Marissa Heffernan started working for Resource Recycling in January 2022 after spending several years as a reporter at a daily newspaper in Southwest Washington. After developing a special focus on recycling policy, they are also the editor of the monthly newsletter Policy Now. Heffernan can be contacted at [email protected].
The report from the Center for Climate Integrity calls for Big Oil and the plastics industry to be held accountable “for their campaign of deception.” | Maryshot/Shutterstock
A new report, “The Fraud of Plastic Recycling,” argues there has been a “decades-long campaign of fraud and deception about the recyclability of plastics.” In response, recycling groups highlighted current plastics diversion successes and technology investments. Continue Reading
A partnership between the city of Phoenix, Arizona State University (ASU), Goodwill of Northern and Central Arizona and Hustle PHX will recycle several hundred tons of PE and PP into local end markets. | Courtesy of Goodwill of Northern and Central Arizona.
For years, recycling collection has focused on centralizing material and processing high volumes. An Arizona project is exploring other options with a micro-factory. Continue Reading
The Hawai’i Pacific University’s Center for Marine Debris Research created a Megaplastic Pollution Research Program to accelerate plastic marine debris removal and recycling in the Hawaiian Islands. | Richard Chapman – UK/Shutterstock
Marine pollution abatement, a boost to the local economy and a way to help solve the local housing crisis: A proposed project to turn marine plastic into durable infrastructure could provide all three on the island of Oahu, Hawai’i. Continue Reading
George W. Bailey/Shutterstock
A lawsuit over Colgate-Palmolive marketing its Tom’s of Maine and Colgate brand toothpaste tubes as recyclable is moving forward. Continue Reading
Two producer responsibility organizations have changed their focuses recently. | ESB Professional/Shutterstock
Producer responsibility organization GreenDot has ceased operating in North America, citing a strategic alignment to focus on more mature regulatory markets. Continue Reading
Bollegraaf and Greyparrot have formed a strategic partnership to roll out AI to more MRFs. | Courtesy of Bollegraaf
In a unique move for the recycling industry, a recycling equipment manufacturer has partnered with an AI analytics company, turning over its intellectual property and buying a non-controlling stake to accelerate AI adoption. Continue Reading
Coca‑Cola is running a small pilot program to see if engraving product information directly onto bottles could replace labels on drink bottles. | DenisMArt/Shutterstock
In a trial project aiming to simplify recycling and reduce the use of material, Coca‑Cola will temporarily remove labels from some Sprite go bottles in the UK and instead use label engraving. Continue Reading
The acquisition is an extension of Revolution’s work and vision, company CEO Sean Whiteley said. | Vojtaz/Shutterstock
U.S.-based Revolution Sustainable Solutions expanded its film recycling network with the acquisition of Canadian company PolyAg Recycling. Continue Reading
State houses across the country are seeing bills filed that center on plastics and recycling. | Zolnierek/Shutterstock
The 2024 legislative season is in full swing, with dozens of bills filed so far on extended producer responsibility for packaging and regulation of plastic products. Continue Reading
Resynergi’s Evolucient Continuous Microwave Assisted Pyrolysis technology uses microwave energy to break down HDPE, LDPE, PP and PS into pyrolysis oil. | Courtesy of Resynergi
Pyrolysis start-up Resynergi raised $6.4 million in series B funding to bring its modular Continuous Microwave Assisted Pyrolysis technology to commercial scale. Continue Reading