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Author Archives: Dan Leif

About Dan Leif

Dan LeifDan Leif is the managing editor at Resource Recycling, Inc., which publishes Resource Recycling, Plastics Recycling Update and E-Scrap News. He has been with the company since 2013 and has edited different trade publications since 2006. He can be contacted at [email protected].

Standing too close? MRF asks workers to write that down

Published: April 21, 2020
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Portland, Maine-based Ecomaine runs a 50,000-square-foot MRF, as well as a waste-to-energy site and landfill. | Photo courtesy of Ecomaine/Credit: Brian Fitzgerald

Many recycling facilities track throughput, materials composition, contamination and other data points. One operator in the Northeast is now bringing meticulous measurement to social distancing.

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Q&A: Seizing the moment on recycling policy

Published: April 18, 2022
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EPR bills, proposed in a number of states, aim to improve curbside collection and more. | Jared Paben

Last year, Maine and Oregon each passed major pieces of recycling legislation that incorporated elements of extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging, a strategy in which producers are mandated to fund packaging recovery in those states. Continue Reading

Republic Services moves to vertically integrate in plastics

Published: March 1, 2022
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Plastics processing in Republic's Las Vegas recycling facility.

Plastics being handled at Republic Services’ existing materials recovery facility (MRF) in North Las Vegas, Nev. The company’s Polymer Center will be sited seven miles from the MRF. | Courtesy of Republic Services

North America’s second-largest hauler and recycling processor is constructing a facility in Las Vegas that will produce recycled PET flake and provide a deeper sort of other recovered resins.

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Longtime WM recycling leader moves into retirement

Published: April 5, 2022
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Susan Robinson speaking during a presentation.

Susan Robinson worked on recycling issues for Waste Management for 23 years. | Courtesy of Waste Management

Susan Robinson, who has been central to shaping Waste Management’s strategy around policy and sustainability for over two decades, had her last day with the company on March 31.

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Bottle bill backers see opportunity for action

Published: January 11, 2022
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Closeup of beverage can showing deposit information

Backers of bottle bill updates in Massachusetts and Vermont were able to progress legislative proposals that they say could be primed to pass in 2022. | PJiiiJane/Shutterstock

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.

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