Timeline: How China has reshaped US recycling

A look back at some of Waste Dive's top coverage since July 2017, with ongoing updates about new coverage and industry resources.

By Cole Rosengren • July 18, 2018

Closed Loop Partners CEO talks infrastructure investments in light of National Sword

CEO Ron Gonen says China's actions are an industry blip, but cleaner bales and investments have long-term benefits.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 17, 2018

Boston consultants identify 19 initiatives to make it a 'zero waste' city

Organics collection, a SMART residential fee system, new commercial separation mandates and potential city-owned facilities are among the list of draft options being considered ahead of a fall plan.

By Cole Rosengren • July 17, 2018

Aldi adopts recycling label across its store brands

The How2Recycle label states which products can be recycled and what steps consumers need to take to properly divert each item.

By Krishna Thakker • July 13, 2018

Sacramento, California drops mixed plastics from curbside program

The city's processor, Waste Management, will also no longer allow plastic foam or shredded paper in the wake of China's import restrictions. 

By Jordan Schultz • July 12, 2018

Starbucks continues sustainability announcements with UK cup surcharge

The news arrives after a highly publicized plan to eliminate straws, but the company's work on figuring out what to do with disposable cups remains.

By Cole Rosengren • July 10, 2018

California judge denies petition to stop $120M Waste Management facility

The proposed mixed waste facility would include both composting and anaerobic digestion for material coming from Oakland.

By Jake Thomas • July 3, 2018

Recycling Partnership expands Denver, Colorado aluminum recycling initiative

Building on a previous pilot, the city now hopes to achieve a recycling and composting rate of 34% by 2020. 

By Jordan Schultz • July 3, 2018

Closed Loop Partners: $43M invested in 28 projects to date

The venture firm's portfolio now includes projects in 19 states and three countries as it works to invest $100 million by 2020.

By Jordan Schultz • July 2, 2018

China's scrap ban demands new game plans for steel companies

In an earnings call, Oregon-based Schnitzer Steel cited uncertainty about China's latest scrap ban on shipments.

By Nicole Ault • June 29, 2018

4 takeaways from the new Chinese import ban plastics study

The study provides insight on impacts of the ban and recommendations to deal with a long-term industry transformation.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 27, 2018

Thailand temporarily stops plastic, e-scrap imports

The move is temporary, but the country's Department of Industrial Works is said to be working toward a permanent ban.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 26, 2018

Fiberight, CP Group CEOs: Why new Maine project is built for this market moment

Craig Stuart-Paul and Terry Schneider provide the latest updates on a long-awaited Maine facility and what comes next.

By Cole Rosengren • June 25, 2018

'Beyond 34' report outlines ways to boost national recycling rate

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation initiative worked with Orlando as a test case, which has led to recommendations for other municipalities who aim to improve recycling rates, highlighting the positive impact on local economies.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 22, 2018

Pennsylvania MRF to become one of first to take flexible packaging

The Materials Recovery for the Future initiative has partnered with J.P. Mascaro & Sons to launch this high-profile pilot, which according to Resource Recycling Systems, will process the fastest-growing form of packaging.

By Jake Thomas • June 22, 2018

California recycling centers form new trade group in fight for survival

Protect CRV will help organize and advocate for a sector of the industry that has seen hundreds of closures in recent years.

By Cole Rosengren • June 21, 2018

Recycling Perks' Bill Dempsey: 'trash and recycling is local'

Given the upheaval in the recycling industry, Dempsey's company looks to improve efficiencies through localizing programs through partnering with businesses, nonprofits and community outreach.

By Jordan Schultz • June 20, 2018

State bill could relax California recycling requirements due to China impact

The latest version of AB 3108, progressing through the senate, would allow CalRecycle to factor in market effects when assessing compliance with state recycling targets.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 19, 2018

Recycling in Pensacola, Florida to resume in July after 9-month lapse

The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority MRF is stepping in after months of material being disposed without public knowledge.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 19, 2018

New technology to reduce food waste at grocery retailers

Apeel Sciences is debuting its plant-based film to slow the rate of spoilage at the warehouse club and Harps Food Stores — a discovery that could help curtail food waste.

By Krishna Thakker • June 19, 2018

Why Nebraska's biggest MRF is done with commercial single-stream

First Star Recycling's recent policy change is aimed at preserving cardboard quality, but may also inspire broader changes in the Omaha market.

By Cole Rosengren • June 15, 2018

Vermont temporarily eases recycling and organics requirements

The state will allow mixed paper disposal until 2019 and has pushed back implementation of a residential organics collection requirement yet again.

By Cole Rosengren • June 14, 2018

US recycling businesses recognized as 'Best for the World'

B Lab recognized Rubicon Global, Recycle Track Systems and Recyclebank among the certified B Corps honored for 2018, with the goal that someday all companies would strive to achieve such status.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 13, 2018

US, Japan abstain from Ocean Plastics Charter, reactions vary

Leaders devised action plans for increasing plastics' recyclability and cleaning up coastlines, but opinions on the charter and its effectiveness vary widely. 

By Katie Pyzyk • June 12, 2018

More Idaho cities join Boise for specialty mixed plastics recovery

A newly launched regional program is being watched closely by the packaging industry, plastics processors and environmental groups.

By Cole Rosengren • June 11, 2018