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Judge: Wage law doesn’t apply to inmates working at MRFs

Published: June 20, 2023
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Court gavel at desk scene.

In her opinion, Maryland judge Stephanie A. Gallagher ruled that the prison work program was rehabilitative and the workers aren’t employees of the county, and therefore they are not covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act. | Aerial Mike/Shutterstock

Local governments don’t have to pay minimum wage or overtime to prison inmates who are sorting recyclables at MRFs, regardless of whether the recycling program financially benefits from the cheap labor, a federal judge ruled.  Continue Reading

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DOE earmarks more funding to recycle batteries

Published: June 20, 2023
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EV battery pack.

The expenditure is part of the Biden-Harris administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. | Sergii Chernov/Shutterstock

The U.S. Department of Energy is making $192 million available for battery recycling advancements and the launch of a battery research and development consortium. Continue Reading

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Quebec PRO looks to build MRF

Published: June 12, 2023
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Inside a materials recovery facility. By Nordroden/Shutterstock

Éco Entreprises Québec plans to include “several innovative elements” at the upcoming MRF. | Nordroden/Shutterstock

A producer responsibility organization in Quebec just made its first big decision, selecting Green for Life to build and run a sorting center in Montreal. Continue Reading

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New York City, Connecticut eye policy changes

Published: June 12, 2023
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Food waste gathered for composting.

The New York City Council aims to overhaul organics collection, and legislators in Connecticut face criticism from environmentalists over their embrace of gasification. | Esse David Falls/Shutterstock

Members of the New York City Council are looking to amp up organics recycling and push forward on zero-waste goals. Meanwhile, a bill that focuses on gasification facilities awaits the Connecticut governor’s signature.  Continue Reading

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Minnesota sues Reynolds and Walmart over collection bags

Published: June 12, 2023
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Parking lot of a Walmart store on sunny day.

This latest suit marks at least the third time Reynolds has found itself in legal hot water over its Hefty recycling bags. | Anton Gvozdikov/Shutterstock

Reynolds Consumer Products faces yet another lawsuit over its recyclables collection bags, this time from Minnesota’s top legal officer. Continue Reading

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EPA takes a closer look at lithium-ion batteries

Published: June 12, 2023
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Close-up of a Li-ion battery.

The federal agency is chiefly concerned with the batteries’ propensity for starting fires. | Allyson Kitts/Shutterstock

The U.S. EPA recently clarified that lithium-ion batteries should be treated as hazardous waste, but did not yet change current recycling rules and regulations.  Continue Reading

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US landfilling costs jumped sharply last year

Published: June 12, 2023
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Not only did the price per ton for landfilling go up in 2022, it showed a significantly higher year-over-year increase. | StockStudio Aerials/Shutterstock

Recently published data shows landfilling was considerably more expensive last year than in 2021. Continue Reading

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Packaging EPR bill in New York revived as session winds down

Published: June 5, 2023
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New York state capitol building in Albany.

The amended extended producer responsibility bill enjoys support from Members of New York’s legislature, but faces opposition from several brands and industry groups. | Real Window Creative/Shutterstock

This story has been updated.

Some New York legislators are pushing to see extended producer responsibility for packaging pass this year. With days left in the session, they’ve reintroduced what they see as a compromise bill. Continue Reading

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Brands make sustainability moves, but use more plastic

Published: January 9, 2023
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McDonald's drink cups and straws discarded on concrete.

WWF found that 34% of members’ plastic footprint was recycled, 9% incinerated, 43% landfilled and 15% mismanaged. | Kraft74/Shutterstock

In 2021, major brands increased their use of recycled material and cut back on “problematic plastics,” but the amount of plastic they put on the market grew by over 5%, according to the World Wildlife Fund.

Continue Reading

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