Merlin Plastics and Peninsula Plastics Recycling are making substantial investments in mixed-plastics processing capacity, bringing positive news for a region hard hit by China’s ban.
Casella Waste Systems and Advanced Disposal Services, two of the larger garbage and recycling companies in North America, experienced tumbling recycling revenues last year.
China’s scrap import restrictions and their rippling market effects pared recycling revenues for Waste Management and Waste Connections last year.
After investing $12 million in additional equipment and modifications, RePower South has restarted a long-shuttered mixed-waste processing facility in Alabama.
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China has decreased purchases of old corrugated containers, which has caused domestic and export prices for the key fiber grade to fall.
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The EFS-Plastics facility in Listowel, Ontario.
Many municipal programs and facilities have recently tried to cut back on mixed plastics, citing tight markets. But reclaimer EFS-Plastics has plans to open a third North American operation and is on the hunt for more mixed bales to fuel its growth.
Recycling revenues fell last year for one major hauler, hampered by China’s import restrictions and low fiber prices. Meanwhile, the company opened what it calls a next-generation MRF in Texas.
Recovered fiber and aluminum prices have taken a beating over the past month, but a key plastic grade, PET, has shown stability.
Canada’s capital tested whether wrapping receptacles with splashy graphics of recyclables can improve capture rates and reduce contamination. The move can be effective, but such a strategy also has limitations.
Disruptions in global recycling markets continued to hurt recycling revenues for Waste Management and Republic Services. Meanwhile, both companies mitigated the pain by charging customers new recycling fees.