A California initiative and a nationwide study examine the accessibility of film recycling programs, and a Canadian city begins collection. | Dmitry Markov152/Shutterstock
Most Americans have access to a store drop-off site for film plastics, according to a new study by the Sustainable Packaging Coalition. Continue Reading
The safety-focused summit came after the latest federal data showed a backslide in waste and recycling industry safety. | Sirisak baokaew/Shutterstock
As recycling companies seek to improve workplace safety amid an industry-wide increase in on-the-job fatalities, experts at a recent industry summit advised managers to focus their attention on — and for top executives, even to attend — the regular pre-shift safety meetings.
Extended producer responsibility was a hot topic throughout the three-day event held in Seattle last week. | Photo Courtesy of GreenBlue Org
A common complaint among MRF operators is that they have little meaningful contact with the packaging industry, despite dealing with headaches from that industry’s products every single day. Continue Reading
The report explores the interrelated challenges to widespread adoption of PCR content and proposes solutions from both industry and policy standpoints. | Joyce Blessthink/Shutterstock
In its most recent report, the U.S. Plastics Pact outlined numerous market-based and policy solutions for existing challenges that may inhibit adoption of PCR in plastic packaging, including collection infrastructure and virgin resin oversupply. Continue Reading
WM plans to spend about $3 billion on 39 recycling facilities and 20 renewable natural gas projects by 2026. | Photo Courtesy of WM
MRFs in Maryland, Texas, Minnesota and Canada re-opened after upgrades that included optical sorters, artificial intelligence and film vacuums.
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During the fiscal year, state employees recycled 12.9 million pounds of materials, generating $83,326 in revenue for Missouri’s recycling fund and avoiding $716,065 in landfill fees. | Roman Zaiets/Shutterstock
The Missouri state recycling program generated tens of thousands of dollars in revenue and saved the state hundreds of thousands in waste disposal fees, according to a recent report. Continue Reading
Circular Services’ MRF in North Texas will carry a $61 million investment and total 120,000 square feet. | Photo courtesy Circular Services
A southwest Alabama materials recovery facility that drew state and industry financial support has opened its doors, marking a significant step in localizing processing and lowering costs for area municipalities. Meanwhile, Circular Services broke ground on a single-stream MRF to serve a North Texas community. Continue Reading
A March 27 webinar featured tips and best practices from recycling experts Chaz Miller and Gretchen Carey. | One Photo/Shutterstock
In recent years, the recycling industry has seen negative media coverage that has not only perpetuated myths but also contributed to public mistrust of collection and recycling – and ultimately could be contributing to lower collection rates. Continue Reading
The Association of Plastic Recyclers organized public tours in MRFs and plastic processing facilities in more than 20 cities during the month of May. | SeventyFour/Shutterstock
In an effort to increase public trust in recycling, the Association of Plastic Recyclers has started a month-long effort to bring the public into materials recovery facilities. Continue Reading
Mardi Gras in New Orleans is one of the world’s largest parties, drawing 1 million visitors each year. | f11photo/shutterstock
Public events always bring their own challenges to recycling – large numbers of people on the move, visitors from out of town, a constant flow of adult beverages and other distractions, the list goes on. And Mardi Gras in New Orleans, with its 12-day, 24-7 marathon of parades and parties drawing roughly 1 million people every year, may well be king. Continue Reading