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A lawsuit targeting major brand owners drew reader interest last month, along with stories examining the history of extended producer responsibility in British Columbia, brand owners extending PCR target dates, a recycled-content bag ban in California and the value of collaboration across the plastics value chain.
The paper from MIT researchers used a 10-cent deposit model to explore the potential effects on MRFs. | Emilija Miljkovic/Shutterstock
A nationwide 10-cent deposit on PET beverage containers could push the recycling rate for the material to over 80% in the next decade with a high level of bottle-to-bottle circularity, a MIT study suggested. Continue Reading
Sen. Jeff Merkley is working on a draft bill that would set federal parameters around recycling labels on consumer packaging, called the Truth in Labeling Act of 2024. | 9dream Studio/Shutterstock
Due to its size and tendency to be on the leading edge of environmental law, California has long been seen as the bellwether, setting policy that other states will later follow – or that producers and manufacturers take as de facto law nationwide when it comes to standards. Continue Reading
Trex’s PE usage fell from 421 million pounds in 2021 to 409 million pounds in 2022, then to 328 million pounds in 2023. | HappyStockPhoto/Shutterstock
Composite decking company Trex used about 328 million pounds of recycled PE in its decking in 2023, a dip from years past. Continue Reading
Three organizations won grants to further projects to increase the recyclability of PVC. | Saravutpics/Shutterstock
The Vinyl Institute has awarded almost $332,000 in recycling grants to three organizations to help keep PVC out of landfills and in productive use in society, the organization recently announced. Continue Reading
Michigan is on track to achieve its goal of 30% recycling rate by 2029. | OnePhoto/Shutterstock
The recycling rate in Michigan reached a record high of 23% in 2023, keeping the state on track to achieve its goal of a 30% recycling rate by 2029, according to a press release from the state’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. Continue Reading
The report from the Center for International Environmental Law details effects of plastic pollution and provides tools for local governments to pursue compensation. | Poring Studio/Shutterstock
The Center for International Environmental Law has released a report detailing how local governments can pursue compensation for the effects of plastic pollution, mostly via legal action against plastic producers and brand owners. Continue Reading
Panelists said the playbook that increased renewable energy usage in the U.S. could be used to improve recycling, too. | PhilipR/Shutterstock
At a meeting of Oregon materials recovery stakeholders last week, two plastics recycling experts had a blunt message for attendees: Plastics recycling is in trouble. Continue Reading