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Author Archives: Dan Leif

About Dan Leif

Dan LeifDan Leif is the managing editor at Resource Recycling, Inc., which publishes Resource Recycling, Plastics Recycling Update and E-Scrap News. He has been with the company since 2013 and has edited different trade publications since 2006. He can be contacted at [email protected].

Editor’s farewell: Gratitude for a decade of sector connection

Published: October 31, 2023
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Dan Leif, the outgoing editorial director of Resource Recycling, on a facility tour earlier this year. | Jared Paben/Resource Recycling

I’ve always encouraged our editorial team to get straight to the point, so I will do that here: After more than 10 years at Resource Recycling, I am off to explore new endeavors. My tenure with the company ends this Friday. Continue Reading

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Republic and Ravago roll out network of olefin plants

Published: July 31, 2023
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A rendering of one of four Blue Polymers plants that will be built in various regions of the U.S. | Courtesy of Republic Services

Republic Services is moving deeper into plastics processing, launching a $350 million joint venture with a global polymers expert to produce recycled pellet at four U.S. facilities. Continue Reading

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Community advocates open up on environmental justice

Published: June 21, 2023
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Speakers on the “Frontline Communities” panel included (from left) Sandra Gonza, Jo Banner, Paulina Lopez and Joy Banner. | Dan Leif/Plastics Recycling Update

As companies across the sector try to navigate concerns around environmental justice, leaders of activist groups have some advice: Stop and listen to the local community first. Continue Reading

Why material processors are hesitant about EPR

Published: May 9, 2023
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Collection trucks parked outside of Waste Expo in New Orleans last week. In sessions, leaders from various haulers and facility operators discussed recycling policy. | Dan Leif/Plastics Recycling Update

At Waste Expo last week, executives from several materials recovery facility operators and private-sector recyclers detailed concerns about material ownership and “stranded assets” as recycling policy evolves. At the same time, some MRF leaders voiced clear support for extended producer responsibility frameworks. Continue Reading

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When assessing chemical recycling, ‘follow the money’

Published: August 31, 2022
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Eric Hartz speaks on stage at the 2022 Resource Recycling Conference.

Eric Hartz (center) spoke on a panel with Kate Bailey (right) at the 2022 Resource Recycling Conference. The session was moderated by Sarah Edwards (left). | Big Wave Productions/Resource Recycling, Inc.

Recent years have seen a steady stream of announcements from chemical recycling operators touting technological breakthroughs. But two industry insiders recently issued a stern reminder to the market: Don’t forget about economics.

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Robotics provider begins operating its own facilities

Published: May 11, 2022
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Closeup of residual bale from a MRF.

Secondary-sortation sites run by AMP Robotics are targeting a wide variety of materials that come from MRFs and other sources. | Courtesy of AMP Robotics

AMP Robotics is now breaking and sorting materials recovery facility residual bales at secondary-sortation operations in Colorado, Georgia and Ohio.

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Q&A: Seizing the moment on recycling policy

Published: April 20, 2022
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EPR bills, proposed in a number of states, aim to improve curbside collection and more. | Jared Paben

Last year, Maine and Oregon each passed major pieces of recycling legislation that incorporated elements of extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging, a strategy in which producers are mandated to fund packaging recovery in those states. Continue Reading

Republic Services moves to vertically integrate in plastics

Published: March 1, 2022
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Plastics processing in Republic's Las Vegas recycling facility.

Plastics being handled at Republic Services’ existing materials recovery facility (MRF) in North Las Vegas, Nev. The company’s Polymer Center will be sited seven miles from the MRF. | Courtesy of Republic Services

North America’s second-largest hauler and recycling processor is constructing a facility in Las Vegas that will produce recycled PET flake and provide a deeper sort of recovered olefins.

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