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Author Archives: Colin Staub

About Colin Staub

Colin-StaubColin Staub is a reporter at Resource Recycling. He can be contacted at [email protected].

Why nonprofit recycling operators decided to unite

Published: July 8, 2021
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View inside Eureka Recycling's facility.

Eureka Recycling, one of the founding members of AMBR, operates a MRF in Minneapolis. | Photo credit: Mark Kegans

Four organizations that run processing facilities recently created the Alliance of Mission-Based Recyclers to advocate for recycling and zero waste policies during a period of “systemic changes.”

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Academic journal devotes issue to ‘plastics dilemma’

Published: July 8, 2021
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Glasses resting on a stack of open magazines,

The latest issue of Science discusses mechanical and chemical recycling, global policy and more. | qvist / Shutterstock

Science Magazine has published a special edition covering various facets of the global plastic pollution problem. Articles touch on efforts to reduce the amount of material ending up in the environment as well as advancements (and shortcomings) in recycling.

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California report sparks debate over PP collection

Published: July 8, 2021
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View inside a MRF.

The California Statewide Commission on Recycling Markets & Curbside Recycling in late June published an expansive report with recommendations for lawmakers. | Nordroden / Shutterstock

A government-convened commission of California recycling stakeholders has outlined steps to boost markets and cut contamination. But the group’s report also leaves polypropylene off a key initial list of accepted materials, drawing quick pushback from national associations.

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Keurig Dr Pepper now at 2% PCR in plastic packaging

Published: July 8, 2021
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Keurig Dr Pepper logo on screen under magnifying glass

KDP used 2% post-consumer resin across its plastic packaging portfolio in 2020, up from 0.4% in 2019. | Pavel Kapysh / Shutterstock

A major brand owner has significantly increased its recycled plastic use in recent years. But the company still has a ways to go to hit its 2025 goal of 25% post-consumer resin use.

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New Jersey lawmakers advance recycled-content mandate

Published: June 30, 2021
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N.J. state capitol.

Legislators in New Jersey approved recycled-content mandates for select plastic products. | Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock

A bill establishing minimum post-consumer recycled plastic use in containers and bags was approved by the New Jersey Senate last week. State lawmakers are also considering a bill easing regulations for chemical recycling operations.

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Maine lawmakers approve first-in-nation packaging EPR bill

Published: June 23, 2021
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The Maine state capitol in Augusta.

Maine lawmakers advanced an EPR bill to the governor. | Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

Legislation creating an extended producer responsibility program for packaging has cleared both the Maine House of Representatives and Senate. It’s the first such bill in the U.S. to make it that far in the legislative process, and it now goes to the state’s governor for a signature.

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Packaging stewardship passes in both Oregon chambers

Published: June 23, 2021
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Oregon state flag.

Oregon lawmakers in both legislative chambers approved an EPR proposal. | Borka Kiss / Shutterstock

This story has been updated following a House of Representatives vote on June 25.

The Oregon House of Representatives approved a bill establishing extended producer responsibility for packaging and overhauling the state’s recycling system Friday afternoon. The bill cleared the Senate earlier this week, and it now goes to the state’s governor for a signature.

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How brands plan to work toward ambitious 2025 goals

Published: June 16, 2021
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Grocery-store-retail-packaging-AngieYeoh-Shutterstock

A group of 100 U.S. brand owners and other stakeholders have laid out a roadmap for achieving various plastics sustainability objectives. | AngieYeoh / Shutterstock

The U.S. Plastics Pact this week laid out its five-year plan for increasing recycled plastic use and boosting recycling rates, among other objectives.

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