New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, seen here speaking in May 2021, signed recycled-content mandates into law. | lev radin/Shutterstock
New Jersey’s governor signed into law requirements that manufacturers use post-consumer resin in rigid containers, carryout bags and trash bags.
A recent webinar brought together experts to cover the benefits and complications of recycled-content mandates.| Monticello/Shutterstock
Recycled-content laws are a tool for driving post-consumer resin demand. But what if producers are given too many outs, feedstock is in short supply, or the mandates actually result in greater environmental harm?
New Jersey is the latest state to look anew at recycled-content mandates as a way to force demand pull for recycled materials. | Real Window Creative/Shutterstock
New Jersey lawmakers approved legislation mandating recycled plastic be used in rigid containers, carryout bags and trash bags. Meanwhile, a West Coast advisory committee has recommended recycled-content requirements for plastic tubs, thermoforms and cups.
Recology contributed millions of dollars toward signature-collection efforts, which succeeded in bringing a measure to voters in California. | Tada Images/Shutterstock
After bankrolling a successful effort to qualify a plastics-fee measure for California’s 2022 general election, hauler and recycling processor Recology has forgiven $2.75 million in loans and will distance itself from the push, according to state records and the company.
The U.S. Secretary of State has indicated U.S. support for a global plastics pollution treaty. | Gerain0812/Shutterstock
The U.S. has signaled support for a worldwide agreement to reduce marine plastic pollution. Meanwhile, the EU is drafting stricter export rules, a watchdog group is mapping plastic dump sites, and researchers shared findings on the greenhouse gas impacts of virgin plastic shipments.
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.
Industry stakeholders say a restrictive labeling rule in California could stymie collection of polypropylene. | Allexxandar / Shutterstock
As California regulators gear up to write statewide guidelines for which products are “recyclable,” analysts say the process – spurred by recent legislation – will have national impacts.
In a statement, Newsom said the bills will raise consumer awareness and promote industry accountability. | Jana Asenbrennerova / Shutterstock
A high-profile bill restricting the use of recyclability labeling on products in California was signed into law this week. Gov. Gavin Newsom also signed legislation classifying mixed-plastic exports out of the state as “disposal.”
Data from California shows some major beverage producers used lower percentages of post-consumer resin in 2020 than they did in 2019. | tezzstock / Shutterstock
The clock is ticking on California’s law mandating recycled plastic in drink bottles, and some beverage producers still have a long way to go, newly released data reveals.
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.