Vroom vroom: Volvo debuts driverless garbage truck

See how the autonomous refuse truck, currently being tested in Sweden, can maneuver pre-programmed routes using sensors.

By Cole Rosengren • May 17, 2017

New York’s Department of Sanitation bans polystyrene foam — again

The city announced a new ban that will start in November following a council hearing on recycling the material.

By Cole Rosengren • May 15, 2017

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Smart Cities Dive

From worsening climate change to a shifting transportation landscape and the housing affordability crisis, cities have their work cut out for them.

By Smart Cities Dive staff

Podcast: Is mixed waste processing the key to higher diversion rates?

In this episode of Waste Dive's audio series, EcoHub Chief Science Officer Rob Watson and Eco-Cycle Solutions Director Kate Bailey weigh in on the benefits and challenges of the one-bin approach. 

By Kristin Musulin , Cole Rosengren • May 12, 2017

Vermont gives commercial haulers extra year to comply with organics law

Some said they needed more time to prepare, but others that already invested in equipment said this puts them at a disadvantage.

By Cole Rosengren • May 11, 2017

Could K-Cups join the stream of recyclable municipal items by 2020?

Keurig has been working closely with the recycling industry and said results from tests at eight facilities have been promising.

By Cole Rosengren • May 11, 2017

10 tips for proactive facility fire planning (even if you don't think you need them)

One takeaway from a WasteExpo panel: The most well-run facilities are not immune to fires — and operators are not helping themselves by pretending otherwise.

By Cole Rosengren • May 11, 2017

Draining the swamp: How DC is remaking its water treatment system

The nation's capital wants to eliminate combined sewer overflows with 18 miles of new tunnels and green infrastructure programs.

By Jackie Snow • May 10, 2017

NRDC study finds tap water contaminants in all 50 states

There were more than 80,000 reported violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) by community water systems in 2015, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.

By Jackie Snow • May 9, 2017

NYC encourages locals to ‘make the basket’ in anti-litter campaign

The Department teamed up with NYC Parks and the New York Knicks for the campaign, dubbed "Trash Talk New York."

By Kristin Musulin • May 9, 2017

Q&A: How Union Kitchen DC develops, nurtures and expands the local food movement

The co-founder and CEO of the retailer that's also a distributor and food incubator talks about local demand, what it takes to start a top brand, and why Coke belongs next to kombucha. 

By Jeff Wells • May 8, 2017

UPDATE: Maryland Gov. Hogan signs 2 bills to increase focus on organics processing

Supporters believe the bills could put Maryland on a path to eventually passing an organics diversion requirement similar to existing laws in Northeast states.

By Cole Rosengren • May 7, 2017

Startup introduces 'Internet of Groceries' to push sales while reducing waste

Wasteless has developed a real-time tracking solution for grocery stores to adjust product pricing based on expiration dates.

By Kristin Musulin • May 7, 2017

All options on table in Boston’s new ‘zero waste’ planning process — even franchising

With every contract up for renewal in 2019, New England's biggest city will conduct a wholesale re-evaluation of solid waste policy.

By Cole Rosengren • May 5, 2017

Ocean Cleanup attracts $21.7M for Pacific trial

The Dutch startup touted this major financial haul before promises of a big announcement next week.

By Cole Rosengren • May 4, 2017

Report: More federal funding, attention on food waste needed in 2018 Farm Bill

A comprehensive Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic report highlights 23 recommendations to prevent, recover and recycle wasted food.

By Cole Rosengren • May 4, 2017

Nespresso launches curbside collection pilot for controversial coffee pods in London

Residents in two neighborhoods can recycle the company's aluminum pods in special purple bags for the next six months.

By Cole Rosengren • May 3, 2017

Los Angeles Sanitation, ERI team for new e-waste mail back program

Residents of Los Angeles County can go online to order boxes for a flat rate of $30, $65 or $90 based on size. 

By Cole Rosengren • May 3, 2017

San Diego County sets goal of 75% waste diversion by 2025

This new plan for the county's unincorporated areas will nearly triple the current per-ton franchise fee paid by haulers.

By Cole Rosengren • May 1, 2017

New Mexico landfill invests in drone tech to improve monitoring, save money

The South Central Solid Waste Authority now relies on a drone to take highly-detailed photos of a new cell at the Corralitos Regional Landfill.

By Kristin Musulin • May 1, 2017

SoCal Whole Foods installs high-tech, energy saving battery

The store is the first to install the Axiom Energy Refrigeration Battery, which can protect food from spoilage during power outages and cut a store's peak electricity usage by up to 40%.

By Emma Liem Beckett • April 27, 2017

Report: Solid waste issues more frequent topic for local governments

Waste Alert analyzed the agendas and minutes of 807 meetings from the first quarter of the year. The most common instances were financial issues, followed by planning for facilities and infrastructure and then direct mentions of companies.

By Cole Rosengren • April 26, 2017

Are wax worms the best-kept plastic processing secret?

Research shows they will eat polyethylene plastic bags, though there could be unintended environmental effects. (See a close-up of a wax worm.)

By Cole Rosengren • April 26, 2017

Growing pains: Why supermarkets are struggling to source local products

Sales of fruits, vegetables and even meats grown close to the consumer will surge to $20 billion by 2019, according to USDA.

By Jeff Wells • April 26, 2017

Los Angeles BPW establishes Zero Food Waste Task Force

The initiative will bring together multiple agencies to address organics in conjunction with the city's franchise system.

By Cole Rosengren • April 25, 2017

New York council member calls for stronger ‘zero waste’ plan

Ben Kallos' bills would mandate 100% diversion by 2030 and the placement of recycling and composting cans in public spaces.

By Cole Rosengren • April 24, 2017