Biden's Build Back Better is an opportunity for organics recyclers

Jeremy Brosowsky, CEO of Agricity, makes the case for why food waste reduction and composting should be a key part of the next administration's economic recovery and climate change efforts.

By Jeremy Brosowsky • Nov. 17, 2020

Recology COO discusses how the West Coast company is weathering a year of wildfires, pandemic disruptions

Sal Coniglio – recently promoted to one of the company's top jobs – talks future plans, COVID-19 business effects and how previous fires taught the company to stock up on masks.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 11, 2020

MassRecycle: Municipalities pursue private sector solutions while awaiting new state policies

The state recycling sector's annual conference featured underlying themes of pandemic effects and anticipation of upcoming regulatory changes. New waste bans and extended producer responsibility policies are under discussion.

By Karine Vann • Nov. 4, 2020

How the 2020 election could impact the waste and recycling industry

The outcome could affect major issues like climate change, PFAS, taxes, M&A, recycling policies and more. 

By E.A. Crunden • Nov. 2, 2020

Home soda machines reveal circular economy potential — and limitations — during pandemic

With beverage brands looking to reduce their plastic footprint, options like SodaStream could gain market share. A new partnership with TOMRA aims to resolve recent issues exchanging the CO2 cylinders that make it possible.

By Karine Vann • Updated Oct. 29, 2020

RTS acquires organics recycler and circular product manufacturer Ambrosia

The deal includes Ambrosia's processing facility in New Jersey, making RTS vertically integrated for organics in the New York metro area. Future facilities will be considered in other markets.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 22, 2020

Caps and pumps: Johnson & Johnson's packaging changes put it on the path to a circular supply chain

J&J's Healthy Lives Mission includes conversion to 100% recyclable, reusable or compostable plastic, and recycled paper and pulp-based materials by 2025.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • Updated Oct. 16, 2020

Texas conference highlights growing PFAS, environmental justice concerns

Speakers at the 2020 Texas Recycling and Composting Summit covered PFAS contamination in biosolids, a state market development study, racial issues in the industry and more.

By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 13, 2020

New guidelines aim to address labeling confusion for compostable packaging

The Biodegradable Products Institute will offer manufacturers input on labeling and identification strategies — addressing a long-running problem for organics diversion and an uptick in legislative attention.

By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 5, 2020

Reloop launches North American division to shake up circular economy policy progress

Elizabeth Balkan, formerly of the Natural Resources Defense Council and New York's Department of Sanitation, is leading the global platform's effort to support changes around packaging and recycling at all levels of government.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 1, 2020

City budget crunch could present textile recycling's moment to grow

Boston paused curbside textile plans, but Philadelphia recently launched a pilot and recyclers see the potential to do even more. Now, they just need fragile end markets for used clothing to hold up.

By Karine Vann • Sept. 30, 2020

New Jersey governor signs sweeping bill limiting carryout bags, polystyrene foam and straws

The bill has been described as one of the strictest of its kind in the country, and the only one to target paper bags. Gov. Phil Murphy signed it despite calls for a veto by certain trade groups.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Nov. 4, 2020

Multi-state West Coast initiative enlists food retailers in push to reduce waste 50% by 2030

Led by the Pacific Coast Collaborative, a growing voluntary agreement aims to support goals across the region through public-private partnerships and on-the-ground collaboration, as well as measurement and reporting metrics.

By E.A. Crunden • Sept. 23, 2020

New York sanitation commissioner warns against 'devastating' budget cuts ahead of resignation

After six-plus years on the job, Kathryn Garcia is considering a run for mayor. In an exit interview, she discourages further layoffs, forecasts more commercial waste zone delays and says "zero waste" by 2030 is likely unattainable.

By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 14, 2020

McDonald's selects TerraCycle's Loop for UK reusable cup pilot

The partnership is the latest sign of major brands taking greater interest in circular solutions. It also marks an expansion beyond grocery for the ambitious reuse platform.

By Karine Vann • Sept. 10, 2020

Reuse platforms push technology as saving grace from pandemic pressures

Last week's Circularity 20 featured leaders from Loop, Algramo, CupClub and other new ventures looking to expand market share during a year of surprising resurgence for single-use items.

By Karine Vann • Sept. 2, 2020

California governor signs nation's first recycled content requirement for plastic beverage containers

Containers will need to have 50% recycled content by 2030, a standard described as among the world's most aggressive. This comes after another major packaging bill did not pass during this year's legislative session.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated Sept. 25, 2020

SWEEP standard coming to fruition with industry support and pilot cities

After years of work, an accreditation system modeled after LEED is reaching a notable milestone. Those behind it hope to improve data standardization and drive sustainable materials management policies around the country.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Aug. 31, 2020

Diverse group of stakeholders launch US Plastics Pact, aim for circular packaging by 2025

The collaborative is part of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's worldwide Plastics Pact network. Members include major waste trade groups, recyclers and large brands.

By E.A. Crunden • Aug. 26, 2020

Wastequip aims to develop product GHG emission scores as part of new sustainability program

VP Kristin Kinder cited customer demand and industry trends as motivating factors behind a step many equipment manufacturers have yet to take, while also discussing diversity and inclusion efforts.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 25, 2020

Loop's quest for reuse dominance has only gotten more ambitious during the pandemic

Some refill systems took a hit due to initial virus concerns, but the TerraCycle-backed platform's sales rose. Now, CEO Tom Szaky could be poised to set new sanitary standards and gain market share for years to come.

By Karine Vann • Aug. 19, 2020

Industry-supported organics hauling bill comes up short in California legislature

Proponents say AB 2959 would clarify a loophole allowing smaller haulers to undercut franchise agreements and hinder progress toward state diversion targets. Critics said it would hurt the state's efforts to curb organic waste.

By E.A. Crunden • Aug. 19, 2020

Chemical recycling gaining limited traction so far, too focused on plastic-to-fuel, report finds

The Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) takes aim at an area of growing interest for the recycling industry. The plastics industry criticized GAIA's findings and argued chemical recycling offers economic opportunities.

By E.A. Crunden • Aug. 3, 2020

Colorado law calls for exploration of recycling market development center, EPR policies

A bill recently signed by Gov. Jared Polis directs state staff to study creating a new market development program and launching a statewide education program, among other items.

By Leslie Nemo • July 29, 2020

Halfway through an upended year, 8 big questions remain for waste and recycling

Back in January, Waste Dive laid out guiding themes for coverage around safety, M&A, sustainability, policy, organics and PFAS. Now, the pandemic has changed many of them and racial justice is also receiving heightened attention.

By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden • Updated July 28, 2020