The Latest
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Industry-backed RECOVER Act calls for $500M in recycling infrastructure grants
Key recycling, plastics, and glass industry players back the bipartisan bill, which would establish an infrastructure program in the U.S. EPA. Whether it can break out from the growing number of federal proposals remains to be seen.
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EPA Recycling Summit emphasizes need for urgent action, shies away from regulatory changes
Officials and industry representatives touted ongoing progress, including plans for new voluntary recycling goals, but generally expressed confidence that the market can handle this evolution with minimal policy interference.
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Deep DiveTrouble in paradise: Recycling a tough proposition for US territories
Devastating hurricanes have strained weak infrastructure in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Guam has newer infrastructure, but still faces market challenges. All are often overlooked in national recycling discussions.
UPDATED: Nov. 18, 2019 at 8:20 p.m. -
Sims expands aluminum recycling in New York with Nespresso funding
Funding from Nespresso allowed the MRF operator to add a new nonferrous line for capturing lightweight materials that will also clean up its glass stream.
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Deep DiveHow recycling has changed in all 50 states
The most comprehensive tracker of local recycling program changes, cancellations and solutions in the U.S. from November 2017 to November 2019.
UPDATED: June 5, 2019 at 2:10 p.m. -
Wheeler: EPA will set national recycling goals in 2020
The administrator told Waste Dive to expect multiple voluntary goals, but no new regulation, as part of increased agency engagement in the sector.
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EPA: National recycling rate 35% in 2017, composting at record high
New figures show overall MSW volumes increased, with total recycling volume declining slightly. The agency also resumed its focus on greenhouse gas emissions reduction benefits.
UPDATED: Nov. 14, 2019 at 1:44 p.m. -
Why one California city is stuck with 30K carts no recycler wants
It's not entirely clear why recycling facilities aren't interested in these carts, which are often reground and repurposed into new ones. Waste Dive tracked down manufacturer Bonar Plastics to learn more.
UPDATED: Nov. 15, 2019 at 10:15 p.m. -
Phoenix weighs service cuts, rate hikes, facility closures to sustain recycling
The city, viewed as a model for circular economy efforts, has run into financial challenges due to a turbulent recycling market and growing population. Officials stress nothing will be decided without community input.
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OpinionKeep on recycling, America. But companies must do their part too
The new Association of Mission-Based Recyclers – including Eco-Cycle, the Ecology Center, Eureka Recycling and Recycle Ann Arbor – calls on packaging companies to start working collaboratively.
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Federal 'Save Our Seas' bill moves ahead in Senate
A bipartisan marine debris bill, with backing from the plastics industry and opposition from more than three dozen environmental groups, was passed by the Senate Commerce Committee yesterday.
UPDATED: Nov. 14, 2019 at 11:04 a.m. -
Casella landfill expansion settlement calls for PFAS plan by 2024 in Vermont
A local environmental group sought to block the expansion of the state's last landfill over concerns with leachate and odor issues. Now, the parties have reached an agreement allowing the project to move forward.
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Q&AAdam Minter on why secondhand markets are the true circular economies
Waste Dive spoke with the "Junkyard Planet" author about what the waste industry can learn from the reuse sector, textile recycling trends and misconceptions about e-waste he discovered writing the new book "Secondhand."
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New Hampshire legislators call for major changes to meet modern 'realities' of waste and recycling
A legislative committee set out to examine the state of New Hampshire's recycling, but ended up writing a broad report about underlying infrastructure and policy challenges.
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New D.C. zero waste bill would have major implications for composting and recycling
The bill would establish EPR programs for sharps and batteries, impose organics diversion requirements on many businesses, and establish a surcharge based on contamination levels in recyclables.
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Rising BLS injury, illness rate for collection workers troubles industry
Incidence rates were up for collection employees in 2018, to more than double the national average, but declined at both landfills and MRFs.
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DTG acquires first landfill amid rapid Northwest expansion
The landfill marks a new frontier for DTG, the largest recycler of C&D in the region. The company told Waste Dive it is eyeing further expansion.
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Scaling up organics recycling and biogas projects, in the Midwest and beyond
The BioCycle REFOR19 conference in Madison, Wisconsin covered how both local governments and private enterprise can optimize their efforts with projects that fit regional needs.
UPDATED: Nov. 7, 2019 at 10:42 a.m. -
EPA touts importance of federal engagement ahead of America Recycles Day
Waste Dive recently spoke with EPA officials about creating a national messaging strategy, supporting market development and reengaging on recycling.
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GFL cancels IPO, vows to keep up M&A pace
Reports indicate the Canadian giant's debt load, and recent net losses amid a period of expansion, made some investors hesitant about the proposed share price.
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National plastics draft bill gains momentum amid industry push to tackle pollution
Sweeping nationwide plastics legislation is creeping closer to reality with a new draft. But the plan is likely to meet with resistance from recycling industry groups and product manufacturers, who prefer more voluntary solutions.
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Judge dismisses EPA landfill emissions plan delay, handing win to state AGs
The Nov. 5 ruling denies EPA efforts to delay the agency's landfill emissions plan, but leaves room for a likely appeal. In the meantime, landfill operators are feeling uncertain about multiple compliance requirements.
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Waste Management sues Delaware county over ordinance limiting landfill height
The company says new restrictions are specifically targeted at its local C&D landfill, which could potentially be forced to close in a few months. County officials say environmental justice concerns outweigh financial effects.
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Voters decide to keep controversial St. Paul, Minnesota collection plan
The two-year-old organized collection system has sparked legal challenges and intense debate. Some of the nation's largest haulers, including Waste Management and Republic Services, have benefited from the shift.
UPDATED: Nov. 6, 2019 at 9:45 a.m. -
Waste Management and DSNY prepare defense for trial over upstate landfill complaints
A New York judge has allowed a case brought by residents around the High Acres landfill to go forward. The dispute echoes growing tensions in the region amid decreasing capacity.
