Florida county to temporarily ban composting facilities

The ban was triggered by CompostUSA’s plan to divert rotting garbage from landfill. While the plan was appealing at first, officials changed their perspective after close examination.

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 14, 2016

Ocean Conservancy report: 60% of plastic trash in oceans comes from 5 countries

"We now have the best, most comprehensive assessment of trash and plastic waste on some of our most iconic marine wildlife," said Nicholas Mallos, director of the Trash Free Seas Program at Ocean Conservancy.

By Arlene Karidis • Updated July 22, 2022

Wastequip launches new dry waste compactor for commercial use

The new 245IP Precision Series Compactor is the third model in the company’s compactor line, following 265XP and 26IP.

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 14, 2016

New York recycling firm faces $119K in fines following injuries

“The company knew programs needed to be in place to address and prevent these hazards, yet did not provide required and adequate safeguards," said Anthony Ciuffio, OSHA’s area director for Long Island, NY.

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 13, 2016

Ontario region invests in anaerobic digestion to reach diversion goal

Peel now diverts about 46% of its solid waste from the landfill but, after the anaerobic digester system launches in 2021, the region hopes to bump its diversion rate to 60%.

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 13, 2016

Philadelphia mandates garbage disposals to tackle food waste

The requirement will allow Philadelphia to target 10% of its residential waste, generate renewable energy, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 13, 2016

Indiana city launches 'Simple Recycling' program for household items

The curbside recycling program — which will accept clothing, bedding, small appliances, and other household items — is the first of its kind in the state.

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 12, 2016

Scranton, PA hires consultant to improve recycling program

The city will be sending letters to businesses and institutions, notifying them they are required to report their recycling efforts.

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 11, 2016

Indiana politicians propose nixing public sector waste services

Sen. Luke Kenley suggested that private companies can assume the roles that solid waste districts have and enable cities to earn revenue while lowering property taxes.

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 11, 2016

Central Ohio works to boost recycling, prevent landfill expansion

SWACO Executive Director Ty Marsh said he inherited an organization that needed a change in culture and management, which required cleaning house.

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 11, 2016

Sims Recycling Solutions to close Maryland e-waste plant

Sims is retaining local customers, but will send their materials to the Chicago and Nashville plants for processing.

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 8, 2016

Holiday trash leads to 20% waste increase at Recology facility

From Thanksgiving to New Year's Day, household waste increases by more than 25%.

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 7, 2016

Oregon recycling rates dropped in 2014: report

Senate Bill 263 sets a 52% recovery goal for 2020, which will climb to 55% in 2025.

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 7, 2016

New Orleans glass recycling program gets 1% participation

While the city's sanitation director describes the new program as in its infancy, she was dismayed with the low participation levels and thinks the city can do better under the right conditions.

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 7, 2016

Connecticut DEEP awards $60K in recycling grants

"These communities are taking advantage of DEEP’s resources to further reduce the volume of trash we dispose of, conserve natural resources and find value in our waste stream," said Commissioner Robert Klee.

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 7, 2016

North Carolina becomes second state to partner with WRAP

The Wrap Action Recycling Program (WRAP) supports states, municipalities, and retailers in operating plastic film recycling drop-off programs.

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 6, 2016

Universal Recycling Technologies cited for illegal mercury dumping

URT has not admitted to any of the allegations, though a company spokesperson did speak up on New Hampshire’s high recycling standards, which he said will require the company to relocate its fluorescent recycling business.

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 6, 2016

California adopts five new organics recycling laws

The new composting laws are intended to help California move toward its 75% recycling goal by 2020, and to measure its progress as it reaches for this objective.

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 6, 2016

California becomes second state to join Bye Bye Mattress recycling program

The Mattress Recycling Council program will create jobs and help municipalities save money, according to CalRecycle Director Scott Smithline.

By Kristin Musulin • Jan. 5, 2016

New Jersey awards $14.3M in grants to local recycling programs

In 2013, the state recycled more than half of its waste – 12 million tons from a total of 21 million tons that was generated.

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 5, 2016

RES Polyflow opens plastics waste-to-energy facility in Indiana

Both RES Polyflow and the state of Indiana are counting on capitalizing on the plant, which the company plans to make a Midwest hub.

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 5, 2016

Triumvirate Environmental is transforming medical waste into plastic lumber

“Medical stuff tends to be heavily packaged and the packaging is, for the most part, plastic. And for the most part, good plastic that can be used,” said Triumvirate CEO John McQuillan.

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 4, 2016

How the recycling industry is fighting the whims of commodities' markets

As the industry faces devalued materials and high operation costs, companies are looking toward allocated risks and new markets to stay profitable. 

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 4, 2016

Pennsylvania county cancels e-cycling program due to state law

A 2010 state law, Act 108, has made it economically impossible for recyclers to handle the volume of e-waste generated, according to the York County Solid Waste Authority.

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 4, 2016

Free plastic bag ban now effective in Sacramento, CA

More than a third of Californians are now subject to a plastic bag ban, including residents in Davis, Chico, Truckee, Nevada City, and South Lake Tahoe.

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 4, 2016