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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].

German data platform plans US launch in 2025

Published: August 27, 2024
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computer user

Resourcify’s data platform shows users how sustainability initiatives can help save money and make processes more efficient. | Silvabom/Shutterstock

As environmental targets quickly approach, companies may struggle to understand their role in the broad field of sustainability and how to manage that role. But Germany-based waste management platform Resourcify can help, a company executive said in a recent interview. Continue Reading

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Consortium offers blueprint to establish composting

Published: August 13, 2024
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Food scraps collected in a bucket.

The Composting Consortium’s new blueprint, as well as two new free platforms, can help communities develop and scale up composting programs. | maerzkind/Shutterstock

A new blueprint from the Composting Consortium aims to guide municipalities in establishing and scaling composting infrastructure and organics management programs.

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Rumpke’s new MRF centers on education, collaboration

Published: August 13, 2024
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The new recycling center in Ohio combines vast processing capacity with community outreach and education, company leadership said in an interview. | Courtesy of Rumpke

Understanding customer needs has shaped the new Rumpke Waste & Recycling facility in Columbus, Ohio, and will help increase incoming volumes, according to company leadership. Continue Reading

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Minnesota AG, Reynolds, Walmart settle recycling bags suit

Published: August 6, 2024
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Front of Hefty Recycling Bag box in question in court.

The two companies will stop selling products in Minnesota for two and a half years, can re-enter the market only if bags are clearly marked as non-recyclable, and will pay more than $200,000.

Walmart and Reynolds Consumer Products have reached settlements with the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office in a lawsuit over marketing language for bags labeled as “recycling bags.”   Continue Reading

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Republic Services recycling volumes drop for 2023

Published: July 30, 2024
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Metal bales at a recycling facility.

Republic Services recovered 2.2 million tons of cardboard, metal, organics, paper and plastics in 2023. | Rhfletcher/Shutterstock

For a second consecutive year, waste hauler Republic Services recovered fewer tons of recyclable materials than in the previous year, according to the company’s 2023 ESG report. Continue Reading

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WM upgrade in Wisconsin leverages location, community

Published: July 23, 2024
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The recent upgrade of WM’s Germantown MRF in Wisconsin added 20% more capacity to one of the company’s largest facilities in the heart of a rapidly growing manufacturing corridor. | Courtesy of WM

With a nearly $39 million upgrade completed at one of its biggest MRFs, WM officials are looking to further refine automation capabilities as well as add volumes in the Midwest. Continue Reading

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Novolex used less recycled plastic last year

Published: July 23, 2024
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Novolex building seen from above.

Although overall PCR usage dropped in 2023, Novolex’s paper segment reached its highest share of recycled content since 2020. | Photo Courtesy of Novolex

Packaging producer Novolex reported slightly lower post-consumer recycled content usage in its plastic products for 2023, according to the company’s latest sustainability report.

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Amazon cites business growth for rise in plastic use

Published: July 16, 2024
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Amazon largely focused on its efforts to reduce plastic use, such as substituting recycled paper for flexible fillers and making packaging suitable for curbside collection. | Skorzewiak/Shutterstock

In its 2023 sustainability report, global retail powerhouse Amazon highlighted its efforts to reduce packaging materials and to make its packaging suitable for curbside collection but provided few details on PCR usage. Continue Reading

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Recycling sector weathers the effects of Beryl

Published: July 16, 2024
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Texas experienced its first major hurricane of the season in early July, with significant power outages, but peak storm season has yet to occur. | Andrea Quintero Olivas/Shutterstock

As the first major hurricane of the season hit Texas last week, MRFs and processors braced for disrupted services, flooding and power outages, which are familiar obstacles for Gulf Coast operators each June through November. Continue Reading

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