Readers were drawn to news of the latest data on California’s diversion rate. | 20B.20Banke/Shutterstock
California’s recycling rate, Waste Management’s investment in a roofing board manufacturer, a “problematic” plastics list and more drew our readers’ clicks last month.
The list below shows our top stories published in January in terms of unique page views.
1 | California’s diversion rate is now at 42%
California’s combined recycling/composting rate increased by 5 percentage points in 2020, but the number fell far short of the state’s goal.
2 | WM teams with equity firm to grow recycled board company
A joint venture between Waste Management and an investment firm will recycle plastic and paper scrap into a construction material.
3 | Recycling operators cheer list of problematic plastics
The U.S. Plastics Pact says PS and PVC packaging and other materials should be phased out in coming years. A curbside recycling operator called the potential elimination of PVC and PS packaging “two really big steps in the right direction,” though several groups criticized the Pact’s work.
4 | Paper giants make moves around recycled feedstock
Pratt Industries recently broke ground on its sixth 100% recycled paper mill, and Graphic Packaging is close to opening its massive recycled paperboard machine.
5 | Bottle bill backers see opportunity for action
Over the past year, the recycling policy discussion nationwide has focused mainly on proposals that force producers to pay for packaging recovery. But significant activity around container deposits is also taking place, particularly in the Northeast.
