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Trump adds PET resin to ‘reciprocal’ tariffs

Published: September 9, 2025
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Cargo shipping containers stacked at a logistics hub.

PET resin previously was not subject to the 2025 tariffs, and the move drew comment from APR but added to market confusion. | BigPixel/Shutterstock

Editor’s note: This is a developing story.

US President Donald Trump has expanded tariffs to include PET resin as of Sept. 8, according to a new executive order. The move drew comment from the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) because of its expected impact on imported resin, but added uncertainty to the market.

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Reopened Iowa plant recycles cartons into roofing materials

Published: September 9, 2025
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Continuus Everboard product at a project installation.

The former Continuus/WM facility is expected to recycle about 10,000 cartons per year. | Courtesy of Continuus

Editor’s Note: End markets will be featured in sessions at the 2026 Resource Recycling Conference, Feb. 23-25 in San Diego, California.

The new owners of an Iowa roofing material facility have reopened the plant nearly a year after it shut down, looking to capitalize on regional and national upcycling trends to gain market share.
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Northeast commodity prices continued falling in Q2

Published: September 9, 2025
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MRFs in the Northeast saw recycled commodity prices dip in Q2 2025, with haulers reflecting a continuing decrease in their quarterly earnings results. | Rozenskip/Shutterstock

In the Northeast, recycled commodity prices continued to decline in April-June, with MRFs experiencing an average decrease of nearly 6% compared to the first quarter of 2025, according to the Northeast Recycling Council’s (NERC) second-quarter MRF Values Survey Report. Continue Reading

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CalRecycle opens comment again for SB 54 rules

Published: September 3, 2025
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California flag and U.S. flag with blue sky background.

The draft regulations have seen several iterations, drawing criticism from industry stakeholders. | Rarrarorro/Shutterstock

California’s Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) has opened the public comment period for its latest draft of regulations for the state’s extended producer responsibility law for packaging, which have drawn criticism from industry stakeholders.
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Greif streamlines operations through asset sales

Published: September 3, 2025
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The packaging manufacturer announced positive third-quarter financial results despite uncertain macroeconomic drivers and lower volumes. | T.Schneider/Shutterstock

Packaging manufacturer Greif reported strong third-quarter financial results and shared details about its recent divestitures during an investor call. Continue Reading

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Avoiding EPR pitfalls requires careful, thoughtful approach

Published: September 1, 2025
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Reverse-vending-machine-aleks333-Shutterstock

Reverse vending machines are one component of some deposit return systems | Aleks333/Shutterstock

Takeaways in two minutes (or less)

  • Watch, wait and learn from the “starter seven”
  • Focus first on expanding bottle deposit systems
  • Highlight economic impact to gain bipartisan support
  • Kentucky, Tennessee, Carolinas primed for action
  • Learn from the Canadian experience

 

In an active year for legislation aimed at reducing plastic pollution and waste, recycling stakeholders have a bevy of lessons to draw from, even with bills that have come under attack or didn’t quite pass. Continue Reading

Visia X-ray tech helps prevent MRF battery fires

Published: August 26, 2025
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Visia’s internal analysis shows facilities that adopt the technology often record a 30% to 50% reduction in thermal events. | Photo courtesy of Visia

Visia’s effort to curb battery-related fires in recycling facilities is beginning to show measurable results, according to new data from the company’s first wave of commercial installations.

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Women in Circularity: Dr. Jess Watson

Published: August 26, 2025
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A warm welcome back to “Women in Circularity”, where we shine a light on women moving us toward a circular economy. This month, I was pleased to connect with an expert in  community-based circular systems: Dr. Jess Watson. Jess is the Executive Director of earthday365, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring and equipping the St. Louis community to work collaboratively toward an equitable, healthy and environmentally sustainable future through education and resources. Jess has 20 years of experience in developing and delivering community projects that support a healthy, just and circular future.  

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Denali reports recycling 7 million tons of organics in 2024

Published: August 25, 2025
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Denali says it recycled 7 million tons of organics in 2024, including 1 million tons of food waste, with new depackaging and Walmart compost sales. | Photo courtesy of Denali

Editor’s Note: Organics will be featured in sessions at the 2026 Resource Recycling Conference, Feb. 23-25 in San Diego, California.

Commercial food waste handler Denali said it recycled nearly 7 million tons of organic material in 2024, including more than 1 million tons of food waste.
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US paper recycling rate slips while mills expand use

Published: August 19, 2025
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The mixed picture reflects three forces moving in different directions, according to an executive from the American Forest & Paper Association. | Seeshooteatrepeat/Shutterstock

US paper recycling rates declined modestly in 2024 even as domestic mills increased their use of recovered fiber, according to the latest report from the American Forest & Paper Association. Continue Reading

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