Waste Reduction
Why environmental performance is becoming a business priority for solid waste
For solid waste operators, environmental performance has always been critical, but it is now moving from the periphery to the core, becoming a key component of corporate strategy. Research conducted by Onterris with FT Longitude shows that environmental factors are profoundly influencing capital allocation, investment strategies, and the long-term value of assets. The industry still lags behind other heavy industries in environmental maturity and urgently needs to integrate environmental management into operational and financial planning to turn challenges into advantages.
Best Buy achieves ‘zero waste’ goal at supply chain facilities
On August 18, Best Buy announced that all 29 of its supply chain facilities have received TRUE zero waste certification from Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), achieving a goal set in 2021. Through measures such as optimized packaging, recycling programs, and employee-led 'Green Teams,' the company has achieved a waste diversion rate of over 90%.
Greyparrot receives $27M funding round to grow recycling analytics dataset
Greyparrot announced a $27 million Series B funding round, led by Omar Mir, bringing total funding to $60 million. The funds will be used to expand into North American and European markets, grow its AI, data science, and product teams, and enlarge its recycling analytics dataset to support the goal of diverting 1 million tons of waste by 2030. The company's technology is deployed in over 20 countries and recently reached a milestone of 1 trillion waste detections.
Arcwood Environmental eyes 2030 target in sustainability report
Arcwood Environmental released its 2025 sustainability report on Tuesday, setting a target to increase waste management volume by 50% by 2030 compared to 2024. The report shows that in 2025, the company managed 371,888 tons of waste and recycled 13,102 tons of materials. Company President Ernie Walker stated that recent acquisitions will expand recycling capabilities. The report also disclosed an increase in carbon emission intensity and a rise in renewable energy procurement ratio to 81%.
Recyclers target ‘hibernating devices’ to feed urgent critical minerals demand
At the Remade Institute annual meeting held in Washington, D.C., participants emphasized that, in the face of geopolitical and global trade pressures, the recycling and reuse value chain needs enhanced cooperation and innovation to unlock the approximately $67 billion in critical mineral value within dormant devices. Currently, the U.S. Department of Energy has invested nearly $1 billion in related projects, but recycling rates remain low, requiring policy-driven measures and infrastructure investment.
Montgomery County, Maryland, explores alternatives as incinerator struggles
The long-operating Resource Recovery Facility in Montgomery County, Maryland, has been exposed to two dioxin leaks within three months, sparking strong public质疑 of the incineration approach. The county government faces a decision: whether to invest approximately $365 million to upgrade the aging facility built in 1995, or shift toward long-distance landfilling and accelerate the zero waste policy. Multiple diversion recommendations proposed in a 2020 report have yet to be fully implemented, and while the incineration contract has been renewed, it now includes a clause allowing termination of waste delivery with 180 days' notice.
Minneapolis, Philadelphia and Miami metros debate incinerator plans
In 2026, disputes over waste incineration capacity intensify across multiple U.S. locations: Philadelphia postpones a vote on a bill to ban incineration, Minneapolis faces a battle between closure and subsidies, and Miami-Dade County awaits a joint proposal. The EPA is about to update emission rules.
Recycling app Scrapp launches innovation pilot in Miami-Dade County
Recycling guidance app Scrapp has launched an innovative pilot in partnership with Miami-Dade County, Florida, funded by a $100,000 grant from the Miami-Dade Innovation Authority. The pilot will expand app features, including regionalized recycling guidance and multilingual support, to address the county's challenge of approximately 5 million tons of annual waste and a 37% recycling rate.