Demand for recycled plastic in packaging is growing. So are concerns about potential health risks.

Recent studies have raised questions about health effects from plastic, including recycled material, as companies and regulators increasingly look at ways to advance the use of recycled resin in food-grade packaging.

By April Reese • June 28, 2023

Electronics recycler Sunnking sees a new Smithsonian exhibit as a platform for consumer awareness

The company lent about 300 old phones to the museum, hoping to bring attention to the importance of electronic recycling and repair.

By Megan Quinn • June 28, 2023

Explore the Trendline➔

The Rise of Recycling AI

Artificial intelligence has become increasingly common at MRFs, in collection trucks and even as a tool for consumer education at the point of generation.

By Waste Dive staff

Closed Loop and Balcones Resources to operate new MRF in Toledo, Ohio

Final terms aren’t yet set, but Balcones is expected to receive, process and market recyclables at the facility that is scheduled to be built in 2025. Tetra Tech will design the MRF.

By Megan Quinn • June 23, 2023

CG Roxane launches second in-house rPET plant to supply bottled water operations

The company also upped its bottles’ minimum recycled content to 50%, which is expected to save nearly 33,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 20, 2023

Rhode Island legislature supports restricting foam containers, mini alcohol bottles

The House and Senate passed bills as the legislative session wrapped up, with potential implications for certain plastic containers.

By Maria Rachal • June 20, 2023

Keter Environmental set to merge with Waste Harmonics in latest broker deal

The two tech-focused companies, which provide service via third-party haulers, announced plans to combine in a pending transaction. Private equity firm TPG is leading the deal.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated June 16, 2023

Plastics manufacturing, environmental justice interests spar at Senate hearing

Curbing plastics production and disposal is the only way to alleviate the material's health impacts, EJ advocates said, but business representatives called halting production unrealistic and harmful for jobs and the economy.

By Megan Quinn • June 16, 2023

Oscar Pocket app aims to ‘democratize’ recycling information with AI and input from the industry

Canadian tech developer Intuitive AI wants to make recycling less confusing with its newest chat-based app. It’s seeking feedback from the recycling industry and brands to make its technology better.

By Megan Quinn • June 14, 2023

Coastal Waste & Recycling acquired by Macquarie fund in recapitalization deal

The Florida-based company has grown to more than 800 employees since it launched through a partnership with Summer Street Capital Partners in 2017.

By Cole Rosengren • June 13, 2023

DOE announces $192M for battery recycling, including a focus on consumer electronics

Rapid growth in the U.S. lithium battery market is being driven by growing adoption of electric vehicles and the need for stationary storage, the U.S. Department of Energy said.

By Robert Walton • June 13, 2023

Casella Waste to acquire New York-based Twin Bridges in $219M deal

Casella’s second major acquisition planned this year aims to enhance the company’s New York presence and add high-tech MRF and transfer station assets to its portfolio.

By Megan Quinn • June 13, 2023

Momentum may be slowing for new packaging EPR laws in 2023, but states still pursue study bills

Four states enacted extended producer responsibility for packaging laws in the past two years, though 2023 may not see similar activity. Follow the latest outcomes from Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland and New York.

By Cole Rosengren • June 12, 2023

EPR for packaging bill fails to pass in New York before legislative deadline

Despite last-minute changes meant to drum up support, the bill did not make it to a vote. An amended bottle bill update and a mattress EPR bill also failed to pass before the end of the session.

By Megan Quinn • June 12, 2023

Houston, DOJ reach settlement over alleged environmental justice violations in illegal dumping case

Houston will implement a $17.8 million cleanup plan and undergo federal monitoring and training, among other agreements. Some residents applauded the development, but others worry it won’t lead to long-term changes. 

By Megan Quinn • June 9, 2023

Contentious Connecticut waste and recycling bill heads to governor’s desk, without EPR

Legislators cut packaging EPR details from a sweeping bill that includes requirements for recycled content and organics diversion, as well as initial plans for new in-state processing capacity.

By Megan Quinn • June 8, 2023

Stellantis forms joint venture for end-of-life vehicle recycling

The company will partner with Belgium-based recycling company Galloo to recover used vehicles and components from automakers for reuse, recycling and remanufacturing.

By Eric Walz • June 8, 2023

Massachusetts to consider numerous packaging-related bills, with a focus on plastic reduction

A recent National Caucus of Environmental Legislators forum in Boston sought to garner support for a bill that would limit the sale of plastic carryout bags, food service ware, water bottles, miniature alcohol bottles and more.

By Cole Rosengren • June 7, 2023

Recycling stakeholders report minor progress in second round of UN plastic pollution talks

Recyclers, plastic industry groups and environmentalists agree that plastic pollution must end, but UN talks in Paris show that groups still disagree on the path to get there. A draft agreement won’t be ready until November.

By Megan Quinn , Maria Rachal • June 7, 2023

Harsco, now Enviri, looks to growth in Clean Earth business and sale of rail to recover from tough year

Harsco, a 170-year-old company, is rebranding to Enviri as it looks to double down on environmental solutions and dig itself out of a debt hole.

By Jacob Wallace • June 7, 2023

GFL closes sale of Colorado assets to Republic; its Casella divestiture gets DOJ approval

GFL Environmental expects to complete its broader divestiture campaign by the end of June, netting gross proceeds of about $1.6 million (Canadian). This specific package covers Denver and other key Colorado markets.

By Jacob Wallace • June 5, 2023

Numerous waste and recycling bills, including right-to-repair and EPR for EV batteries, still in play in California

A right to repair bill, plus a bottle bill update and a hauler work stoppage bill, survived a key legislative crossover deadline.

By Megan Quinn • Updated June 7, 2023

EPA memo clarifies handling and permitting requirements for end-of-life lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion battery disposal should be managed as hazardous waste, according to the U.S. EPA — a clarification it said is needed as more of the batteries are produced and more companies expand to manage the end-of-life material.

By Megan Quinn • June 2, 2023

AMP Robotics settles into new Colorado headquarters as it eyes future MRF tech and AI plans

AMP recently moved into its nearly 84,000-square-foot headquarters with plans to ramp up innovation and get more involved in both primary and secondary sorting. CEO Matanya Horowitz outlined future plans during a recent tour.

By Megan Quinn • May 31, 2023

General Mills, Horizon Organic to add QR codes with location-specific recycling information

The Recycling Partnership’s new tool is meant to provide location-specific information and complement existing labeling programs, namely GreenBlue’s How2Recycle and the Consumer Brands Association’s SmartLabel.

By Maria Rachal • May 31, 2023

Closed Loop Partners fund gets $10M investment for PE, PP recycling initiatives

The investment from Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. comes amid national discussions over how to handle less commonly recycled plastics such as flexibles and film.

By Megan Quinn • May 30, 2023