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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
In a recent webinar, speakers from the Alliance of Mission-Based Recyclers explored possible solutions for film recycling. | Happy Stock Photo/Shutterstock
Members of the nonprofit Alliance of Mission-Based Recyclers discussed the increasing use of film plastics, and the difficulties in recycling them, in a recent webinar. Continue Reading
The sustainability report for the nation’s largest hauler shows WM has increased recovered materials tonnage by only 5% since 2021, but has a 2025 goal of a 25% increase. | Ken Wolter/Shutterstock
Hauler WM appears unlikely to reach its 2025 interim goal for materials recovered for recycling, despite an increase from the baseline level, according to data from its latest sustainability report. Continue Reading
CalRecycle held a public workshop on California’s textiles EPR law to outline the future of its implementation and allow businesses and industry groups to comment on the effects of the law. | Vejo/Shutterstock
Business owners, potential producer responsibility organizations and industry experts gathered virtually and in person last week to ask California regulators questions about the state’s recently passed textile EPR law and give input on its implementation. Continue Reading
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
Analysis from a Closed Loop consortium studied numerous state-level methods for reducing bag waste and informed considerations for policymakers. | The Image Party/Shutterstock
A new report on state-level single-use bag laws indicates that New Jersey’s ban has had numerous effects, both positive and negative. Continue Reading
PET container prices fell 30% from June to July, part of an across-the-board price decline for curbside plastics bales. Fiber grades remained firm month over month. Continue Reading
Container deposit proposals saw significant progress in Texas, Maryland and Rhode Island, but did not pass in any state. | Stella Photography/Shutterstock
As state legislative sessions for the year have largely concluded, supporters of container deposit legislation recently reflected on a year that brought new twists on how bottle bills are proposed and saw support from some unlikely stakeholders. Continue Reading