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Author Archives: Jared Paben

About Jared Paben

Jared Paben Associate Editor Jared Paben has worked for Resource Recycling since December 2014. Most of his earlier career was spent as a reporter for the daily newspaper in Bellingham, Wash., but he also has experience working for the Oregon volunteerism commission and for Oregon nonprofits serving low-income populations. He can be contacted at [email protected].

MRF robotics company gains traction over two years

Published: September 5, 2023
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Since making its first sale two years ago, EverestLabs has sold over 50 robotic systems to MRFs and plastics processors. | Courtesy of EverestLabs

Deals with major operators and a partnership with an aluminum group are helping fuel growth for EverestLabs, a relatively new entrant into the business of recycling AI. Continue Reading

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Markets sting recycling revenue for WM, others

Published: August 7, 2023
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WM truck on a city street.

North America’s five largest hauling companies all reported year-over-year drops in recycling revenues for the second quarter of 2023. | 2p2play/Shutterstock

Fiber prices are slowly recovering from the rock-bottom values of late last year and early this year, but scrap plastic prices have fallen dramatically in recent months, taking a toll on the largest haulers’ recycling businesses.  Continue Reading

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WM: Upgrades temporarily slow tons recovered

Published: September 11, 2023
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WM handled less material in 2022 than 2021, but it’s looking to grow its annual tons managed to 25 million by 2030. | Ken Wolter/Shutterstock

The weight of recyclables handled by Waste Management dropped slightly last year, largely because several MRF upgrade projects necessitated temporary shutdowns at four facilities. Continue Reading

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Greif forecasts average $48-per-ton OCC cost this year

Published: September 11, 2023
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The price of OCC has a major impact on Greif’s Paper Packaging & Services segment, which manufactures several corrugated fiber products. | JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock

Projecting an average OCC price of $48 per ton for this fiscal year, industrial packaging producer Greif Inc. continues to enjoy lower recycled fiber costs even as it experiences lower demand for many of its products. Continue Reading

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Plastic reclaimers grapple with ‘rock bottom’ pricing

Published: August 28, 2023
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Although depressed plastics prices have caused some companies to revise their earnings projections, many in the sector are optimistic about an upcoming rebound. | Golden Dayz/Shutterstock

This story has been updated.

Recycled plastics prices are at their lowest levels in some time, putting significant strain on material processors. Meanwhile, some resin buyers are abandoning post-consumer resin to purchase virgin plastic instead. Continue Reading

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Survey seeks input on glass management

Published: September 5, 2023
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The Glass Recycling Coalition hopes the survey will shed light on how glass recycling programs have been affected by pandemic-era markets. | Jared Paben/Resource Recycling

An industry group has launched a survey of recycling industry stakeholders to bring clarity to how they recover glass.  Continue Reading

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Agromin wins composting contract in California

Published: August 28, 2023
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The contract allows Agromin to operate a Merced composting site that is permitted to accept up to 25,000 tons of organics each year. | Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock

Composting company Agromin has signed a contract to run a California county’s composting site, with plans for a major capacity expansion. Continue Reading

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Paper giants foresee continuing rise in OCC prices

Published: August 28, 2023
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OCC heading into a pulping machine at a Pacific Northwest paper mill. Four major recovered fiber companies recently detailed their outlooks for the future of OCC markets. | Jared Paben/Resource Recycling

Some of the largest consumers of fiber bales enjoyed low OCC prices during the second quarter, giving them a little margin relief amid an otherwise tough business environment. As the year progresses, they’re expecting to pay more for recovered fiber, however.  Continue Reading

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