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Author Archives: Antoinette Smith

About Antoinette Smith

Antoinette Smith started working for Resource Recycling in June 2024 after spending several years covering commodity plastics and supply chains, with a special focus on economic impacts. She can be contacted at [email protected].

WM report suggests 2025 goal is out of reach

Published: July 22, 2025
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The sustainability report for the nation’s largest hauler shows WM has increased recovered materials tonnage by only 5% since 2021, but has a 2025 goal of a 25% increase. | Ken Wolter/Shutterstock

Hauler WM appears unlikely to reach its 2025 interim goal for materials recovered for recycling, despite an increase from the baseline level, according to data from its latest sustainability report.  Continue Reading

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Closed Loop report shows results of state bag bans

Published: July 22, 2025
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Reusable plastic bags on a table.

Analysis from a Closed Loop consortium studied numerous state-level methods for reducing bag waste and informed considerations for policymakers. | The Image Party/Shutterstock

A new report on state-level single-use bag laws indicates that New Jersey’s ban has had numerous effects, both positive and negative.  Continue Reading

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Graphic Packaging reports rising post-consumer content

Published: July 15, 2025
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In its 2024 report, the major paper fiber consumer also noted that purchases of recovered fiber edged higher from 2023 but still were below 2022 levels. | Worradirek/Shutterstock

Atlanta-based Graphic Packaging recently released its 2024 Impact Report, in which the company showed mixed results surrounding its sustainability targets. Continue Reading

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Packaging Corp. to buy Greif containerboard segment

Published: July 8, 2025
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The deal will increase PCA’s ability to produce items using higher recycled content, and further Greif’s goal of focusing on its polymer offerings. | Max Zvonarev/Shutterstock

Packaging Corporation of America will buy Greif’s containerboard business, with the $1.8 billion all-cash deal expected by the end of PCA’s third quarter, in the latest development for an industry experiencing tumult.  Continue Reading

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Proposed EPR changes in Canada could inform US plans

Published: June 24, 2025
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With Ontario two years into its 2023-2025 transition to a producer responsibility model for paper and packaging recycling, stakeholders have asked for more time and lower costs. | Maxim Studio/Shutterstock

Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, is looking to make adjustments to its signature law for extended producer responsibility in packaging, in response to producer feedback about costs and other program concerns.  Continue Reading

California extends compostable labeling law

Published: June 17, 2025
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The Biodegradable Products Institute had previously appealed to CalRecycle for a five-year extension to give the market more time to adapt. | Black Salmon/Shutterstock

The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery has pushed back the effective date for a state law on labeling compostable packaging materials to mid-2027. Continue Reading

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MRFs share how they develop accepted material lists

Published: June 17, 2025
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Material acceptance at MRFs varies widely by locality, but several stakeholders explained the factors behind such wide-reaching decisions. | StoyanYotov/Shutterstock

Several MRF operators recently provided insight into how their facilities decide what materials to accept, during a discussion on bridging the disconnect between brand owners and MRFs. Continue Reading

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Study explores reusable containers in California DRS

Published: June 10, 2025
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Returning a plastic beverage bottle for deposit at a reverse vending machine.

Eunomia and the Story of Stuff Project found the state would need about $1.9 billion in capital investment over 12 years to meet stated targets, and provided sample scenarios. | Rokas Tenys/Shutterstock

Consulting firm Eunomia and the Story of Stuff Project have published a feasibility study on how a reusable beverage system in California could be integrated into the state’s existing deposit return system. Continue Reading

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U.S. military seeks greater right to repair

Published: May 28, 2025
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An April 30 Defense memo echoes recent congressional efforts to allow the military to repair its own equipment, which helps reduce costs. | Bumble Dee/Shutterstock

As part of a broader initiative to increase efficiency, the U.S. secretary of defense has called for the Army to include the right to repair products in its procurement contracts, adding support to previous congressional efforts.  Continue Reading

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Nebraska city to accept paper cups in curbside bins

Published: May 28, 2025
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Residents were already “wishcycling” the cups, so the locally owned recycler decided to pave the way to formal acceptance. | Oasishifi/Shutterstock

The city of Omaha recently added paper take-out cups to its list of accepted items for recycling, with locally owned First Star Recycling leading the way in the resident-driven effort.  Continue Reading