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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].

Bottle bill backers see opportunity for action

Published: January 26, 2022
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Plastic soda bottles.

Backers of bottle bill updates in Massachusetts and Vermont were able to progress legislative proposals that they say could be primed to pass in 2022. | Kwangmoozaa/Shutterstock

Over the past year, the recycling policy discussion nationwide has focused mainly on proposals that force producers to pay for packaging recovery. But significant activity around container deposits is also taking place, particularly in the Northeast.

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Pollution impacts are just a piece of environmental justice

Published: October 13, 2021
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Truck

U.S. EPA official Carlton Waterhouse told an audience at the Northeast Recycling Council’s fall conference that social equity is integral to sustainability. | Sirisak Baokaew/Shutterstock

Carlton Waterhouse, a key U.S. EPA waste official, says moving toward a circular economy is not enough. Instead, society needs a “circular economy for all.” Continue Reading

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Latest APR effort helps guide recyclable package design

Published: August 25, 2021
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Plastic packaging samples on white background.

Under the review program, products will be analyzed for their technical compatibility with current recycling processes. | ShutterOK / Shutterstock

The Association of Plastic Recyclers is launching an initiative to further recognize brands and others that are innovating in line with current plastics recycling capabilities.

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Why it’s ‘an exciting time’ in plastics recycling research

Published: June 9, 2021
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Max-Delferro

Chemist Max Delferro holds high-quality liquid product obtained by treating plastic bags with a new catalytic process. | Image courtesy of Mark Lopez and Argonne National Laboratory.

For one scientist at Argonne National Laboratory, moving the needle on plastic recovery is analogous to stopping the spread of COVID-19. In both cases, many minds must come together.

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EPA leader connects recycling and environmental justice

Published: May 5, 2021
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Aerial view of a community solid waste landfill.

At the recent ISRI2021 online conference, an EPA official touched on environmental justice issues that affect waste and recycling facilities. | Surapol USanakul / Shutterstock

The U.S. EPA’s top environmental justice official has a message for recycling operators: Don’t wait for a conflict to arise to start engaging with the community that surrounds you.

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PCR mandates gain traction but come with complexity

Published: March 31, 2021
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White resin pellets spilling from tube onto black background.

Leaders outlined the challenges and opportunities of recycled content mandates at a recent conference. | zombiemaster/Shutterstock

Policymakers and brand owners have recently emphasized boosting recycled content in plastic packaging to try to enhance recycling. At a conference this week, speakers outlined some of the challenges in this realm.

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Industry connects online at a pivotal juncture

Published: April 7, 2021
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A person using a computer with hand on mouse and keyboard.

Plastics recycling stakeholders will gather online this week for insight and networking. | DC Studio/Shutterstock

Hundreds of plastics recycling and sustainability professionals are taking part in this week’s virtual Plastics Recycling Conference, which is offering discussions on policy, markets and more at a time of sector uncertainty.

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