This Week in Waste: Top Stories from February 7-11

Companies are reporting Q4 earnings and providing a glimpse into 2022. Industry consolidation continues with the first big acquisition of the year. Here is what Waste360 readers had their pulse on this week.

1. Republic Services Rolls into 2022 with $2.2 Billion US Ecology Acquisition
Stefanie Valentic

Following the January acquisition of La Salle, Ill.-based River Waste City Services, Republic Services has reached an agreement to purchase Ecology in a $2.2 billion cash transaction, or $48 per share including net debt of approximately $0.7 billion. The company plans to finance the deal with existing and new sources of debt.

Read the story here.

2. GFL to Divest Infrastructure Division; Looks to M&A in 2022
Stefanie Valentic

In an effort to differentiate business segments and maximize long-term value, GFL Environmental Inc. (NYSE: GFL) announced it will divest its Infrastructure Division.

The news came during the company's Q4 earnings call, which provided details of the arrangement and a look into the Vaughan, On.-based 2022 plans.

Read the story here.

3. California Launches Innovative Textiles Circularity Projects: Part 1
Arlene Karidis

About 1.2 million tons of California’s textiles are landfilled a year, and some of that state’s eco-reform backers are calling for legislation to stop the pile up, including of clothes. They want manufacturers and retailers to pay into repair and local reuse programs. 

Read the story here.

4. Episode 140: Talking about the Evolving Nature of Recycling with ISRI
Liz Bothwell

We spoke with Robin Wiener of ISRI about developing the next generation of recyclers, the role of the recycling industry in environmental justice, the importance of engaging with brands and more.

Listen to the podcast here.

5. Safety By the Numbers
Kirk Sander

In December 2021, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics released its 2020 Employer-Reported Workplace Injuries and Illness report where the waste and recycling industry held steady in 6th position. The waste and recycling industry has shown that it prioritizes safety, but we can’t fight this fight alone.

Read the story here.