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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. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Study probes byproduct chemicals in packaging

Published: January 17, 2024
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Flexible packaging samples.

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

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Study: Simple sign-up, clear design vital for reuse systems

Published: January 17, 2024
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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

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Residential recycling report estimates 21% recovery rate

Published: January 10, 2024
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A study from The Recycling Partnership found that seven out of 10 cardboard boxes, three out of four milk jugs, four out of five steel cans, three out of four tons of mixed paper and seven out of 10 glass bottles, aluminum cans and PET bottles are put in trash bins in homes. | Volt Collection/Shutterstock

A study from The Recycling Partnership proposed ways to raise the recycling rate of residential recyclables – which the group puts at 21%.

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Plastic ban case keeps moving in Canadian court system

Published: January 9, 2024
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Plastic bags

A court case challenging Canada’s ban on some single-use plastic items is moving through the court system and appears poised to head to the Supreme Court. | Pavel Kubarkov/Shutterstock

A federal judge quashed an order from the Canadian government declaring all plastics to be toxic substances, but the effect of the ruling is still unclear. 

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California picks producer group, shares SB 54 draft rules

Published: January 9, 2024
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The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery published drafts of its covered material list categories for the extended producer responsibility for packaging program, among other announcements. | Joseph Sohm/Shutterstock

California is moving ahead on implementation of its extended producer responsibility law. The state agency recently released a draft of the regulations and selected a producer responsibility organization.  Continue Reading

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Illinois workshops bottle bill, amends SB 85

Published: January 9, 2024
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Empty PET drink bottles on a blue background.

Illinois stakeholders have been workshopping a beverage container deposit return system under Senate Bill 85. | alenka2194/Shutterstock

Illinois may or may not be the next state to pass a bill setting up a beverage container deposit return system under Senate Bill 85, and industry players recently debated the benefits and concerns around the bill. 

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Study: Flexible packaging nearly half of Canadian market

Published: January 3, 2024
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A person carrying full plastic bags.

A group of Canadian packaging stakeholders are exploring ways to optimize the recycling system for flexible plastics. | Patpitchaya

Results from the first phase of a study into Canada’s recycling system found that flexible materials account for 47% of the plastic packaging put on the Canadian market.  Continue Reading

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EPR reporting deadlines are coming fast

Published: January 3, 2024
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Experts in EPR compliance say the best time to prepare is right now, and there are resources that can help. | Konektus Photo/Shutterstock

The first packaging data reporting deadline for extended producer responsibility programs doesn’t come until 2025, which seems far in the future, but compliance experts are warning that companies should start the massive undertaking now. 

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Growing bottle bill modernization and momentum

Published: December 12, 2023
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Empty PET bottles for recycling.

A handful of states have modernized their bottle bills in recent years, and pressure to enact programs in non-bottle-bill states appears to be growing, according to panelists on a recent webinar. | Monticello/Shutterstock

Deposit return systems are poised to take center legislative stage in the coming years, with strong potential benefits for the environment and economy, the Container Recycling Institute noted in a recent analysis and webinar.  Continue Reading