Many recycling programs have been struggling to find economic stability, and in some cases, they’ve slimmed down to survive. Here are recent examples of adjustments in three communities of varying size.
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Many recycling programs have been struggling to find economic stability, and in some cases, they’ve slimmed down to survive. Here are recent examples of adjustments in three communities of varying size.
The Colorado capitol building in Denver.
Colorado lawmakers have passed a bill raising landfill taxes and using the money to award waste diversion grants.
The move last week by 187 governments to alter a global waste treaty will mean further uncertainty for U.S. scrap plastic exports.
Louie Pellegrini
Programs on opposite coasts enjoyed bale quality benefits after switching from single- to dual-stream collection, two experts noted. But an industry group leader suggested education may have been a key driver.
Already pummeled fiber prices have continued to fall further, with OCC now trading at around $32 per ton.
Recovered fiber end users continue to experience impacts from fluctuating recycling markets, which they discussed in their recent earnings calls. Stakeholders also speculated on the future of fiber exports to Asia.
Consumption of U.S. recovered fiber versus overall finished paper products sold into the market hit a record high percentage in 2018. An industry group explained the increase, which came amid market challenges.
Lower scrap aluminum prices helped improve profitability for aluminum rolling and recycling company Novelis last year.
Federal legislation proposed in Canada requires consumer packaging to be made from a short list of recyclable materials. The guidelines allow only the most common recyclables, including just two plastic resins.
Legislation requiring 100 percent post-consumer plastic in beverage containers is gaining traction in California. Meanwhile, recently released data shows recycled plastic usage remains relatively low in the state’s bottling industry.