Recycling


  • Waste and recycling bins in Montgomery County, Maryland
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    Megan Quinn/Waste Dive
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    Maryland late on EPR recommendations, continuing work into 2025

    The advisory council says it needs information from a recycling needs assessment to move forward on extended producer responsibility for packaging legislation recommendations that were originally due Dec. 1.

    By Dec. 11, 2024
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    Spencer Platt via Getty Images
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    Aluminum can recycling in US at lowest point in decades: report

    A 2030 target to achieve a 70% aluminum beverage can recycling rate is unachievable based on the current state of U.S. recycling systems and policies, the Can Manufacturers Institute and Aluminum Association reported.

    By Updated Dec. 11, 2024
  • The state capitol in Augusta, Maine
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    aimintang via Getty Images
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    Maine adopts final rules for EPR for packaging law

    The finalized rules come after months of public comments and stakeholder meetings. Certain stakeholders voiced concerns over costs, and some waste groups questioned a disposal reimbursement provision.

    By , Dec. 6, 2024
  • Maura Healey, seated at a table, holds up a climate law, surrounded by a group of people clapping.
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    Retrieved from X.
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    Massachusetts governor signs law to form EPR commission for packaging, other categories

    A special commission, led by the state’s Department of Environmental Protection, will report back to the legislature by early 2026. It marks incremental progress in a state known for legislative inaction on waste issues.

    By Dec. 5, 2024
  • Large bundles of plastic bags, cans and milk containers await processing at a recycling center.
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    shaunl via Getty Images
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    California PRO names former CalRecycle director as state lead

    Rachel Wagoner, former director of CalRecycle, will become CAA’s executive director for the state, where she will help oversee the rollout of an EPR for packaging law.

    By Dec. 5, 2024
  • A pile of older cell phone devices
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    Chris Jackson via Getty Images
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    Textile takeback company Trashie expands into electronics recycling

    The textile processing company, which rewards consumers who send in old clothing, sees fast-growing opportunities in the electronics recycling sector.

    By Dec. 4, 2024
  • Bottles of Coca-Cola products are displayed on a store shelf on July 14, 2023 in New York City.
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    Spencer Platt via Getty Images
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    Coca-Cola lowers ambition with new 2035 packaging sustainability targets

    The new goals cover packaging design and collection. The move follows an August statement that it was “behind plan” to meet certain 2030 goals.

    By Dec. 3, 2024
  • A close-up of baled recycled plastics
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    Courtesy of Eastman
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    Kansas county sues major plastic producers, alleging deceptive recycling messaging

    A class-action lawsuit from Ford County, Kansas, alleges that the American Chemistry Council, Eastman, Chevron, ExxonMobil and LyondellBasell lied about plastic recycling efforts. ACC calls the allegations “meritless.”

    By Dec. 3, 2024
  • Autoworkers assemble a battery pack for an electric vehicle at the Volkswagen Group's assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
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    Courtesy of Volkswagen Group
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    Tennessee university to receive DOE funding for EV battery recycling project

    Tennessee Tech University will develop a mobile preprocessing hub for EV batteries as part of a $4.8 million federal grant. It’s part of a larger effort to improve EV battery recycling economics, a priority for the Biden administration.

    By Dec. 2, 2024
  • Textile, clothing
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    Aziz Shamuratov via Getty Images
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    How to build circularity for PET, polyester textiles: study

    The study, commissioned by Eastman and conducted by Systemiq with input from The Recycling Partnership and Closed Loop Partners, promotes a range of EPR, reuse, and chemical and mechanical recycling improvements.

    By Nov. 27, 2024
  • Equipment at ExxonMobil's advanced recycling facility in Baytown, Texas
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    Courtesy of ExxonMobil
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    ExxonMobil, other chemical recyclers announce latest investments and partnerships

    ExxonMobil announced expansion plans and joint ventures in Texas, including with Cyclyx; PureCycle hopes a new sorting facility will address its ongoing financial woes; and Alterra will license its technology.

    By Nov. 26, 2024
  • a forklift lifts construction materials
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    Courtesy of WM
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    Shutdown of WM-backed site for roofing boards from recycled materials still murky

    Continuus Materials, which received a joint venture investment from WM and Tailwater Capital, was once touted as a promising new end market for cartons. 

