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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].

Facility operators reflect on a turbulent few years

Published: October 6, 2021
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Screenshot from the 2021 Resource Recycling Conference session.

Materials recovery facility (MRF) operators shared their insights in a session at this year’s Resource Recycling Conference, held virtually in August.

Running a successful materials recovery facility (MRF) means adapting to a changing stream, investing to upgrade equipment and navigating end market uncertainty. Three prominent MRF leaders recently shared how they’re approaching these challenges.

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California governor signs labeling and exports bills

Published: October 6, 2021
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Gavin Newsom, California governor.

In a statement, Newsom said the bills will raise consumer awareness and promote industry accountability. | Jana Asenbrennerova / Shutterstock

A high-profile bill restricting the use of recyclability labeling on products in California was signed into law this week. Gov. Gavin Newsom also signed legislation classifying mixed-plastic exports out of the state as “disposal.”

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Trex CEO: Recycled plastic demand will stay strong

Published: September 29, 2021
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Trex product installed in residential yard.

Trex brings in plastic from multiple sources, primarily material coming out of commercial and industrial environments. | Courtesy of Trex

The leader of composite decking manufacturer Trex shared insights on recycled polyethylene markets and sourcing channels in an interview this week.

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Feds will consider regulating chemical recycling sector

Published: September 29, 2021
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View of U.S. EPA website on screen.

The U.S. EPA is accepting comments on potential regulation of chemical recycling technologies until Nov. 8. | g0d4ather / Shutterstock

The U.S. EPA is exploring potential regulations for pyrolysis and gasification facilities, citing growing interest in these chemical recycling technologies.

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Stakeholders talk recycling fixes before Congress

Published: September 29, 2021
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Elizabeth Biser, of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality

Elizabeth Biser of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality described the importance of strong state support for materials recovery during a hearing last week.

U.S. senators last week heard about how stronger end-market demand, state support for materials recovery, technology advancements and more can strengthen the U.S. recycling system.

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Judge ends Greenpeace’s labeling suit against Walmart

Published: September 22, 2021
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Walmart logo on shopping cart in store.

A U.S. District Court judge ruled that Greenpeace lacked standing to sue the world’s largest retailer over recyclability labeling in California. | Harun Ozmen / Shutterstock

A California court has dismissed a legal complaint Greenpeace brought against Walmart, ruling that the activist group itself was not deceived by labels indicating the corporation’s plastic packaging is recyclable.

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Lawsuit takes aim at Walmart’s plastic recycling labels

Published: December 16, 2020
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Greenpeace sign on a brick building exterior.

A lawsuit from Greenpeace seeks to force Walmart to change its labeling and conduct a “corrective” advertising campaign. | nitpicker/Shutterstock

Environmental activist group Greenpeace this week accused Walmart of falsely labeling items as recyclable. Walmart and How2Recycle are defending their labeling practices.

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California is back at the center of plastics recycling debate

Published: September 15, 2021
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Calif. capitol building in Sacramento.

A bill approved by California legislators has substantial implications for how common plastic packaging items are labeled, and it could have significant recycling implications across the nation in the coming years. | Feoktistoff / Shutterstock

Producers would need to meet strict criteria to use the “chasing arrows” symbol on their plastic packaging in California under a bill approved by lawmakers last week. An industry group says the move will harm polypropylene recycling.

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Chemical recycling operations plan expansions

Published: September 15, 2021
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LyondellBasell facility with sunset in background.

Global plastic producer LyondellBasell has announced it will produce chemically recycled resin in the U.S. | Flagmania / Shutterstock

Three companies that use chemical recycling technologies, including LyondellBasell and BP, recently took steps to enlarge their footprints or product lines.

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Greenpeace: Recycling used as plastic industry ‘smokescreen’

Published: September 15, 2021
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Greenpeace website logo on screen under magnifying glass.

Greenpeace framed a new report as an examination of how packaging stakeholders and others have failed to reduce their reliance on single-use plastic. | SergioVas / Shutterstock

A report this week from environmental group Greenpeace takes brand owners and industry groups to task for promoting recycling as the primary solution to plastic waste issues.

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