Colin Staub is a reporter at Resource Recycling. He can be contacted at [email protected].
One end user assumes OCC prices will hover around $100 per ton throughout 2025. | Siwakorn1933/Shutterstock
North American mill operators enjoyed a quarter of lower feedstock costs at the end of 2024 and are anticipating little OCC movement this year. But one operator says tariffs are contributing to so much uncertainty that the company can’t provide a detailed outlook. Continue Reading
If domestic aluminum demand rises, used beverage cans could see a jump in commodity value. | Graham Corney/Shutterstock
New tariff actions targeting aluminum and steel imports could have near-term benefits for MRF operators if the actions spur additional demand for domestic-sourced commodities. But it’s the longer-term effects that are more concerning. Continue Reading
The U.S. exported 13.3 million short tons of recovered fiber throughout the year, down from 14.8 million short tons in 2023. | Magnifier/Shutterstock
Recovered paper exports dropped 11% year-over-year in 2024, and scrap plastic exports fell by about 2%, according to new trade data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Continue Reading
Single-use PP beverage pods, such as those used for coffee and tea, may no longer qualify for the “check locally” label, according to the latest data. | Primestock Photography / Shutterstock
The How2Recycle labeling initiative is considering downgrading four types of plastic packaging in response to recent acceptance data, it announced last month. The program also downgraded aerosol cans, upgraded composite containers and determined cartons are still “widely recyclable.” Continue Reading
Shein’s interest in chemical recycling comes as the company works toward a goal to increase annual recycled polyester use from 7.9% to 31% in its apparel by 2030. | Graffitimi/Shutterstock
Editor’s note: Learn more about textile recycling and many other topics at the upcoming Textile Recovery Summit, part of the 2025 Plastics Recycling Conference on March 24-26 in National Harbor, Maryland.
Global clothing e-commerce retailer Shein has developed a chemical recycling process alongside a Chinese research university and is planning to start up a facility in June, producing 6.6 million pounds per year of chemically recycled polyester for use in its apparel. Continue Reading
The new West Coast facility will be the first U.S. carton processing plant west of Iowa. | Andrei Kuzmik
A new end market for gable-top and aseptic cartons aims to start up in California later this year, providing much-needed carton capacity in the western part of the country.
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The U.S. EPA carries out a variety of recycling industry-supportive work through its Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery. | Tada Images/Shutterstock
There are few indications how incoming U.S. EPA administrator Lee Zeldin might shift the agency’s solid waste and recycling work, but he won the support of multiple recycling industry associations, and stakeholders say he likely brings an understanding of local solid waste management challenges. Continue Reading
The former mayor of Oakland, Calif., and the CEO of California Waste Solutions have both been charged with bribery and fraud over an alleged agreement to extend a hauling contract in return for campaign support. | Phanphen Kaewwannarat/Shutterstock
Federal prosecutors say a former California mayor received bribery payments and services in exchange for agreeing to extend a recycling contract. Now all involved are facing federal charges for bribery or fraud. Continue Reading
The guide directs users to various retail and other collection sites around the U.S. that accept film for drop-off recycling. | Ivanova Tetyana/Shutterstock
Editor’s note: Learn more about film recycling trends and many other topics at the 2025 Plastics Recycling Conference on March 24-26 in National Harbor, Maryland. Continue Reading
Recycle Utah is working to bring a diverse array of shareholders together on a $25 million MRF project. | Photo courtesy Recycle Utah
Summit County, Utah, boasts one of the largest ski resorts in the U.S., bringing tourists from around the world to experience the majestic slopes in Park City. The region has even been selected as the site of the 2034 Winter Olympics.