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Author Archives: Marissa Heffernan

About Marissa Heffernan

Marissa HeffernanMarissa 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].

Building programs with racial and social equity

Published: August 22, 2023
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Moderator Kevin Goolsby of The Recycling Partnership speaks with panelists (L-R) Sophia Hosain of Baltimore Public Works, Jessica Levine of The Recycling Partnership, Priscilla Pruna Boada of the city of Orlando, and Digna Rivera-Reyes of the city of Orlando. | Big Wave Productions/Resource Recycling, Inc.

An inclusive and equitable recycling program is a complicated but necessary undertaking. Industry experts recently offered tips on how to get there. Continue Reading

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Building material offers new end market for recyclables

Published: August 22, 2023
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Before commercializing its fire- and mold-resistant construction board, Xeriant plans to secure financing and expand its production capabilities. | Courtesy of Xeriant

Material development company Xeriant is putting the finishing touches on its recycled composite construction panel, which it hopes will “disrupt” the building industry.  Continue Reading

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Using eco-modulation to revive eco-design

Published: August 22, 2023
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Researcher Reid Lifset sees a lack of good data as a major barrier to eco-modulation achieving its full potential. | Marko Rupena/Shutterstock

Reid Lifset, a longtime member of the faculty at the Yale School of the Environment, wrote the first peer-reviewed academic article on extended producer responsibility in 1993. He’s “been intrigued by it and studying it ever since.” In an interview with Resource Recycling, he talked about his latest research article on eco-modulation and his thoughts on best practices for using eco-modulation to drive eco-design in packaging. 

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Comments to EPA emphasize standardization

Published: August 8, 2023
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Plastics littering a beach in Malaysia.

Many responses from environmental groups focused on the need for the U.S. EPA’s National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution to rein in the generation of new plastics. | Rich Carey/Shutterstock

The U.S. EPA asked for input on its draft National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution, and recycling industry stakeholders have answered.  Continue Reading

White House shares new sustainable procurement rule

Published: August 8, 2023
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A federal purchasing rule handed down last week directs agencies to buy sustainable products and avoid those that contain PFAS. | Petrmalinak/Shutterstock

The federal government has announced plans to further prioritize American-made sustainable products and services in its purchasing, including recycled content. Continue Reading

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Canada issues grant to develop PPE recycling

Published: August 8, 2023
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Vitacore Industries is among a handful of companies that will receive money from the Canadian government to scale up their technology. | Faizzamal/Shutterstock

Vitacore Industries, a personal protective equipment manufacturer, received 4.18 million Canadian dollars (about $3.17 million) to develop a facility to recycle discarded PPE into building materials.  Continue Reading

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Kraft Heinz aims to eliminate 50,000 tons of virgin plastic

Published: August 1, 2023
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Heinz ketchup and mustard packaging.

On top of its virgin plastic reduction goal, Kraft Heinz is working to eliminate unnecessary plastic and support reuse models. | Jonathan Weiss/Shutterstock

If Kraft Heinz achieves a recently announced goal, containers for staple summer condiments such as Heinz ketchup will contain significantly less virgin plastic by 2030. Continue Reading

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How about flexibility is key part of event waste diversion

Published: August 1, 2023
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Texas-based recycling coordinator CheckSammy is pushing to do more business with events such as fairs and music festivals. | Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

Often, recycling services focus on handling the day-to-day stream. CheckSammy entered the scene in 2018 looking to bring more flexibility to the space, and is now helping large event venues divert waste.  Continue Reading

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