New York approves another increase to commercial waste rates in rare move driven by inflation

Licensed haulers in the five boroughs operate under maximum pricing caps that can remain unchanged for years. The city’s move is a recognition of rising labor, fuel, equipment and disposal costs.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 18, 2022

3 questions with Trash Warrior, the B2B hauling platform used by big brands like Amazon and Instacart

Founder and CEO Lily Shen discussed a recent $8 million funding round and how the San Francisco-based startup is trying to bring reliability, accountability, sustainability and transparency to waste removal tasks.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 17, 2022

Major brands call for access to 800K metric tons of chemically recycled plastic by 2030

Members of the Consumer Goods Forum, such as PepsiCo and Unilever, say better chemical recycling infrastructure will help them meet ambitious packaging goals. Environmentalists say the concept is “greenwashing.”

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 14, 2022

Rubicon founder Nate Morris steps down as CEO soon after taking company public

Phil Rodoni, previously the company’s chief technology officer, has been elevated to the lead role. Rubicon has seen its financial standing decline less than two months after going public.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 14, 2022

California’s expanded bottle bill comes with a hefty price tag

The Container Recycling Institute recently outlined what it will cost to expand California’s bottle bill to include wine and spirits. CRI says some spending is necessary, but the bill could be too costly in the long term.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 12, 2022

EPA can lead the charge for battery recycling to secure our electric future

Call2Recycle CEO Leo Raudys lays out four recommendations around education, infrastructure, handling and labeling for the agency as it distributes historic levels of infrastructure funding.

By Leo Raudys • Oct. 12, 2022

Lawmakers ask EPA to standardize recycling bin labels to reduce consumer confusion

A group of 17 lawmakers sent a letter to the agency urging adoption of a nationwide recycling bin label. Recycle Across America, which backs the effort, said a single design will reduce consumer confusion.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 10, 2022

RoadRunner Recycling buys Compology to scale AI, metering in collection service

RoadRunner, which provides service through third-party haulers, has raised nearly $130 million to date as it scales quickly. Compology’s AI and camera capabilities will expand its data offerings for ESG-driven customers.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 6, 2022

Thailand to ban plastic scrap imports in 2025, following multiple other Asian countries

Thailand’s move will fully take effect by 2025 in an effort to curb plastic pollution. The volumes of U.S. plastic scrap exports to the country had already been declining for multiple years.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 5, 2022

Zero waste should be an important part of climate plans, GAIA urges

Through food waste prevention, single-use plastics bans, robust composting and recycling, and other strategies, the waste sector can support the Paris Agreement’s targeted limit to global warming, a new report said.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 5, 2022

Waste Connections acquires Rogue Disposal & Recycling, notable southern Oregon company

The transaction gives the company a foothold in the region, with a range of franchise hauling operations, a transfer station, composting facility, CNG fueling station and a large landfill.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 5, 2022

EPA action plan details environmental justice efforts across waste programs

A report from the Office of Land and Emergency Management details how the agency will consider disadvantaged communities in projects related to waste and recycling, including through grants from the infrastructure law.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 4, 2022

Where Cyclyx, ExxonMobil, McKinsey and Casella see chemical recycling going next

During a recent MIT event, the CEO of the Cyclyx consortium said waste companies and MRF operators could play a key role in supporting a transition toward chemical recycling.

By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 30, 2022

To fight US plastic pollution, California AG calls for more resources and more accountability

The federal government should act more quickly to address plastic pollution and hold polluters responsible, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said during a recent seminar.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 30, 2022

California’s last 2 WTE facilities under pressure following new state law

Now that jurisdictions can no longer count waste sent to “transformation” facilities toward their recycling targets, Covanta-operated sites in Long Beach and Stanislaus County may see a shift.

By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 29, 2022

Zero waste advocates: California is making strides, but more action needed beyond EPR

Longtime zero waste advocates Ruth Abbe, Rick Anthony and Neil Seldman weigh in on implications from the state’s busy legislative session and how they hope producer responsibility systems can evolve nationally.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 28, 2022

Strategic Materials acquires Ripple Glass, plans to grow collection beyond current Midwest footprint

SMI, North America’s largest glass recycler, sees Ripple as an expert in engaging residents. Started by a Kansas City, Missouri, brewery in 2009, Ripple has since grown to offer services in multiple states.

By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 28, 2022

With more solar panels entering the US waste stream, EPR policy and standards emerge

A Northeast Recycling Council webinar covered how manufacturing and standards must converge to handle this growing material stream. An upcoming EPR program in Washington was highlighted as one example.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 27, 2022

Could plastic beer can carriers be a gateway to the reuse economy?

The HDPE carriers for many craft beers are made from recycled content, but they aren’t widely accepted for curbside recycling. From California to Vermont, people are creating systems to keep them in circulation.

By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 23, 2022

Domino’s and WestRock launch initiative to boost pizza box recycling

Recyclers have debated how to handle the greasy boxes for years, but industry research indicates this may no longer be an issue. The pizza chain and box maker are now asking customers to “Do Their Slice” by recycling.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 22, 2022

How the Inflation Reduction Act is heating up an already active market for critical metals in EV batteries

Domestic sourcing requirements in the law have further highlighted supply gaps in the electric vehicle battery production chain. Experts say recycling is imperative because “we can’t mine our way out of this.”

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 22, 2022

Resurgent recycling market development programs from South Carolina and Goodwill

A recent Southeast Recycling Development Council webinar highlighted “renewed interest” in market opportunities, with a focus on success stories that have emereged from creative business partnerships.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 21, 2022

Jackson, Mississippi, water crisis prompts PET bottle surge and recycling efforts

The city has been inundated with water bottles but lacks a recycling program. As studied in Flint, Michigan, emergency response groups may not always consider waste management issues in their advance planning.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 21, 2022

Council hearing features ideas to boost New York City’s stagnant diversion rate

During a public hearing on Tuesday, residents urged the Department of Sanitation to direct more time and resources to organics programs, education efforts and outreach to overlooked communities.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 21, 2022

US Plastics Pact launches program to boost reuse and refill concepts

Members of the brand-backed group aim to make their plastic packaging 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025, but the current scope of U.S. reuse systems remains limited.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 20, 2022