In Depth

Monopoly and the U.S. Waste Knot

Monopoly and the U.S. Waste Knot

Neil Seldman

December 4, 2018

Big Waste dominates every aspect of solid waste and recycling practice and policy. The top four consolidated companies earn $30 billion of the $70 billion economic sector. Big Waste companies own or control 75% of the permitted landfill capacity in major metropolitan areas, and control an estimated 50% of the national hauling market, with increased levels of domination in regional markets.  READ MORE


Recently Posted

Recycling Is the Enemy of Wasting

Recycling Is the Enemy of Wasting

Neil Seldman

December 7, 2018

Recycling has long been known to be the enemy to waste management companies as it diverts materials that could be going to landfills, threatening profits and political influence. It makes sense. Landfilling waste is highly profitable, while recycling materials is marginally profitable and can also lose money. Flat recycling rates  READ MORE


Monopoly and the U.S. Waste Knot

Monopoly and the U.S. Waste Knot

Neil Seldman

December 4, 2018

Big Waste dominates every aspect of solid waste and recycling practice and policy. The top four consolidated companies earn $30 billion of the $70 billion economic sector. Big Waste companies own or control 75% of the permitted landfill capacity in major metropolitan areas, and control an estimated 50% of the  READ MORE


2018 World Soil Day: Compost Adds Organic Matter for Healthy Soil

2018 World Soil Day: Compost Adds Organic Matter for Healthy Soil

Brenda Platt

December 4, 2018

December 5th is World Soil Day, a good day to celebrate the power of COMPOST to enhance soil fertility, structure, water-holding capacity, and carbon sequestration. Healthy soils contain 5% organic matter and compost is the best way to add organic matter to depleted soils.  READ MORE


ILSR’s Neil Seldman Breaks Down Recycling Crisis for Governing Magazine

ILSR's Neil Seldman Breaks Down Recycling Crisis for Governing Magazine

Hibba Meraay

October 18, 2018

  READ MORE


Is Plastic the New Currency?

Is Plastic the New Currency?

Neil Seldman

October 16, 2018

A new program allows commuters in Surabaya, Indonesia to pay public transit fares by dropping off recycled plastic at designated centers in the city.  READ MORE