New metal tariffs on imports from all countries into the U.S. spurred quick retaliation from the European Union and Canada. | nattanan726/Shutterstock
The U.S. tariff whirlwind continues this month: Many imports from Canada and Mexico, including those of recycled materials, had their tariffs suspended two days after they took effect last week, while previously announced tariffs on aluminum and steel from all countries are set to take effect Wednesday. Continue Reading
In 2024, the U.S. imported 393 million pounds of scrap plastic, primarily PET and mixed plastics, from Canada. | Vacancylizm/Shutterstock
Update: Most of the new tariffs on imports from both Mexico and Canada were paused until April 2, following executive orders President Donald Trump signed on March 6.
The Recycled Materials Association warned of potential “severe” disruption to the materials recovery sector after tariffs targeting the U.S.’s largest trading partners took effect March 4, bringing higher costs to import nearly all goods, including recycled commodities. Continue Reading
In 2024, Mexico and Canada together received more than half of all U.S. plastic scrap exports and provided about 30% of PET resin imports, according to the U.S. International Trade Commission. | Hxdyl/Shutterstock
U.S. President Donald Trump was set to implement 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, effective Feb. 4, then delayed them, creating a rapidly changing trade landscape that furthered uncertainty in the plastics recycling industry. Continue Reading
Research from RRS found that in 2021, only 9% of U.S. recycling programs used a search app or tool for outreach, but apps appear to be gaining in popularity. | zhu-difeng/Shutterstock
Smartphones are a ubiquitous tool for many Americans, and several states have recently started using apps, including Recycle Coach, to disseminate recycling information.
Two university teams developed processes using electromagnetic waves and engineered wastewater bacteria to address plastic pollution. | Poring Studio/Shutterstock
University researchers have come up with two new methods to break down plastic waste – one for reuse and the other to rid wastewater of microplastics. Continue Reading
About 16% of all plastic packaging in Canada was recycled in 2022, according to the latest data from the Canada Plastics Pact. | Hyotographics/Shutterstock
More plastic film was recycled in Canada in 2022 compared to 2019, but less rigid plastic made it into the system, according to the latest report from Canada Plastics Pact. Continue Reading
The Stewardship Agencies of BC is a coalition of extended producer responsibility organizations, including Call2Recycle Canada, Return-It, the Electronic Products Recycling Association, Recycle BC and others. | Myibean/Shutterstock
The Stewardship Agencies of British Columbia worked together to divert a record 425 million kilograms of end-of-life products from landfills in 2023, and leaders pointed to factors including the efficiency and education that collaboration brings. Continue Reading
With more capacity coming online, EFS-Plastics will be able to handle more B-grade LDPE film bales and potentially transition to contractual supply arrangements. | Vikentiy Elizarov/Shutterstock
As EFS-Plastics nears completion on its third LDPE film processing line in Pennsylvania, the company is changing the way it approaches film bales, a company executive said in an interview. Continue Reading
The June 14 webinar “EPR in British Columbia: A Timeline of Success and Challenge Past, Present, Future” brought together nine speakers with long experience in extended producer responsibility in the province. | Vipada Kanajod/Shutterstock
How did a law intended to stop can-tabs litter in British Columbia lead to today’s expansive extended producer responsibility laws? Those involved in its evolution traced the path in a webinar hosted by the Coast Waste Management Association. Continue Reading
Plastic bale wrap used to store livestock feed, such as silage, is collected for recycling through a Cleanfarms pilot program. | Photo courtesy of Cleanfarms
2023 was a record-breaking collection year for Canadian ag recycling nonprofit Cleanfarms.