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Author Archives: Andrew Sposato

Recycle BC reports on recovery, end markets

Published: July 30, 2025
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The producer responsibility organization in British Columbia reported a 45% plastic recovery rate in 2024. | Photo courtesy Recycle BC

Producer responsibility organization Recycle BC upped its plastic recovery rate in Canada’s southwestern province last year, and it managed nearly all of the collected plastic domestically. Continue Reading

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Retailers launch CA campaign to ditch single-use bags

Published: July 30, 2025
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‘Break Up With Single-Use Bags’ campaign rolls out at over 1,000 Southern California stores ahead of the state’s 2026 plastic bag ban, aiming to shift habits early. | Photo Courtesy of Closed Loop Partners

A coalition of major retailers and local stores has launched a campaign across more than 1,000 Southern California locations this week to help customers kick the habit of using disposable shopping bags.  Continue Reading

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Research, programs improve film recycling access

Published: May 21, 2025
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Stretch film on rolls at the manufacturer.

A California initiative and a nationwide study examine the accessibility of film recycling programs, and a Canadian city begins collection. | Dmitry Markov152/Shutterstock

Most Americans have access to a store drop-off site for film plastics, according to a new study by the Sustainable Packaging Coalition.   Continue Reading

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Google, Dow partner on AI to identify recyclables

Published: May 14, 2025
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Polyethylene film collected for recycling.

Researchers with Google X’s Moonshot Factory are working with product designers to recycle plastics currently considered unrecyclable. | Artgray/Shutterstock

Google X and Dow Chemical are collaborating to develop an artificial intelligence sorting system capable of identifying film plastics and mixed materials, they announced at a conference in April.

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In My Opinion: Seeing is believing: The truth about plastic recycling

Published: May 7, 2025
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Material on a conveyor inside a sorting and processing facility.

The Association of Plastic Recyclers’ Recycling in Action initiative is encouraging MRFs to give more public tours. | Nordroden/Shutterstock

The first time I stepped inside a recycling facility, I was overwhelmed. Even with earplugs, the noise was relentless — the hum of machinery, the clatter of cans, the whir of conveyor belts. But what struck me most wasn’’t the sound. It was the sheer volume of material being sorted at lightning speed by robotic arms and optical sensors. Continue Reading

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