Full Harvest startup aims to fight food waste from the source — farms

The company leverages the platform to collect and deliver ample supplies at low cost to food companies, who view farmers' offerings and order with "the touch of a few buttons."

By Arlene Karidis • March 15, 2016

Massachusetts becomes first state to mandate drug take-back program

About one-third of medications go unused, generating a need to address their safe disposal and reverse the current trend of throwing them in the trash or flushing them.

By Arlene Karidis • March 15, 2016

Philadelphians forced to clean their own city streets due to budget cuts

Some communities have major litter problems, however many residents believe money should be put toward the city's education system instead of trash cleanups.

By Arlene Karidis • March 14, 2016

Two largest US counties consider drug take-back ordinances

About 30% to 40% of the nation's medications are never used, and only 1% of pharmaceutical companies offer a drug take-back program — resulting in hazardous disposal of such medications. 

By Arlene Karidis • March 14, 2016

Researchers discover PET-munching bacteria, but it's a slow eater

With ideonella sakaiensis, "you have the chance to get rid of the PET waste because you can degrade it," said biochemist Uwe T. Bornscheuer to Fast Company.

By Arlene Karidis • March 11, 2016

ReFED report: Tackling food waste could unlock $100B in economic value

About 9.5 million tons of food scraps can be diverted annually from landfills by investing in infrastructure for anaerobic digestion and composting, training, and policy, according to the analysis.

By Arlene Karidis • March 10, 2016

WRAP report: Recycling demand for used UK textile exports steadily dropping

Political and economic pressures on existing markets are driving a decrease in UK collections.

By Arlene Karidis • March 9, 2016

Novus Energy secures $11M loan guarantee for Oregon biorefinery plant

The Novus Bio-Catalytic Conversion System will streamline operations and process hard-to-digest materials in significantly less time than a standard anaerobic digester.

By Arlene Karidis • March 7, 2016

Denmark's new food waste supermarket yields higher-than-expected sales

WeFood is not just aimed at low-income shoppers, but anyone who is concerned about food waste in Denmark.

By Arlene Karidis • March 4, 2016

Connecticut Sen. Kennedy pushes for packaging bill, bag bill to cut waste

The bills could mandate an industry-financed stewardship program and require single-use retail bags to have 80% recyclable material by 2020.

By Arlene Karidis • March 4, 2016

Report: E-waste recycling market to hit $34B by 2022, with Europe leading the way

Around 20 million to 50 million tons of e-waste are produced annually, increasing three times faster than any other municipal waste — and the e-cycling market is expanding with it. 

By Arlene Karidis • March 3, 2016

As the e-commerce trend grows, how does it affect waste streams?

Online shopping generates massive amounts of packaging, but whether it produces more or less carbon footprint depends on multiple factors.

By Arlene Karidis • March 3, 2016

Ontario reconsiders Harvest Power's controversial waste, composting plant

Planning Director Scott Murphy said he originally rejected the idea due to concerns about traffic, and because the plan did not comply with land-use policies.

By Arlene Karidis • March 2, 2016

EPA Administrator: 'We can and must do more on methane'

The EPA says methane levels — which are substantially higher than expected — are believed to rise by 25% by 2025 unless actions are taken to reduce them. 

By Kristin Musulin • March 1, 2016

Pennsylvania Gov. Wolf debates best way to utilize funds from proposed tipping fee increase

The governor intends to put the funds toward environmental programs, while Sen. John Blake wishes to pump the funds into municipal recycling programs.

By Arlene Karidis • March 1, 2016

Kentucky state legislators propose bill that would reassess authority of solid waste boards

The proposed bill comes shortly after Mayor Greg Fischer put a plastic bag ban on the Louisville Metro region to keep the plastic out of yard waste and commercial compost.

By Kristin Musulin • March 1, 2016

Sort it out: How high-tech equipment results in high recovery rates — and even higher profits

"Upsize your equipment. There is always more material, so buy the biggest you can afford," said Penn Waste Director of Operations Kathy Masch.

By Arlene Karidis • Feb. 29, 2016

Zero Percent crowdfunding project diverts food waste while supporting charities in Chicago

The organization has diverted one million pounds of food since December and plans to expand its reach to Nashville and Minneapolis.

By Arlene Karidis • Feb. 25, 2016

South Los Angeles' $1M cleanup initiative to boost sanitation services, add trash bins

"I am confident we can win the war on trash," said Los Angeles City Councilmember Curren Price regarding the Ninth District's "Clean & Green" campaign.

By Arlene Karidis • Feb. 24, 2016

Report: Green packaging market to grow at 7.35% CAGR from 2016 to 2020

A demand for advanced packaging technology is driving product developers to focus on durable, recyclable materials that can stand up to elements such as moisture and heat.

By Arlene Karidis • Feb. 23, 2016

'World's first' biogas plant for untreated household waste to open in England

With an annual capacity of 120,000 tons, the DONG Energy plant will receive waste from 110,000 households.

By Arlene Karidis • Feb. 23, 2016

Nebraska city invests nearly $15K in 'Big Red Worms' composting program

The Nebraska Farmers Union said if the compost project works, it would be great for other rural communities to use.

By Arlene Karidis • Feb. 22, 2016

U.S. Chamber Foundation report: 'The circular economy offers a wealth of opportunity'

The 5,589 companies in the study could save almost $1 billion by cutting paper waste by 1%, with paper constituting 37% of their waste.

By Arlene Karidis • Feb. 22, 2016

Sawmill, utensils are suspected sources of lead-contaminated compost in Nova Scotia

According to Councilman Ken Langille, chair of the Yarmouth water utility, the material "had far more residuals in it than Class B compost, under [what] environment guidelines allows."

By Arlene Karidis • Feb. 22, 2016

Report: Covanta expands commitment to sustainability, sets future goals

Moving forward, Covanta aims to track workplace safety culture performance metrics and ensure 100% compliance limits at its facilities, among other objectives.

By Arlene Karidis • Feb. 19, 2016