UPDATE: Michigan becomes seventh state to outlaw bag bans

Michigan Lt. Gov. Brian Calley has signed the bill into law, prohibiting local ordinances that limit the use of plastic bags.

By Cole Rosengren • Jan. 6, 2017

EPA's McCarthy highlights successes of waste-related initiatives in exit memo

The outgoing administrator touted the first performance standards for landfills as a top environmental achievement during President Obama's terms in office.

By Cole Rosengren • Jan. 6, 2017

Chinese company keeps used phones out of the landfill with successful trade-in app

As electronics manufacturers continue to rapidly develop new products, apps like Aihuishou could have a place in the U.S. market as well.

By Cole Rosengren • Jan. 5, 2017

6 waste and recycling trends to watch in 2017

From the growth of flexible packaging to increased infrastructure spending, there are many developments to prepare for in the new year.

By Kristin Musulin , Cole Rosengren • Jan. 5, 2017

US Department of Energy launches REMADE Institute to boost material reuse

The new institute will be based in Rochester, NY and work to reduce the cost of recycling and remanufacturing technologies.

By Cole Rosengren • Jan. 4, 2017

Study: Diners may waste more if they know food will be composted

New research from The Ohio State University experimented with telling consumers where their wasted food would end up.

By Cole Rosengren • Jan. 4, 2017

Minnesota farmers can now recycle plastic wrap for free

Revolution Plastics is expanding its territory into the state for recovery of clean, industrial plastic.

By Cole Rosengren • Jan. 4, 2017

Waste Connections of Tennessee to suspend glass recycling in 5 cities

Doug McGill, the company's municipal marketing manager, said the change will "preserve the overall integrity of our recycling program."

By Kristin Musulin • Dec. 28, 2016

Arizona city residents receive chance to become 'master recyclers'

A new six-week course from Flagstaff will teach residents the ins and outs of waste in an effort to improve recycling rates.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 23, 2016

Massachusetts commercial food waste ban has generated $175M in economic activity

Growth trends are clear, though some haulers say this was part of a larger cultural trend that had already been occurring.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 22, 2016

Northern Colorado communities seek new ways to combat high recycling costs

Low commodity prices have forced some cities to close their programs and look at privatization options.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 22, 2016

All you can waste: How buffet-style food is causing donation hesitation

While donating such food is protected by the Bill Emerson Act, it is not supported by Feeding America.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 22, 2016

Apple AirPods may be newest nightmare for electronics recyclers

Electronics repair firm iFixit said the inclusion of lithium-ion batteries will make these devices challenging for recyclers.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 21, 2016

Philadelphia mayor creates 16-member 'zero waste' cabinet

The committee has six months to present a plan for increased waste diversion and litter management.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 21, 2016

Challenges of hospital plastics recycling include contamination, low commodity values

Waste Management, Lakeshore Recycling and others experimented with sorting such waste from five Chicago hospitals.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 20, 2016

Report: Wisconsin's electronics recycling program needs an update

The annual E-Cycle Wisconsin report noted an increase in tonnage collected, though highlighted the need to capture newer devices.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 20, 2016

Report: Raising NYC recycling rates could create thousands of new jobs

The Transform Don't Trash coalition makes an economic case for increasing residential and commercial diversion rates.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 19, 2016

UPDATE: Nonprofits push back against curbside textile recycling program in Austin, TX

Some charities are concerned they will lose means of operation due to the city's new deal with Simple Recycling. 

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 19, 2016

UK recycling rate drops slightly for first time since 2010

The rate dipped to 44.3% in 2015, driven largely by lower performance in England.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 16, 2016

USDA: 'Best if used by' is most effective label language for food waste reduction

The agency's Food Safety and Inspection Service is changing its guidance based on research and an ongoing federal goal.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 15, 2016

Inside ecomaine: The nonprofit taking a unique approach to managing Maine's solid waste

Waste Dive toured ecomaine's facilities in Portland to get an inside look at the services it provides to its 57 member communities.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 14, 2016

State of Curbside Report: Single-stream, carts lead to highest-performing recycling programs

The new report from the EPA and The Recycling Partnership analyzed 465 various municipal recycling programs. 

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 13, 2016

California city finds loophole in statewide plastic bag ban

Officials say a 2014 local ordinance exempts businesses from having to follow the new law.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 13, 2016

Chicago considers 'back-to-basics' approach for struggling recycling program

Monetary incentives are being considered and a pilot in one area will ask residents only for paper, metal and glass.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 9, 2016

Study: Germany recycled more than 90% of PET bottles in 2015

The Forum PET study highlighted the country's use of bottle deposits for the successful recycling rate.

By Kristin Musulin • Dec. 9, 2016