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

House Democrats back EPR, other recycling mandates in new climate plan

The lengthy document from the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis endorses legislation like the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act and hints at how Democrats could tackle policy on a wide range of emissions sources.

By E.A. Crunden • July 7, 2020

Top consumer brands seen falling behind on recycling goals, failing to avert plastic pollution

None of the 50 companies evaluated by shareholder advocacy group As You Sow earned higher than a B- on recycling, reusability or compostability goals. Multiple companies pushed back on the report.

By E.A. Crunden • June 24, 2020

Senate hearing revives federal recycling discussion with little consensus

Lawmakers appeared keen to restart conversations around U.S. recycling issues. Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM) touted his own plastics-focused bill, while other lawmakers expressed reservations about such regulation.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated June 17, 2020

Can textile recycling be the next 'zero waste' frontier?

Clothes comprise a notable chunk of the waste stream, and can have valuable second lives, but market dynamics are complex. Recent pandemic disruptions haven't helped.

By Karine Vann • June 16, 2020

Connecticut policy to limit landfilling faces pivotal moment as major WTE project stalls

An aging RDF facility that handles one-third of Connecticut's waste could begin exporting to out-of-state landfills unless an agreement can be reached between the local authority, developer and state officials in less than three months.

By Cole Rosengren • June 11, 2020

Pandemic pause on plastic bag regulations a concern for recyclers

Plastic bags are known for contaminating the recycling stream and causing problems at MRFs. With at least four states and many more municipalities affected by temporary policy changes, some recyclers are wary of impacts.

By E.A. Crunden • June 9, 2020

New waste-to-hydrogen processes could contribute to a carbon negative future

Jean-Louis Kindler, CEO of waste-to-hydrogen developer Ways2H, discusses how the waste sector could benefit from the use of the technology as it seeks to mitigate its climate impact. 

By Jean-Louis Kindler • June 3, 2020

Recycling coalition asks Congress to pass EPR bill over plastics-backed RECOVER amid relief talks

Environmental nonprofits have pushed back on recent industry efforts to get priority legislation included in potential pandemic relief bills. Now, they're pointing to the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act as part of the solution.

By E.A. Crunden • June 1, 2020

Rubicon's first ESG report emphasizes software pivot, $208M potential savings for cities

The technology company plays up its municipal offerings and highlights case studies from commercial customers, while talking about a "waste wake-up call." More detailed climate metrics are expected in a future edition.

By Cole Rosengren • May 22, 2020

New York follows through with sanitation cuts, preserves some organics funding

Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration cut funding for curbside organics collection, recycling outreach and other areas in a new budget agreement. Funding for drop-off sites and community composting was preserved.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated July 1, 2020