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Recycling operators cheer list of problematic plastics

Published: January 25, 2022
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PS foam containers on blue background.

PS packaging made the list of problematic materials.| Minh Mi Goi/Shutterstock

The U.S. Plastics Pact says PS and PVC packaging and other materials should be phased out in coming years. A curbside recycling operator called the potential elimination of PVC and PS packaging “two really big steps in the right direction,” though several groups criticized the Pact’s work.
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Experts discuss trade-offs of recycled-content mandates

Published: January 24, 2022
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Empty PET bottles for recycling.

A recent webinar brought together experts to cover the benefits and complications of recycled-content mandates.| Monticello/Shutterstock

Recycled-content laws are a tool for driving post-consumer resin demand. But what if producers are given too many outs, feedstock is in short supply, or the mandates actually result in greater environmental harm?

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Study: Cart tagging reduces contamination, for a cost

Published: January 24, 2022
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Clackamas Sustainability & Solid Waste Program cart tagging program

Clackamas County, Ore. was one of a number of case studies used to illustrate the data in SWANA’s report. | Clackamas Sustainability & Solid Waste Program/SWANA Report

Leaving “oops” tags on contaminated recycling carts and providing positive feedback to those with clean carts is one of the most effective ways to reduce contamination, though it can be pricey, according to a new report.

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Paper processor plans $267 million pulping plant in Virginia

Published: January 18, 2022
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Chesapeake, Va. shown on map.

Celadon’s 335,000-square-foot Chesapeake, Va. facility is anticipated to be up and running by 2024. | Tudoran Andrei/Shutterstock

Celadon Development Corporation announced plans to expand its North American footprint with a recycling and production facility in Virginia to export recycled pulp to China.

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California’s diversion rate is now at 42%

Published: January 18, 2022
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California and U.S. flags

CalRecycle’s annual report found that residents and businesses in 2020 generated 77.4 million tons of municipal solid waste, of which 42% was recycled/composted. | 20B.20Banke/Shutterstock

California’s combined recycling/composting rate increased by 5 percentage points in 2020, but the number fell far short of the state’s goal.

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Canadian officials force Keurig to change recycling instructions

Published: January 11, 2022
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Boxes of Keurig products marketing pod recyclability.

Keurig Canada said the company is continuing to work with municipalities and the recycling industry to increase K-Cup pod recycling acceptance. | ZikG/Shutterstock

Keurig Canada will pay millions of dollars in penalties and alter its coffee pod recyclability claims, as part of a legal settlement with Canadian regulators.

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New Jersey passes sweeping recycled-content bill

Published: January 11, 2022
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New Jersey state capital building in Trenton.

New Jersey is the latest state to look anew at recycled-content mandates as a way to force demand pull for recycled materials. | Real Window Creative/Shutterstock

New Jersey’s legislature will send the governor a bill requiring post-consumer content in plastic containers and bags as well as glass bottles and paper bags.

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