In case you missed it: Thoughtful, newsworthy comments from industry professionals, consumers and legislators.
"We have to put some sensibility into the system. Consumers hate throwing away food, but they don't know when they should and when they shouldn't."
— Maine Congresswoman Chellie Pingree on a new bill to help farmers, retailers, restaurants, and schools waste less food. The bill will help the USDA and EPA reach its 50% food waste reduction goal by 2030.
"We understand the unique challenges and blind spots created by refuse trucks. Our products assist drivers in facing these challenges as they navigate alleys, busy streets, and tight turns."
—Sense Technologies CEO Bruce Schreiner on the company's announcement to enter the waste industry with new safety technologies for trucks. Schreiner explained that the company's technologies are aimed at "saving lives with affordable solutions."
"There is just too much supply ... In the past, when demand lagged, it was easy to turn off the supply. It's hard to turn off the spigot of municipal recycling programs. If you're recycling, it's a good thing, and it's also bad if the end-market demand is not there."
—NWRA Director of Policy Chaz Miller on the current state of recycling markets. Miller explained to the State Journal Register that low energy costs have driven down the costs of many recyclables.
"The Appellate Division’s decision to deny the city’s request further proves what we have been saying all along: foam products can and should be recycled in New York City ... By allowing foam recycling to move forward, the city will save hundreds of jobs and bring in millions of dollars in savings, while doing what’s best for the environment."
—Dart Container Corporate Director of Recycling Programs Michael Westerfield in a statement regarding a decision to deny the overturn of a Styrofoam ban in New York City.
"Unfortunately, we are losing smaller companies that would be able to bid and give more of an opportunity for a municipality to get a better rate."
— Delray Beach City Commissioner Shelly Petrolia on Waste Management's pending acquisition of Southern Waste Systems. Waste Management will retain personnel and equipment from SWS, while keeping routes the same.
"Preventing homeless (or drunk) people from going to sleep in a dumpster is difficult, and to hear them over the noise generated by the truck is equally challenging ... Drivers and helpers should keep their eyes and ears open for a possible person in the dumpster when the container is lifted and dumped."
— NWRA Safety Director John Haudenshield in a recent statement regarding the issues associated with people sleeping in dumpsters. This week, a California man was dumped into a trash truck from a dumpster and survived two compactions before climbing out.