Waste Connections settles with Nebraska over recycling practices

State alleges that waste management company failed to properly handle curbside recyclables several years ago.

Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson has announced that the state has reached a settlement with Waste Connections of Nebraska Inc. resolving an investigation that focused on recycling services in Syracuse, Nebraska. 

The state had concerns that at times during 2012 and 2013, Waste Connections failed to properly handle curbside recyclables, alleging that Waste Connections treated some recyclables and garbage from Syracuse in the same manner, transporting at least some materials to a landfill instead of recycling them.  

Waste Connections denies that any recycling was mishandled in the city during the two years. The company has handled the city’s waste hauling and disposal since 2002. 

The settlement requires Waste Connections to properly collect, transport and dispose of all solid waste and recyclables. In addition, Waste Connections will provide proper instruction for handling solid waste and recyclables to its employees and independent contractors, as well as to monitor compliance with the policies. 

Waste Connections also is required to pay $50,000 to Syracuse to be used for beautification projects or improvements and $12,500 to the state of Nebraska.