florida next month. 

By Megan Quinn • May 17, 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

New York state recycling needs assessment published amid push to pass EPR

The first phase of the needs assessment, conducted by RRS for the Center for Sustainable Materials Management, shows more material in the state can be recovered, possibly through an EPR program, but more data is needed.

By Megan Quinn • May 15, 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

Online C&D waste platform seeks to bring industry out of the ‘Stone Age’

Bulk Exchange is bringing information about C&D waste facilities to their customers quicker. Facility owners in California are adding themselves to the list as the company plans to grow nationally.

By Jacob Wallace • Updated May 13, 2024

Simplifying complexity: Why today’s waste operations require next generation technology

In today’s world, waste collection has become increasingly hectic and complex, and a great deal of effort is dedicated to making everyday operations work in a safe, and environmentally responsible manner. 

May 13, 2024

Exhibit brings together waste artists-in-residency from DSNY, Recology

Artists who have embedded with waste agencies and haulers around the country are showing work together in one exhibit for the first time. The show shines a light on the civic and environmental possibilities in art.

By Jacob Wallace • May 10, 2024

EPR laws’ labeling implications create more questions for CPGs

Leaders from the Consumer Brands Association and The Recycling Partnership recently discussed how packaging EPR laws are complicating how brands can mark packaging, including for recycling.

By Maria Rachal • May 8, 2024

Well-known circular economy specialist appointed as CalRecycle director

Zoe Heller is well-known in the industry for her work with CalRecycle and the U.S. EPA. Supporters says her skill set will help her manage the role as California works through major recycling, organics and diversion programs.

By Megan Quinn • May 8, 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

Clean Harbors announces Noble Oil acquisition, ‘stronger than expected’ Q1

Clean Harbors is also in the process of integrating its recent HEPACO acquisition, and its Safety-Kleen segment will soon partner with Castrol on a recycled lubricant partnership.

By Megan Quinn • May 2, 2024

ISRI says its rebrand to ReMA reflects the recycling industry’s modern values

The Recycled Materials Association has revamped its name to highlight the industry’s innovations and sustainability collaborations. President Robin Wiener discusses what’s next for the association.

By Megan Quinn • May 1, 2024