Recycling
-
Megan Quinn/Waste Dive
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 Megan Quinn • Dec. 11, 2024 -
Spencer Platt via Getty Images
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 Maria Rachal • Updated Dec. 11, 2024 -
aimintang via Getty Images
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 Cole Rosengren , Megan Quinn • Dec. 6, 2024 -
Retrieved from X.
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 Cole Rosengren • Dec. 5, 2024 -
shaunl via Getty Images
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 Maria Rachal • Dec. 5, 2024 -
Chris Jackson via Getty Images
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 Megan Quinn • Dec. 4, 2024 -
Spencer Platt via Getty Images
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 Maria Rachal • Dec. 3, 2024 -
Courtesy of Eastman
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 Megan Quinn • Dec. 3, 2024 -
Courtesy of Volkswagen Group
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 Megan Quinn • Dec. 2, 2024 -
Aziz Shamuratov via Getty Images
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 Megan Quinn • Nov. 27, 2024 -
Courtesy of ExxonMobil
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 Megan Quinn • Nov. 26, 2024 -
Courtesy of WM
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 Megan Quinn • Nov. 25, 2024 -
Kevin Dietsch via Getty Images
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 Maria Rachal , Megan Quinn • Nov. 22, 2024 -
crbellette via Getty Images
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 Megan Quinn • Nov. 21, 2024 -
Megan Quinn/Waste Dive
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 Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 20, 2024 -
Courtesy of WM
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 Megan Quinn • Nov. 20, 2024 -
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images via Getty Images
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 Jacob Wallace • Nov. 20, 2024 -
Courtesy of AMP Robotics
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 Megan Quinn • Nov. 18, 2024 -
Courtesy of Replenysh
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 Megan Quinn • Nov. 15, 2024 -
Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
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 Megan Quinn , Maria Rachal • Nov. 15, 2024 -
Permission granted by New Mexico Recycling Coalition
Deep DiveEPA 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 -
Cole Rosengren/Waste Dive
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 Cole Rosengren • Nov. 13, 2024 -
Stock via Getty Images
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 Megan Quinn • Nov. 13, 2024 -
Courtesy of AMP Robotics
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 Megan Quinn • Nov. 12, 2024 -
The image by Kris Arnold is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
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 Megan Quinn , Jacob Wallace • Nov. 11, 2024
