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Author Archives: Scott Snowden

About Scott Snowden

Scott has been a reporter for over 25 years, covering a diverse range of subjects from sub-atomic cold fusion physics to scuba diving off the Great Barrier Reef. He's now deeply invested in the world of recycling, green tech and environmental preservation.

Producers receive first bills under UK packaging EPR

Published: October 22, 2025
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PackUK has begun issuing the first EPR invoices to packaging producers, outlining payment rules, penalties and next steps toward modulated recyclability fees. |
Tartezy / Shutterstock

  • Fee modulation is based on reported 2024 data
  • Base fees expected to raise nearly $2 million in 2025
  • Industry raises concerns about transparency, fee pass-through

The administrator for the UK’s extended producer responsibility program for packaging has issued its first invoices to packaging producers, marking the start of a major shift in how household packaging waste is funded.

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EPR rules take shape in Oregon, as first test

Published: October 22, 2025
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At PPRC in Chicago, industry experts warned that complex rules and demands will take years to refine as Oregon sets an early model. | Bob Pool / Shutterstock

At the Paper and Plastics Recycling Conference in Chicago, industry leaders said extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs for packaging are changing how the US handles residential recycling, but warned that uneven state rules will slow the transition.

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Glacier AI at Penn Waste aims to improve PET, fiber output

Published: October 8, 2025
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Amazon-backed Glacier has installed AI sorting at Penn Waste’s York County MRF with support from Cox Enterprises, aiming to boost PET capture in Pennsylvania. | Photo courtesy Glacier

Glacier, the Amazon-backed AI and robotics company, has installed its sorting technology at Penn Waste’s MRF in York County, Pennsylvania, in a project supported by Cox Enterprises that aims to lift plastic recovery and improve fiber quality for mills. Continue Reading

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APR launches recyclability assessment platform

Published: October 1, 2025
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APR has unveiled a digital platform that evaluates whole plastic packages for recyclability and helps brands prepare for EPR and labeling rules. | Courtesy APR

The Association of Plastic Recyclers will launch a new digital platform to help brands and packaging suppliers evaluate the recyclability of entire plastic packages and prepare for policy requirements in the US and abroad. Continue Reading

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Iowa firm turns old wind turbine blades into concrete

Published: September 24, 2025
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Renewablade in Iowa is turning old wind turbine blades into precast concrete blocks, barriers and bunkers after years of trial and development. | Ultramansk / Shutterstock

After years of research and trial runs, an Iowa recycling company has begun turning retired wind turbine blades into precast concrete products. Continue Reading

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Clean Harbors hits 2030 recycling goal early

Published: September 24, 2025
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Clean Harbors’ 2025 supplement shows 1.9 million metric tons recycled in 2024, a 31% gain since 2019, plus PFAS destruction capability and record financials. | Zimmytws / Shutterstock

Clean Harbors published its 2025 Sustainability Supplement and reported that recycling volumes reached 1.9 million metric tons in 2024, clearing a 2030 target years ahead of schedule. Continue Reading

Aduro loss widens as pilot plant nears commissioning

Published: September 3, 2025
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Aduro Clean Technologies posted a wider loss in 2025 as it advanced an Ontario pilot plant, signed new MOUs and raised funds through a US equity offering. | Yuriy Chertok/Shutterstock

Aduro Clean Technologies reported a wider operating loss for fiscal year 2025 as it increased spending on research and pilot-scale construction.  Continue Reading

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Report shows $5B in materials saved from landfills

Published: August 20, 2025
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The 2024 Impact Report says $5 billion in materials stayed in circulation, avoiding 25.2 million metric tons of emissions across the Closed Loop portfolio. | Chay Tee/Shutterstock

Closed Loop Partners investments and portfolio companies have helped keep more than $5 billion worth of materials and products in circulation since the firm was founded, according to its newly released 2024 Impact Report.
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Plastics treaty talks end without consensus or a plan

Published: August 20, 2025
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The Geneva talks ended without agreement, highlighting sharp rifts on production caps, leaving no clear picture of when they might resume. | Maryshot/Shutterstock

After nearly two weeks of tense negotiations, the world’s attempt to forge the first legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution collapsed in Geneva, leaving delegates exhausted, civil groups dismayed and the path forward uncertain.

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Denton Plastics building major Oregon PP expansion

Published: August 13, 2025
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Denton Plastics recently broke ground on a $2 million Oregon expansion to double PP recycling capacity, boost sorting technology and meet Recycling Modernization Act goals. | Photo courtesy Denton Plastics

Denton Plastics has broken ground on a major expansion of its polypropylene recycling operations in Oregon, a move hailed as both strategic and timely amid the state’s evolving recycling landscape. Continue Reading

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