The Morning Wire — Monday, October 5, 2026
In this issue:
Nevada battery recycler gets federal OK to export black mass. American Battery Technology Company received a U.S. Department of Commerce exception to a recent federal export ban, allowing it to export $100 million worth of black mass while domestic refining capacity is built.
Commodity pricing. September national bale prices show aluminum still the best paying material and plastics still at the bottom, with October figures due mid-month to show whether OCC kept rising.
Regional fuel prices. Gulf Coast diesel fell 22 cents in the week of September 28, while the Rocky Mountain region was the only one where prices went up.
Mergers & acquisitions. A quiet weekend for deals, with a recap of last week's Blue Castle Waste Solutions launch, Ecowaste Solutions' acquisitions in Georgia and Florida, and Vanguard Renewables' five food waste digesters.
Franchise & contract watch. Coppell, Texas began a restated Republic Services franchise on October 1 at $24.40 a month with a switch to city-provided carts, and a rate comparison shows Phoenix residents paying almost $18 more a month than Coppell residents.
Open RFPs. Yavapai County's Paulden transfer station hauling bid is due October 15, and the Bagdad transfer station bid is due November 19.
Industry headlines. St. Louis cut recycling contamination 83% with staffed drop-off sites, Casella won a landfill expansion in New York and will close another in New Hampshire early, a California audit faulted L.A. County on Chiquita Canyon, and on-board truck scales got a closer look.
Waste Wire is free while we grow. Subscribe to get The Morning Wire in your inbox every weekday morning.
Comments