Back to Top

Author Archives: Colin Staub

About Colin Staub

Colin-StaubColin Staub is a reporter at Resource Recycling. He can be contacted at [email protected].

US PET bottle recycling rate continues to sink

Published: November 16, 2021
Updated:

by
PET bottles for recycling.

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 recycled PET 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.

Continue Reading

Posted in News | Tagged , |

Amid shipping crisis, recycling loads often ‘first to get cut’

Published: October 26, 2021
Updated:

by
Cargo stacked at port in Indonesia.

Global shipping constraints are impacting recovered commodities traders in unique ways. | Creativa Images / Shutterstock

Strife in the global shipping sector continues to impact North American recycling, with companies experiencing higher rates as well as decreased shipping availability and reliability.

Continue Reading

Posted in News, Top stories | Tagged |

Report examines how to boost recycling markets in Texas

Published: October 5, 2021
Updated:

by
Bales of plastics in a recycling facility.

A new report shows the bulk of recyclables collected in Texas are processed at 31 MRFs. | RYosha / Shutterstock

A comprehensive look at the Lone Star State’s recycling system identified several strategies governments can use to bolster recycling market development in their jurisdictions, including recycled-content mandates and public procurement policies.

Continue Reading

Posted in News, Top stories | Tagged , , |

Microsoft says it will expand tech repair options

Published: October 19, 2021
Updated:

by
Microsoft sign on a company building.

Microsoft will complete a third-party study focused on repair to help guide the design of future products. | Paolo Bona / Shutterstock

Facing pressure from a shareholder advocacy group, Microsoft announced it will expand the availability of parts and repair documentation, increase consumer access to local repair options, and more.

Continue Reading

Posted in News | Tagged |

Trex CEO: Recycled plastic demand will stay strong

Published: October 12, 2021
Updated:

by
Trex product installed in residential yard.

Trex recycles polyethylene film collected from warehouses, retail stores and other locations into composite lumber products. | Courtesy of Trex

The leader of composite decking manufacturer Trex shared insights on recycled polyethylene markets and sourcing channels in an interview.

Continue Reading

Posted in News | Tagged |

Recycling labeling debate primed to heat up nationally

Published: October 12, 2021
Updated:

by

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.

Continue Reading

Posted in News, Top stories | Tagged , , |

Stakeholders talk recycling fixes before Congress

Published: September 28, 2021
Updated:

by
Elizabeth Biser, of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality

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.

Continue Reading

Posted in News, Top stories | Tagged , |

Reusable packaging platform to roll out in US stores

Published: September 28, 2021
Updated:

by
Loop packaging for ice cream.

Before the end of 2021, Loop will move its reuse platform into U.S. grocery stores owned by Kroger. | Courtesy of Loop

Loop, a company providing reusable packaging and collection infrastructure for major consumer goods brand owners, will bring its concept into North American retail outlets this year.

Continue Reading

Posted in News, Top stories | Tagged |

Judge ends Greenpeace’s labeling suit against Walmart

Published: September 28, 2021
Updated:

by
Walmart logo on shopping cart in store.

A U.S. District Court judge ruled that Greenpeace lacked standing to sue the world’s largest retailer over recyclability labeling in California. | Harun Ozmen / Shutterstock

A California court has dismissed a legal complaint Greenpeace brought against Walmart, ruling that the activist group itself was not deceived by labels indicating the corporation’s plastic packaging is recyclable.

Continue Reading