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Category: Top stories

Kentucky Recycling Coalition takes shape

Published: April 22, 2025
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The newly formed Kentucky Recycling Coalition plans to start a summit, do a membership drive and ultimately improve recycling access across the state. | Aspen Rock/Shutterstock

After several years of work, Kentucky is no longer the only state in its region without a state recycling organization. The new Kentucky Recycling Coalition wants to increase access, update a statewide sustainability plan and build up membership. Continue Reading

Rhode Island lawmakers introduce bottle bill, EPR

Published: April 22, 2025
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The proposed legislation would implement a deposit return system for beverage bottles and establish an EPR program for packaging. | Wangkun Jia/Shutterstock

Legislators in Rhode Island have introduced bills to create a bottle bill for the state as well as an extended producer responsibility program for packaging.  Continue Reading

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Tariff whirlwind continues with delays, retaliation

Published: April 15, 2025
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Smartphones and laptops are exempt from U.S. tariffs targeting Chinese imports, but other goods are currently subject to 145% in duties. | Metamorworks/Shutterstock

Country-specific reciprocal tariffs have been pushed out until July, but a universal base rate tariff rolled out last week, which covers all countries, and earlier metals tariffs remain in effect. Meanwhile, an all-out trade war between the U.S. and China is intensifying. Continue Reading

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CA compostable labeling deadline worries producers

Published: April 15, 2025
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California's state capitol building seen with blue sky above.

Allowable inputs for organic agriculture are set at the federal level and haven’t been updated for decades. | Jonathan Lenz/Shutterstock

A deadline coming up in a California labeling bill is causing concern among some manufacturers of compostable products, who say it could threaten the wider U.S. and global compostable packaging industry. Continue Reading

Tariff chaos weaves through recycled commodity markets

Published: April 8, 2025
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Cargo ship docked at logistics hub.

Regulations that can change from hour to hour are causing headaches for buyers and sellers but could present opportunities should they remain in place. | aapsky/Shutterstock

After many weeks of shifting narratives and uncertainty, participants in recycled commodity markets are working to navigate the new tariff environment, in which buyers and sellers as well as customs officials struggle to align federal mandates with on-the-ground implementation.   Continue Reading

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How AI imaging is helping MRFs and a reclaimer

Published: April 8, 2025
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The data gleaned from AI imaging systems can help improve MRF operations on a wider scale. | Photo courtesy EverestLabs

Equipment supplier EverestLabs recently highlighted a handful of examples of how artificial intelligence-equipped data analytics can help MRF operators modify equipment settings to improve commodity recovery. Continue Reading

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Maryland legislators send EPR bill to governor

Published: April 7, 2025
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Aerial view of the Maryland state capitol building.

Maryland is poised to become the sixth U.S. state to enact an extended producer responsibility law for packaging. | Tokar/Shutterstock

A bill that would set up an extended producer responsibility program for packaging is sitting on the desk of Maryland’s governor after clearing both legislative chambers Monday evening. If it’s signed, Maryland would become the sixth U.S. state to enact such a law.  Continue Reading

CA advisory board seeks SB 54 clarifications

Published: April 1, 2025
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The rulemaking for extended producer responsibility law SB 54 was set back earlier in the month when Gov. Gavin Newsom sent the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery back to the drawing board. | Susanne Pommer/Shutterstock

A late March advisory board meeting brought dozens of public comments but little additional detail on a new timeline for California’s extended producer responsibility rulemaking.  Continue Reading

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