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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].

Mapping out the recycling firms that received PPP loans

Published: December 15, 2020
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Businessman signing checks at a desk.

A Resource Recycling analysis shows that 1,116 companies identified as “materials recovery facilities” and 4,300 companies identified as “recyclable material merchant wholesalers” received Paycheck Protection Program funds this year. | NIKCOA/Shutterstock

Over $850 million in Paycheck Protection Program funds flowed to MRF operators and recyclables trading companies this year, according to data released following a court order.

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Spat continues between Republic and Connecticut officials

Published: December 8, 2020
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Closeup of court gavel.

A judge has ruled that the Materials Innovation and Recycling Authority (MIRA) must pay $1.1 million in damages to a subsidiary of Republic Services. | BCFC/Shutterstock

A Connecticut judge last month ordered a public authority to pay Republic Services damages in a MRF operations contract dispute. Soon after, the saga took another turn, with Republic indicating it’s set to bow out of the agreement altogether.

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Recycled glass end user starts up in Georgia

Published: December 8, 2020
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Glass bottles finished at the factory.

Estimated to cost $123 million, the Valdosta, Ga. plant will have a capacity to produce about 100,000 metric tons of bottles per year. | OVKNHR/Shutterstock

A new U.S. bottle plant that will use recycled glass has begun firing up its furnaces.

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Firms to face vaccine policy considerations

Published: December 8, 2020
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Closeup of a syringe and vaccine vial.

An employment lawyer recently said there isn’t a clear answer yet on whether non-healthcare employers can force employees to receive COVID-19 vaccinations, but there are some indications they’ll be allowed to. | Rohane Hamilton/Shutterstock

As the country gets closer to coronavirus vaccine approvals and distribution, recycling business managers may soon face a thorny question: whether to force employees to inoculate.

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Roller-coaster ride continues for recycling markets

Published: December 1, 2020
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Curbside waste and recycling bins in Oakville, Ontario.

The average value of a ton of recyclables dropped in the U.S. Northeast and Ontario in the third quarter. | Camillo Clauser/Shutterstock

Average commodity values tumbled by about one-fifth during the third quarter, according to a survey of northeastern U.S. MRFs. A price sheet for Ontario showed the same downward trend.

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A roundup of recent glass recycling announcements

Published: November 17, 2020
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Glass bottles on a white background.

Glass recycling stakeholders produced a video for America Recycles Day explaining the material’s role in a circular economy. | Fototocam/Shutterstock

Glass bottle maker O-I uses “Green Bond” money to buy cullet, stakeholders explain the glass recycling process to the public, and the Glass Recycling Coalition releases its latest industry survey results.

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Canadian province proposes EPR program changes

Published: October 20, 2020
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Various plastic materials gathered for recycling.

Leaders in Ontario have proposed adding bags, straws and other materials to the province’s recycling program. | Bowonpat Sakaew/Shutterstock

Leaders in Ontario unveiled regulations adding materials to its Blue Box recycling program, expanding service to smaller communities and setting high diversion targets.

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