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UN rolls out initial draft of global plastics treaty

Published: September 11, 2023
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Stakeholders and involved parties will continue to debate the precise language of the agreement. | Nexus 7/Shutterstock

The first working draft of the United Nations’ global plastics agreement lays out the broad strokes of what is intended to be a legally binding way to manage plastic pollution on land and in the oceans. Continue Reading

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WM: Upgrades temporarily slow tons recovered

Published: September 11, 2023
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WM handled less material in 2022 than 2021, but it’s looking to grow its annual tons managed to 25 million by 2030. | Ken Wolter/Shutterstock

The weight of recyclables handled by Waste Management dropped slightly last year, largely because several MRF upgrade projects necessitated temporary shutdowns at four facilities. Continue Reading

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Plastic reclaimers grapple with ‘rock bottom’ pricing

Published: August 28, 2023
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Although depressed plastics prices have caused some companies to revise their earnings projections, many in the sector are optimistic about an upcoming rebound. | Golden Dayz/Shutterstock

This story has been updated.

Recycled plastics prices are at their lowest levels in some time, putting significant strain on material processors. Meanwhile, some resin buyers are abandoning post-consumer resin to purchase virgin plastic instead. Continue Reading

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Oregon again fines glass giant O-I for air pollution

Published: August 28, 2023
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The $213,600 fine marks the 10th time O-I Glass has faced emissions penalties since 2004. | Jared Paben/Resource Recycling

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality fined O-I Glass for its air emissions, just a few years after the cullet end user agreed to install more pollution control equipment in a deal with the state over similar violations. Continue Reading

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Paper giants foresee continuing rise in OCC prices

Published: August 28, 2023
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OCC heading into a pulping machine at a Pacific Northwest paper mill. Four major recovered fiber companies recently detailed their outlooks for the future of OCC markets. | Jared Paben/Resource Recycling

Some of the largest consumers of fiber bales enjoyed low OCC prices during the second quarter, giving them a little margin relief amid an otherwise tough business environment. As the year progresses, they’re expecting to pay more for recovered fiber, however.  Continue Reading

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Panelists: Equity is vital for strong recycling programs

Published: August 21, 2023
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Moderator Kevin Goolsby of The Recycling Partnership speaks with panelists (L-R) Sophia Hosain of Baltimore Public Works, Jessica Levine of The Recycling Partnership, Priscilla Pruna Boada of the city of Orlando, and Digna Rivera-Reyes of the city of Orlando. | Big Wave Productions/Resource Recycling, Inc.

An inclusive and equitable recycling program is a complicated but necessary undertaking. Industry experts recently offered tips on how to get there. Continue Reading

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For facility operators, insurance is now ‘a wild ride’

Published: August 14, 2023
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An April 2021 battery-sparked fire at a MRF in Tulsa, Okla. resulted in a $10 million loss and ended the city’s recycling program for a time. | Tulsa Fire Department

Recycling companies say property insurance has become significantly more expensive and difficult to find as providers shy away from fire risk and other complications. Continue Reading

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