AI study on polypropylene in MRF streams launched by Closed Loop, Greyparrot

Balcones, Cougles, Rumpke and Eureka will participate in the study. Closed Loop and a group of brands known as the NextGen Consortium want more information on the volume and value of food-grade PP in MRF streams.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 11, 2023

With on-truck AI, haulers are no longer blind

On-truck camera systems and optical artificial intelligence (AI) now provide visibility on every lift. And with this vision, haulers can now address overflow and contamination issues effectively.

Sept. 11, 2023

WM’s sustainability report shows progress on GHG emissions reduction, diversity

The company’s most recent report, which reflects newer metrics it first published in 2022, shows progress on reducing Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions aligned with SBTi requirements. WM made less progress on its materials recovery goal due to construction on recycling facility upgrades.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 7, 2023

Miami-Dade County commissioners approve fee increase after multiple votes, demand waste plan

Commissioners’ initial vote to reject a fee increase in the Florida county was motivated by broader frustrations about the lack of a comprehensive solid waste plan from the mayor.

By Jacob Wallace • Updated Sept. 15, 2023

Ameripen, ACC talk intersection of chemical recycling, EPR

Chemical recyclers should participate in the legislative process as more EPR for packaging legislation comes down the pike, speakers at the Advanced Recycling Summit said.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 6, 2023

California legislative snapshot: Right-to-repair, labor dispute bill, bottle bill expansion still on table

California’s legislative session ends Sept. 14, and a handful of waste and recycling bills are still inching toward a final vote. EPR bills for textiles and solar panels are among those that will be carried over into 2024.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 6, 2023

Taming the wild west of environmental marketing: A Green Guides history

More than 30 years after state attorneys general pushed for scrutiny of marketing claims, the packaging landscape is as complicated as ever, and opinions vary about whether the guides served their original purpose.

By Mary Catherine O'Connor • Updated Sept. 6, 2023

Recycling in diverse communities requires nuanced outreach, Recycling Partnership guide says

The new resource offers a starting point for recycling outreach coordinators to make programs more equitable, but it acknowledges that effective programs require long-term commitment and diverse strategies.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 5, 2023

Redwood Materials raises $1B for battery recycling efforts

The Series D funding round comes months after the company announced a $2 billion loan from the federal government to help build and expand its Nevada plant. 

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 1, 2023

D.C. set to launch curbside composting pilot program in September

The pilot program aims to make composting more convenient for Washington, D.C., residents and help the city meet its 80% by 2032 diversion goal.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 31, 2023

Container redemption rate stayed flat in most states with bottle bills

Redemption rates in most states with bottle bills didn’t change much between 2021 and 2022, but the Container Recycling Institute says stagnant rates could be improved by updating programs. 

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 30, 2023

With EPA enforcement on PFAS coming, waste groups call for focus upstream

The waste industry hopes the U.S. EPA’s new enforcement initiative for PFAS is a small step in reducing PFAS-containing items at waste sites, but it still wants to be protected from certain liability.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 30, 2023

4 state right-to-repair efforts to watch now that Apple supports California bill

Apple's about-face after long opposing right-to-repair bills gives advocates hope for progress in other states with pending bills, including Massachusetts, Michigan and Pennsylvania.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 29, 2023

3 developments on SB 1383 that could spur progress for California communities

More than 18 months after SB 1383 took effect, California jurisdictions are still working to get on track with organic diversion and procurement targets. 

By Jacob Wallace • Aug. 28, 2023

PFAS packaging alternatives are on the rise as regulatory pressure mounts

Multiple new replacements that can repel grease and moisture are emerging, but details on what they are made of, or which ones are gaining favor, remain limited.

By April Reese • Aug. 25, 2023

Starbucks and Turn Systems’ reusable cup pilot aims for waste reduction

This is the coffee giant’s largest reusables test program so far, and findings could pave the way for a fully scaled, permanent program.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 23, 2023

Recycling groups weigh in on Oregon EPR law details

Ameripen, ACC, AF&PA, The Recycling Partnership and others call for Oregon’s EPR law to expand its statewide collection list, adjust expectations for certain collection rates and clarify how “responsible end markets” are determined.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 23, 2023

How real-time data reshaped Houston’s solid waste department

Technology is making the city more responsive and efficient for its more than 2.3 million residents.

Aug. 21, 2023

CPGs, brands respond to EPA’s draft plastic pollution prevention strategy

PepsiCo, American Beverage, the Consumer Brands Association and others weighed in on defining key terms like “single-use,” EPR policies, recycled content research and more.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 16, 2023

Reusable cup systems gain scale through city and venue partnerships

Companies such as r.Cup and Turn Systems are seeing increased uptake for their products, often made from polypropylene, that can potentially be recirculated hundreds of times.

By Lela Nargi • Aug. 16, 2023

DTG Recycle CEO Vaughn steps down, founder takes on new role

The departure of longtime executive Tom Vaughn comes amid an eventful period of acquisitions, layoffs and landfill investments for the Macquarie-backed company.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 15, 2023

Louisiana has ‘significant opportunities’ to improve recycling

Strong end markets in the Gulf Coast region are a boon for recyclers, but lack of access and infrastructure stands in the way of better recycling rates, The Recycling Partnership and the Louisiana Recycling Coalition say.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 14, 2023

OCC recycling rate reaches 93% — depending on who you ask

Alternative calculations questioned these results. AF&PA stands by its numbers, despite criticism from industry experts, and introduced a new recycling rate that accounts for global trade changes.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 11, 2023

LRS gets $3M investment from beverage industry for container collection at its new MRF

American Beverage and Closed Loop Partners say the investment will boost the “quality and quantity” of containers recovered at a recently opened Chicago MRF known as The Exchange.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 11, 2023

Large waste companies spent nearly $2B on acquisitions through Q2

WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental and Casella Waste Systems recently reported spending totals and shared M&A outlooks for the rest of 2023.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 10, 2023