    By Nov. 25, 2024
  • Man wearing a suit speaking into a microphone while seated
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    Kevin Dietsch via Getty Images
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    EPA calls for developing national EPR framework

    The agency released the finalized National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution on Thursday, as the international community seeks to finish negotiating a legally binding agreement on plastic pollution.

    By , Nov. 22, 2024
  • The exterior of US EPA headquarters in Washington, DC
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    crbellette via Getty Images
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    3 takeaways from the US EPA’s latest PFAS progress report

    The year’s major regulatory updates and plans for possible future rulemaking are among the highlights of the agency’s annual progress report.

    By Nov. 21, 2024
  • Plastic water bottle caps on display at WasteExpo
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    Megan Quinn/Waste Dive
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    EMF global commitment signatories make progress on recycled content, lag on plastic reduction

    While applauding progress in areas like postconsumer recycled content in packaging, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s 2024 global commitment progress report notes that reusable packaging “remains niche.”

    By Nov. 20, 2024
  • A group cuts a ribbon in front of a recycling facility
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    Courtesy of WM
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    WM, Waste Connections and Rumpke celebrate MRF openings and upgrades

    Florida, Ohio, Illinois and Pennsylvania facilities are among those that showcase advanced equipment meant to collect more material and promote safety.

    By Nov. 20, 2024
  • Two senators speak behind a dais
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    Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images via Getty Images
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    Trade groups urge US House to pass recycling infrastructure, data bills

    A broad coalition of organizations are giving a final push to the bills as one of the lead co-sponsors, Sen. Tom Carper, prepares to retire. Both bills have already passed the Senate.

    By Nov. 20, 2024
  • AMP Robotics system at MRF
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    Courtesy of AMP Robotics
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    Waste Connections to build its first MRF in Colorado in partnership with AMP

    The automated MRF, designed to respond to the state's changing recycling landscape due to EPR, will include AMP’s AI-powered equipment.

    By Nov. 18, 2024
  • A group stands next to a recycling drop-off point
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    Courtesy of Replenysh
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    America Recycles Day 2024: News from Biden, WM and more

    President Biden touted national recycling efforts in a proclamation. Plus, WM, The Recycling Partnership, Can Manufacturers Institute, Every Bottle Back, Eco-Cycle, Recycled Materials Association and others shared news.

    By Nov. 15, 2024
  • Donald Trump and Lee Zeldin seated at a Delaware County, Pennsylvania, campaign stop in front of a backdrop that says "America's Future Tour."
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    Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
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    Waste, packaging leaders react to Trump’s pick of Zeldin to lead EPA

    Former Rep. Lee Zeldin previously voted in support of some PFAS regulations but largely voted against other environmental bills. SWANA, NWRA, packaging groups, former EPA staff and others weighed in on the pick.

    By , Nov. 15, 2024
  • Two people in safety gear at an outdoor recycling facility in New Mexico
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    Permission granted by New Mexico Recycling Coalition
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    Deep Dive

    EPA grant recipients share what it takes to make rural recycling work

    The Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling program has directed millions to rural areas around the country. Professionals from Alaska, Missouri, New Mexico and Virginia share tips for success.

    By Leslie Nemo • Nov. 13, 2024
  • Upside down recycling cart in foreground, Boston City Hall in background
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    Cole Rosengren/Waste Dive
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    Boston requests new waste and recycling ideas ahead of 2027 contract expirations

    Collection and disposal, waste prevention and recycling, data and analytics, and policy and behavior change are among the topics for which the city wants input. It reupped many existing contracts to buy more time to craft RFPs.

    By Nov. 13, 2024
  • A pile of textile waste.
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    Stock via Getty Images
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    Textile recycling efforts pick up steam in LA, New York and beyond

    WM, Goodwill and researchers in California and New York are working on sortation pilots, partnerships with apparel companies and research projects to gain insight into material flows.

    By Nov. 13, 2024
  • AMP Robotics carton sorting equipment
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    Courtesy of AMP Robotics
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    AMP names former Republic exec as new CEO

    Tim Stuart will step into the role as founder Matanya Horowitz transitions to chief technology officer. The AI robotics company has expanded its offerings in recent years to include facility design.

    By Nov. 12, 2024
  • A line of garbage trucks lined up
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    The image by Kris Arnold is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
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    Major waste companies spent $1.45B on Q3 M&A, up from modest Q2

    Waste Connections spent the most in Q3 and is on track for an annual company record in 2024, while North American industry peers reported plans to focus on tuck-ins or ease off major spending.

    By , Nov. 11, 2024