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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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Plastics treaty talks collapse, exposing divides

Published: August 19, 2025
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The Geneva talks ended without agreement, highlighting sharp rifts on production caps, leaving no clear picture of when they might resume. | Maryshot/Shutterstock

After nearly two weeks of tense negotiations, the world’s attempt to forge the first legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution collapsed in Geneva, leaving delegates exhausted, civil groups dismayed and the path forward uncertain. Continue Reading

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Fiber sector adapts to tariffs, cost swings

Published: August 12, 2025
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A roll of containerboard.

Executives from paper fiber companies detailed strategies aimed at balancing infrastructure gains with shifting demand and other headwinds. | Jim Barber/Shutterstock

Several U.S. paper and packaging companies moved to reshape operations as they reported second-quarter results amid market softness, cost pressures and shifting demand. Continue Reading

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Canadian waste services must report plastic quantity

Published: August 12, 2025
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Industry group Coastal Waste Management Association held a webinar to discuss the new reporting obligations for Canadian waste service providers. | Sherif Ashraf/Shutterstock

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

Speakers from Coastal Waste Management Association discussed the new reporting responsibilities for Canadian waste service providers, including recyclers, for the Federal Plastics Registry during a recent webinar. Continue Reading

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Associations update bale specs for fiber, plastics

Published: August 12, 2025
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Coffee cups stacked in a cafe.

The two organizations maintain the industry standard for acceptable materials, which have been updated for PE packaging as well as for paper cups. | Andy Shell/Shutterstock

The Association of Plastic Recyclers and the Recycled Materials Association have updated specifications for post-consumer plastic bales, following a collaborative development process between the two organizations. Continue Reading

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Major glass end user shuts down Oregon bottling plant

Published: August 5, 2025
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O-I glass cullet for recycling in Portland, Ore.

O-I will close the only bottling plant in Oregon, ending a local end market for recycled cullet. | Photo by Jared Paben

A Portland, Oregon glass bottling operation that uses high levels of recycled glass cullet will shut down as part of owner O-I’s wider move to reduce costs and consolidate capacity. It comes after a few years of starts and stops at the plant due to regulations and demand. Continue Reading

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Haulers feel effects of lower recycled commodity prices

Published: August 5, 2025
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Five publicly traded North American waste haulers decreased expectations for full-year commodity pricing, and gave insights into new and upgraded capacity. | Photo Courtesy of Republic Services

Story Highlights

  • Republic Services nods to future Pennsylvania site
  • Tariffs take a toll
  • Construction sector slowness to continue
  • Canadian EPR provides tailwind for GFL

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