Deep Dive: Page 2
Industry insights from our journalists
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Brian Tucker/Waste Dive
Carton manufacturers invested big in attaining 'recyclable' status, but can they sustain it?
By funding education, sorting technology and end markets, the industry-backed Carton Council earned highly-sought federal recyclability status. Yet some MRFs and governments question if this packaging is worth the effort.
Leslie Nemo • May 13, 2020 -
Puerto Rico's yearslong debate over WTE continues as the island's landfill issues mount
After a proposed incinerator project stalled in 2018, the territory's long-term plan remains uncertain as noncompliant landfills are reaching capacity. Meanwhile, recycling programs and waste reduction efforts are still evolving.
Genevieve Glatsky • May 01, 2020 -
"200323-Z-NI803-0053". Retrieved from Matt Hecht.
Pandemics were not part of most contingency plans, but waste and recycling industry proving resilient
Precautions previously in place for industry disruptions did not account for a coronavirus-induced economic disruption. Companies and public sector consultants discuss what's next more than a month in.
Cole Rosengren and E.A. Crunden • April 17, 2020 -
Getty via Getty Images
As some MRFs close during the pandemic, more adapt and carry on
Social distancing has become a challenge, PPE is in high demand and staffing availability is shifting. While MRFs in some states have closed, the industry's biggest residential recyclers report their facilities are still largely operational.
Cole Rosengren • April 08, 2020 -
Permission granted by Interstate Waste Services
Uncharted waters: Waste and recycling companies adapting to the coronavirus economy
Commercial volumes are down dramatically in many markets, employee hours are being cut and contract terms are tested. How service providers respond could have lasting reputational and financial implications.
Cole Rosengren • March 31, 2020 -
How the REMADE Institute hopes to reshape manufacturing with recycling in mind
Grand plans of recyclability and reuse often fall short of real-life implementation. REMADE wants to close that gap, and quickly, with industry input along the way.
Leslie Nemo • Feb. 05, 2020 -
2020 could be the year of legislative boom – or bust – for national recycling policy
An influx of legislation in Congress aims to tackle problems facing the recycling industry amid rising public attention. The bills range widely in their industry backers and odds of success.
E.A. Crunden • Jan. 29, 2020 -
E.A. Crunden
7 pressing questions for the waste and recycling industry in 2020
The year is shaping up to be a major one for the industry's future. We'll be digging into safety, corporate consolidation, climate commitments, recycling policy, organics, PFAS, politics and more.
Cole Rosengren and E.A. Crunden • Jan. 06, 2020 -
Brian Tucker / Waste Dive
Can Loop disrupt society's packaging habit? Inside TerraCycle's grand experiment
The reusable shopping platform, which launched with big hype and is now eyeing retail, has already raised one key question in its early days: What are the true costs of convenience?
Karine Vann • Dec. 20, 2019 -
AMP Robotics
Robots move in
More MRFs are turning to automation and advanced technology to fill gaps and boost efficiencies, especially in light of market changes, but a full replacement of human labor isn’t here yet.
Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 11, 2019 -
Yutao Chen
On the line in California
The state may have a reputation for progressive recycling policies, but industry workers still face numerous hazards. Here are two of their stories.
Susie Neilson • Dec. 11, 2019 -
simonkr via Getty Images
High risk, hidden workforce
With fluctuating injury rates, and ongoing fatalities, MRFs remain a key safety challenge. Operators discuss efforts to change that through better training, tighter protocols and a lower dependence on temporary labor.
Cole Rosengren • Dec. 11, 2019 -
King County Solid Waste
As Washington county pursues one last landfill expansion, WTE could be next
King County’s Cedar Hills landfill is filling up and can just expand once more. Faced with rail export as the only other option, supporters of a new incinerator finally see an opportunity to advance their plans.
Leia Larsen • Nov. 26, 2019 -
Adeline Kon / Waste Dive
Electric trucks may be the future, but waste and recycling market still charging up
Looking to move away from diesel and meet climate goals, a growing number of service providers are in the process of testing out models from coast to coast.
Mary Catherine O'Connor • Nov. 21, 2019 -
Stephanie Anderson
Trouble 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.
Genevieve Glatsky • Nov. 18, 2019 -
Brian Tucker / Waste Dive
How 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.
Cole Rosengren • Nov. 15, 2019 -
Brian Tucker / Waste Dive
Burned by lithium battery surge, recyclers seek solutions
Lithium batteries are increasingly popular because of their powerful punch, but that also makes them a risk when mismanaged. Safety and recycling programs are on the rise to survive the trend.
Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 09, 2019 -
georgeclerk via Getty Images
Who comes out on top if New York passes commercial waste zones?
How many local haulers will be left to win franchise contracts, and whether any new entrants join the fray, all comes down to how legislative negotiations play out.
Cole Rosengren • Oct. 09, 2019 -
Recycling industry split on California bills that pave way for packaging EPR
Major legislation that could reshape how consumer products are designed and recycled far beyond California has become a national focal point for manufacturers, retailers and recyclers alike.
Cole Rosengren • Sept. 13, 2019 -
What's next for California container recycling after rePlanet's closure?
Losing the state's largest recycling center operator in one fell swoop could challenge California's redemption program. Supporters and critics alike offer ideas for stabilization.
Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 28, 2019 -
Genevieve Glatsky
How one island territory is getting creative with upcycling and reuse
The British Virgin Islands experienced recycling challenges long before commodity market shifts. Now, the failure of a critical incinerator has prompted a whole new materials management plan.
Genevieve Glatsky • July 31, 2019 -
Emma Cosgrove
Why are fashion supply chains so wasteful?
Consumer textile waste may be the larger problem, but the pre-consumer supply chain has its own wasteful practices built in to the way garments are designed and produced.
Emma Cosgrove • July 23, 2019 -
Danielle Ternes / Industry Dive
Reduce, reuse, rescoot? A look at e-scooters' long-term sustainability
Scooters are touted as a clean, low-cost form of transportation, but their lifespan is far from sustainable — and their parts could pose a danger to recycling facilities.
Katie Pyzyk • July 17, 2019 -
Elizabeth Regan, Industry Dive
Disputed ground: The future of landfill gas-to-energy
Gas capture at landfills creates electricity and revenue, but also has economic and environmental disadvantages.
Max Witynski • July 12, 2019 -
Brian Tucker
Sorting out the future of mixed paper
Amid the current focus on plastics, market issues for fiber tend to get overshadowed. What does the future hold for all the mail, magazines and small shipping boxes still inundating MRFs?
Mary Catherine O'Connor • June 26, 2019
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