Environmental, Social and Governance

Enviri outlines long-term plans for ‘complete suite’ of PFAS services, rail divestment

During an investor day event, Enviri touted plans to offer a broad range of PFAS services as part of its move to become a full-service environmental remediation company and potentially hit $2.7 billion in revenue by 2027.

By Megan Quinn • June 25, 2024

Leachate disposal in a PFAS-filled world

Leachate disposal has always been challenging for waste facilities, but PFAS has significantly complicated the process. Explore how landfill operators can manage PFAS in leachate, navigate new regulatory challenges and implement innovative treatment methods to protect drinking water and the environment.

By Leanne Hersey • June 3, 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

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

Common wastewater challenges and how to solve them

For many businesses, wastewater offers unique challenges that require best-in-class solutions.

April 22, 2024

SEC stays climate-risk disclosure rule as it works through legal challenges

The agency maintains that the regulation is within the agency’s authority and said it “will continue vigorously defending the Final Rules’ validity in court.”

By Lamar Johnson • April 4, 2024

How 3 large states want to address waste with federal climate funding

The U.S. EPA received 45 state priority climate action plans, the first step in accessing Climate Pollution Reduction Grant funding.

By Jacob Wallace • March 21, 2024

SWANA CEO envisions collaborative environment to build safety, culture

Amy Lestition Burke, SWANA’s new CEO, says building partnerships can make the industry and the organization stronger and better resourced to take on climate change and an evolving workforce.

By Megan Quinn • March 19, 2024

How a new wave of clean fuels bills could spur a biogas boom

New Mexico just became the fourth state to enact a program, which has the potential to give biogas projects from landfills and on-farm digesters a boost. Could more states soon follow?

By Jacob Wallace • March 13, 2024

Clean Harbors’ environmental services segment continues hot streak to end 2023

The company projects another year of growth for its environmental services segment in 2024 thanks to capital investments and acquisitions. It’s also making changes to boost its struggling Safety-Kleen business.

By Jacob Wallace • Feb. 22, 2024

GFL posts record solid waste pricing, sees expansion opportunities through EPR and M&A

Continued strong pricing, combined with volume shedding of subpar contracts, contributed to margin expansion in solid waste. That trend combines with other tailwinds as GFL continues to improve its debt.

By Jacob Wallace • Feb. 21, 2024

SWEEP certifies first company for environmental achievement

Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery is the first in a pilot cohort to receive certification under the standard, which recognizes achievement in sustainable materials management practices.

By Jacob Wallace • Feb. 9, 2024

How Dubuque, Iowa reduced residential waste volumes

Dubuque wanted to educate its 20,000 residential customers on proper waste disposal practices.

By Rubicon • Jan. 22, 2024

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

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

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

WM’s chief sustainability officer on the future of recycling

Tara Hemmer sees WM’s recycling investments as key to its overall sustainability strategy. Technology will allow WM to respond to customers’ changing sustainability needs in coming years, she said.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 10, 2023

Final TCFD report notes growth in climate disclosures as task force disbands

There has been “steady momentum” in the number of companies disclosing information aligned with the group’s recommendations, but the report said more progress is needed to mitigate climate risks.

By Lamar Johnson • Oct. 30, 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

Tracking GHG emissions of US waste management companies

GreenWaste and VLS recently published new data on their sustainability metrics. Compare their progress with other major waste companies, including WM, Republic Services, Stericycle, Enviri and more.

By Megan Quinn , Jacob Wallace , Cole Rosengren • Updated May 9, 2024

Synagro publishes first sustainability report as it ramps up SB 1383 compliance assistance

The company is looking to increase its diversion of biosolids from landfills while accepting greater quantities of food waste, eyeing an opportunity to improve its emissions.

By Jacob Wallace • Oct. 10, 2023

Recology meets cleaner fleet goal, announces new 5-year targets

The West Coast waste hauler and processor fuels 90% of its vehicle fleet via renewable or alternative fuels. It set new goals on landfill emissions and facility power.

By Jacob Wallace • Sept. 27, 2023

WM’s sustainability report shows progress on GHG emissions reduction, diversity

The company’s most recent report, which reflects newer metrics it first published in 2022, shows progress on reducing Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions aligned with SBTi requirements. WM made less progress on its materials recovery goal due to construction on recycling facility upgrades.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 7, 2023

Republic expects higher revenues amid plans for polymer centers, environmental solutions growth

Republic Services’ leaders shared new details about its polymer centers and continued integration of US Ecology, but noted it may have found the ceiling for price increases in certain markets.

By Jacob Wallace • Aug. 1, 2023

WM lowers 2023 guidance due to commodity prices but reports ‘solid results’ despite headwinds

WM CEO Jim Fish said he was pleased with how the company managed inflation, commodity and volume headwinds to end the second quarter.

By Megan Quinn • July 26, 2023