This Week in Waste: Top Stories from December 13-17

This week in waste, injuries continued to decline in the industry. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its annual fatality rates, showing solid waste continues to be the 6th deadliest occupation in the country. Read this week's top stories to learn about other industry trends.

1. Casella’s Ashworth: From Riding on The Back of a Trash Truck to Overseeing a Major Nationwide Operation

Rachel Ashworth came to Casella in her early 20's to sell roll off containers over the phone. Soon after, she joined the company’s Operations Manager Trainee program, then moved into her first management position: Operations manager of Scarborough Maine Hauling division. 

Read the full article.

2. DFW Airport Tests Closed-Loop Sustainable Aviation Fuel Model

With the aviation industry and operations that depend on it pushed to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions (GGE), corporate flight departments, logistics companies, and government agencies are looking at sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to help accomplish this.

Read the full article.

3. Episode 41: Building Better Battery Recycling Infrastructure

By 2030, electric vehicle sales are expected to comprise 20 percent to 30 percent of all automobile sales, according to the Electric Power Research Institute.

In this week's episode of Stef Talks Trash, Stefanie Valentic discusses the state of battery recycling with Ryan Melsert, the CEO of American Battery Technology Company.

Listen here.

4. November 2021 Fire Report: Bucking the Global Insurance Trend

You’ve heard me say many times that insurance companies are running from the waste and recycling industry, but I recently connected with an insurer who understands our industry and risks because his company has taken the time to truly know each client and their day-to-day operations. 

Read the full article.

5. Texas Details Plans to Develop Recycling Market

The EPA recently introduced its National Recycling Strategy to bolster recycling rates to 50% by 2030, but work already has commenced at the state and local level apart from federal guidance.

Read the full article.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Episode 134: The Road from Collections to Sustainability

Tune in to this week’s NothingWasted! podcast as we chat with Ty Rhoad, regional director Americas, at TOMRA. Rhoad shared his insights on the role of sorting technology in reducing CO2 emissions, the power of partnerships in driving the circular economy and more.

Listen to the full epsiode.