US Ecology Margin Outlook
Q: What is the margin upside for US Ecology?
A: Management targets a 25% EBITDA margin for US Ecology in the midterm by optimizing customer mix, pricing, cross-selling, and IT investments to enhance efficiency. They have a series of levers to reach this goal. "

Pricing Trends and Inflation Impact
Q: How is pricing expected to trend amid inflation?
A: Core pricing modestly exceeded expectations in Q1. Management expects pricing to decrease over the year but notes that inflation remains stickier than anticipated, suggesting potential to keep prices higher if interest rates remain elevated. "

M&A Plans and Pipeline
Q: What are the expectations for M&A activity?
A: After significant M&A spending of $5.5 billion over the last 3 years, including $1.8 billion last year, the pipeline remains strong in Recycling and Waste. They are pausing Environmental Solutions acquisitions until 2025 to focus on IT integration. "

Hazardous Waste Incineration Demand
Q: Is demand sufficient for new incinerator capacity?
A: The market is structurally short supplied on incineration. Even with new capacity coming online, management believes it will remain tight due to strong pipeline and potential PFAS regulations increasing volume into incineration. "

Recycling Revenue Tailwinds
Q: What is driving recycling revenue growth?
A: The increase in recycling revenue is driven by higher recycled commodity prices, with the overall basket price rising to $153 per ton in Q1 from $130 at year-end, mainly due to commodity price uplift. "

Polymer Center Performance
Q: How is the first polymer center performing?
A: The first polymer center is exceeding expectations, producing some of the cleanest recycled PET flake in the world. Operations are running well, and the third location on the East Coast will be announced soon. "

Volume Trends and Expectations
Q: What are the expectations for volume growth?
A: Q1 volume was down due to weather and construction slowdown, with a 50 basis point drag from weather. Management expects sequential improvement but anticipates Q2 volumes to be slightly negative before potentially turning flat or positive in the second half " ,. "

Turnover Rates and Labor Costs
Q: How are turnover rates and labor costs trending?
A: Turnover rates are below 20%, leading to better safety and customer service. Wage increases are already implemented, forming a step function in costs. Maintenance costs are expected to improve with newer trucks replacing older ones. "

Impact of PFAS Regulations
Q: How will PFAS regulations affect the business?
A: PFAS regulations are a net positive, with $70 million to $90 million in PFAS-related revenue last year. Management offers unique solutions for remediation and expects the opportunity to grow over time. "

Sustainability Investments and CAPEX
Q: What are the plans for sustainability investments?
A: The company plans to invest $230 million in JVs for landfill gas to energy and Blue Polymers in 2024, with most of the spending occurring in the first half of the year. "

Residential Business Trends
Q: Any trends in the residential business?
A: Management is focused on improving returns in the residential business, adopting a disciplined approach and avoiding low-return contracts. Competitive conduct is improving but still has room for further progress. "