Marissa Heffernan worked at Resource Recycling from January 2022 through June 2025, first as staff reporter and then as associate editor. 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 were also the editor of the monthly newsletter Policy Now.
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
Researchers identified nine substances in virgin polyethylene samples and 52 components in recycled polyolefin samples. | Tiffy Studio/Shutterstock
A study from Iowa State University researchers explored the risks posed by non-intentionally added substances in recycled polyolefin materials used in food contact packaging. Continue Reading
Early adopters of reusable product systems identified simplicity, consistency and ample options as keys for scaling up. | OlegKovalevichh/Shutterstock
A study of 300 people who regularly use reusable packaging showed that reuse systems need minimal and streamlined technology, reminders to return packaging and more options to be successful. Continue Reading