Back to Top

Author Archives: Antoinette Smith

About Antoinette Smith

Antoinette Smith started working for Resource Recycling in June 2024 after spending several years covering commodity plastics and supply chains, with a special focus on economic impacts. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Hurricanes, port strike disrupt recycling markets

Published: October 9, 2024
Updated:

by

A natural disaster and a potentially catastrophic dockworker strike have highlighted weaknesses in the supply chain. | TajdidProtik/Shutterstock

Even as the U.S. Southeast continues to clean up after Hurricane Helene, the western coast of Florida is bracing for Milton, which is expected to be the second category 5 storm in less than two weeks to hit the area.

Continue Reading

Posted in News | Tagged |

Coca-Cola lags on progress toward 2030 plastics goals

Published: September 18, 2024
Updated:

by
Bottles of Coca-Cola with focus on red cap with logo.

The beverage behemoth is among the latest major brands to report lackluster data on recycled content in its packaging. | Dilok Klaisataporn/Shutterstock

Global beverage giant Coca-Cola is running behind in its 2030 targets for recycled content and collection, according to the company’s most recent environmental update. Continue Reading

Posted in News | Tagged , |

Rumpke plans to take PET clamshells curbside

Published: September 18, 2024
Updated:

by

The hauler will start accepting thermoformed packaging for produce and other items in parts of Ohio on Nov. 1, and bale buyers will include Eastman. | Darren Doucette/Shutterstock

Ohio’s Rumpke Waste & Recycling will begin accepting PET clamshell containers in parts of the state this fall. Continue Reading

Posted in News, Top stories | Tagged , |

Q2 Northeast commodity values hit 2-year high

Published: September 11, 2024
Updated:

by
Stacked bales of PET for recycling.

Average prices for blended residential commodities rose by 5% to 6% during the quarter, according to data collected from 15 MRFs in the Northeast. | Warut Chinsai/Shutterstock

Average commodity prices for April-June 2024 were higher by about 40% on the year, marking their highest level since the second quarter of 2022, according to the latest MRF Values Survey Report from the Northeast Recycling Council. Continue Reading

Posted in News | Tagged |

Azek reports less recycled material used in 2023

Published: September 11, 2024
Updated:

by

The maker of composite decking and other architectural elements used less recycled material but expanded its recycled PVC collection program. | Courtesy of Azek

Chicago-based composite decking company Azek used about 16% less recycled material in fiscal 2023 than in the previous year, according to its latest sustainability report.

Continue Reading

Posted in News, Top stories | Tagged , |

Coalition seeks to narrow definition of ‘recycling’

Published: September 5, 2024
Updated:

by
Yellow recycle container with chasing arrows symbol.

The National Recycling Coalition is seeking feedback on its draft policy, which discourages the labels of “advanced” or “chemical” for non-mechanical recycling. | Roman Zaiets/Shutterstock

The Policy Committee of the National Recycling Coalition has published a draft policy called “Chemical Recycling Is Not Recycling” and is seeking review and comment. Continue Reading

Posted in News | Tagged , |

California passes expanded plastic bag ban

Published: September 5, 2024
Updated:

by

The two identical state bills are on the desk of the governor, who just last week announced investment in 250 recycling sites across the state. | Susanne Pommer/Shutterstock

Despite advocacy from plastic film companies, California lawmakers passed two bills that ban reusable plastic bags in the state, drawing scathing reactions from the industry. Continue Reading