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Author Archives: MaryEllen Etienne

Women in Circularity: Heidi Sanborn

Published: September 30, 2025
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Heidi Sanborn, executive director of the National Stewardship Action Council | Courtesy Big Wave

A warm welcome back to “Women in Circularity,” where we shine a light on women moving us toward a circular economy. This month, I was pleased to connect with a leading voice and policy innovator in sustainable materials management: Heidi Sanborn. Heidi is the executive director of the National Stewardship Action Council, a national nonprofit organization that advocates for a responsible circular economy using extended producer responsibility (EPR) and other policy tools. With nearly four decades of experience, Heidi is often referred to as the “godmother of EPR” in the US. She has helped pass more EPR laws than anyone else in the US, building coalitions, inspiring new voices and creating solutions that deliver real results. 

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Plastics Recyclers Have the Capacity to Recycle More. Now Let’s Use It.

Published: September 25, 2025
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Juice Flair / Shutterstock

This article appeared in the September 2025 issue of Resource Recycling. Subscribe today for access to all print content.

Mechanical recyclers across North America have the capacity right now to recycle significantly more plastic. Continue Reading

Triple-digit revenue gains propel ABTC’s expansion

Published: September 23, 2025
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American Battery Technology Company saw triple-digit revenue growth in Q4 as it scales to meet demand. | Quality Stock Arts / Shutterstock

American Battery Technology Company (ABTC) reported Q4 2025 revenue of $2.8 million, a 183% increase over the prior quarter, while full year revenue, ended June 30, 2025, surged 1,149% to $4.3 million compared with fiscal 2024.  Continue Reading

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Washington’s residential paper and packaging EPR program

Published: September 23, 2025
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Washington’s Department of Ecology gears up to implement the state’s new EPR-driven residential program. | Dee Karen / Shutterstock

The Washington Recycling Reform Act, passed by the legislature in 2025, is designed to improve the state’s residential recycling system. The law creates an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for residential packaging and paper products. 

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Reopened Iowa plant recycles cartons into roofing materials

Published: September 9, 2025
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Continuus Everboard product at a project installation.

The former Continuus/WM facility is expected to recycle about 10,000 cartons per year. | Courtesy of Continuus

Editor’s Note: End markets will be featured in sessions at the 2026 Resource Recycling Conference, Feb. 23-25 in San Diego, California.

The new owners of an Iowa roofing material facility have reopened the plant nearly a year after it shut down, aiming to capitalize on regional and national upcycling trends to gain market share. Continue Reading

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Fiber, film, metal bales stable while plastics continue to drop

Published: September 16, 2025
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Market graph iconThe national average price of post-consumer PET beverage bottles and jars dropped again in September, now averaging 4.66 cents per pound, compared to 5.75 cents per pound this time last month. Regional contracts are yielding in the 3-7 cent range. One year ago this grade was trading at an average 18.34 cents per pound. Continue Reading

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