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.
PakTech uses injection molding equipment and blow-molding-grade material, as well as modular equipment designs, for cost and speed efficiency. | Marissa Heffernan/Resource Recycling
Extended producer responsibility programs, labeling requirements and minimum PCR mandates offer both challenges and opportunities, and company leaders at 100% PCR packaging manufacturer PakTech have been steadily working to position the company for the future. Continue Reading
The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery released a revised informal draft of SB 54 regulations. | Michael Warwick/Shutterstock
The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery released a revised draft of SB 54 regulations, two months after the governor rejected the first version of the extended producer responsibility for paper and packaging rules.
Trex’s recycled plastic processing operation in Arkansas began production late in the first quarter. | Photo Courtesy of Trex
Pressures from tariffs and consumer spending slowdowns have contributed to lower revenues year over year at Trex, Mohawk and Indorama, according to their recent first-quarter reports.
Winter weather and tariffs were top of mind for five of the largest publicly traded garbage and recycling companies in North America in the first quarter of the year. | Republic Services
Bad weather in parts of the country weighed on leading recycling companies’ first-quarter earnings, their leaders said, but overall they saw revenue increases. Continue Reading
The final bill builds on previous legislation, resulting in an EPR program that will take shape in 2028. | Evan Lorne/Shutterstock
After five years of work and many interim steps, Maryland became the sixth U.S. state to pass extended producer responsibility legislation for paper and packaging, continuing the policy’s evolution in the country.
The newly formed Kentucky Recycling Coalition plans to start a summit, do a membership drive and ultimately improve recycling access across the state. | Aspen Rock/Shutterstock
After several years of work, Kentucky is no longer the only state in its region without a state recycling organization. The new Kentucky Recycling Coalition wants to increase access, update a statewide sustainability plan and build up membership. Continue Reading
The legislation is intended to increase access to recycling, as only 58% of jurisdictions in the state provide access to curbside recycling. | Jeffrey-B.-Banke/Shutterstock
Just a week after Maryland became state No. 6 to approve a bill on extended producer responsibility for packaging and paper, Washington made No. 7.
In North America, Mondelez is looking to put up to 50% RPET in cookie trays, including its Oreo packaging. | Steve Cukrov/Shutterstock
Two big food brands and an eco-conscious apparel company reported on their use of plastic resins recently, with Mondelez and General Mills reporting a focus on reducing the use of plastic packaging and transitioning to mono-material packaging, respectively. Continue Reading
The initial recyclable materials list classifies just under a dozen material types as readily recyclable under Maine’s EPR program, but state representatives emphasized it was a first draft. | KWJPHOTOART/Shutterstock
More than 100 people showed up in-person and virtually to an informal stakeholder meeting on Maine’s draft material types list for the state’s extended producer responsibility program for packaging. Continue Reading
Maryland is poised to become the sixth U.S. state to enact an extended producer responsibility law for packaging. | Tokar/Shutterstock
A bill that would set up an extended producer responsibility program for packaging is sitting on the desk of Maryland’s governor after clearing both legislative chambers Monday evening. If it’s signed, Maryland would become the sixth U.S. state to enact such a law. Continue Reading