Data shows that in 2020 PET bottles notched a 26.6% collection rate in the U.S., down from 27.9% in 2019. | Torychemistry/Shutterstock
Demand for RPET increased 10% in 2020, but it was accompanied by a decrease in PET bottle collection, according to an annual report from the National Association for PET Container Resources.
Legislators in Washington, D.C. are working on two infrastructure bills that could have plastics recycling implications. | LLoughran/Shutterstock
A proposed virgin plastics tax of 20 cents per pound has been axed from the Democrats’ social infrastructure bill, according to an industry lobbying firm.
Over 70 businesses, nonprofit organizations and governments make up the Canada Plastics Pact. | tyshun / Shutterstock
The Canada Plastics Pact has released a plan for how it envisions developing a circular economy for polymers.
The NextGen Consortium is directing funds toward the recycling of PP used in foodservice settings, as well as other projects.| George Ruangdech / Shutterstock
Two food and drink giants will put millions more into an effort aimed at recycling polypropylene foodservice products, among other sustainability efforts.
PE film and flexible packaging is a fast-growing packaging type. | Iramenko Sergii – Shutterstock
Film packaging manufacturers have shown greater interest in ensuring the recyclability of their products in recent years. Newly released guidance is intended to help them.
U.S. EPA official Carlton Waterhouse told an audience at the Northeast Recycling Council’s fall conference that social equity is integral to sustainability. | Sirisak Baokaew/Shutterstock
Carlton Waterhouse, a key U.S. EPA waste official, says moving toward a circular economy is not enough. Instead, society needs a “circular economy for all.” Continue Reading
The U.S. EPA is accepting comments on potential regulation of chemical recycling technologies until Nov. 8. | g0d4ather / Shutterstock
The U.S. EPA is exploring potential regulations for pyrolysis and gasification facilities, citing growing interest in these chemical recycling technologies.
Elizabeth Biser of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality described the importance of strong state support for materials recovery during a hearing last week.
U.S. senators last week heard about how stronger end-market demand, state support for materials recovery, technology advancements and more can strengthen the U.S. recycling system.
Volunteers clean the beach during the 2021 International Coastal Cleanup on September 18, 2021 in Santa Monica, California. | Rachel Murray/Getty Images for Ocean Conservancy
Information gathered through decades of coastal cleanups shows the majority of plastic litter recovered was never recyclable through curbside systems in the first place, according to Ocean Conservancy.
RESIN8 aggregate, which is used in concrete products. | Courtesy of CRDC Global
The Alliance to End Plastic Waste will provide a low-interest loan to fund the expansion of a company that recycles low-grade plastics into an aggregate used in concrete products.