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Author Archives: MaryEllen Etienne

Women in Circularity: Charlotte Boesch

Published: July 29, 2025
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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 regenerative system builder: Charlotte Boesch. Charlotte is a Senior Program Manager for the Billion Oyster Project, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring oyster reefs to New York Harbor through public private partnerships and education initiatives. Charlotte has over a decade of experience in stakeholder engagement and circular systems development. Continue Reading

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In Our Opinion: Policy leaders should embrace the Zero Waste Hierarchy

Published: July 29, 2025
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The Zero Waste Hierarchy was recently updated with refined definitions, a new guiding principle and more. | Photo courtesy Zero Waste International Alliance

Waste hierarchies have become essential tools for setting policy direction at every level of government. By clearly communicating which strategies are most environmentally and socially preferable, they help guide decisions on infrastructure investment, program design, and regulatory priorities. Continue Reading

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How AI sorting tech can help meet emerging EPR needs

Published: July 22, 2025
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AMP started out producing robotics but now supplies entire sorting facilities with advanced sorting equipment. | Photo courtesy AMP

Emerging extended producer responsibility programs for packaging are creating demand for more accurate data, higher diversion rates and a flexible infrastructure to handle changing material streams. An equipment supplier recently laid out how its artificial intelligence-equipped sorting systems can meet this need. Continue Reading

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Women in Circularity: Teresa Bradley

Published: June 24, 2025
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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 leader in community-based circular solutions: Teresa Bradley. Teresa is the CEO of Race to Zero Waste. Race to Zero Waste is a nonprofit dedicated to advancing zero waste principles and an equitable circular economy through education, action and advocacy to reduce single-use plastics and address the urgent challenges of our changing climate. Teresa has over 20 years of experience in zero waste operations and advocacy. Continue Reading

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Women in Circularity: Sue Beets-Atkinson

Published: May 28, 2025
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Sue Beets-Atkinson, global vice president of sustainability at SBM Management Services.

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 leader in zero waste facilities: Sue Beets-Atkinson. Sue is the global vice president of sustainability at SBM Management Services. SBM is a leading global services provider that helps corporations meet their operations-related sustainability goals. Sue has 32 years of experience in business waste minimization.  Continue Reading

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MRF upgrades, openings announced across US

Published: May 13, 2025
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Waste Managment logo on a building.

WM, Republic and a city in Virginia announced upgrades and plans for new MRFs. | Ken Wolter/Shutterstock

The mayor of Portsmouth, Virginia, announced a new MRF with artificial intelligence-powered sorting. Meanwhile, Republic Services announced a new facility near St. Louis, Missouri, and WM completed improvements to an MRF in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

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