Back to Top

Category: Top stories

Why UBC prices are up 70% year-over-year

Published: September 14, 2021
Updated:

by
baled aluminum

Several factors are contributing to price increases within the wider aluminum market. | Darrenp / Shutterstock

A year ago, some aluminum end markets were slowing purchases of the material. But demand has steadily increased throughout 2021, bringing welcome pricing for the municipal recycling sector.
Continue Reading

Posted in News, Top stories | Tagged , |

Editorial analysis: Population change will affect recycling

Published: September 8, 2021
Updated:

by
Recycling carts stored before use.

A longtime recycling expert analyzes census data to help predict future recycling industry trends. | Grzejnik / Shutterstock

The release of the U.S. census for the decade of 2010 to 2020 points to important ways municipal recycling initiatives will change in the coming years. An assessment points to five key trends that will affect materials recovery efforts.

Continue Reading

Posted in News, Top stories | Tagged , |

California bill deems some exports ‘disposal’

Published: September 8, 2021
Updated:

by
export containers

Legislation awaiting the governor’s signature would classify mixed plastics that are generated in California and exported from the U.S. as “disposal” rather than “recycling.” | Sumrit Tesrumphun/Shutterstock

California lawmakers have approved a bill that would no longer allow scrap plastic that is exported to be considered recycled. The legislation now heads to the governor for final consideration.

Continue Reading

Posted in News, Top stories | Tagged , , |

Cart tags: A growing force in fight against contamination

Published: August 24, 2021
Updated:

by
Recycling contamination checks in Olympia, Wash.

Olympia, Wash. is one of many communities implementing recycling contamination checks at the curb. | Courtesy of city of Olympia

Facing ever-increasing pressure to deliver a cleaner stream to processors, cities across North America are turning to curbside inspection of residential carts. Many are seeing positive results from the efforts.

Continue Reading

Posted in News, Top stories | Tagged , |

Google explores how to capture 4.5 billion tons of plastic

Published: August 24, 2021
Updated:

by
Stacked bales of mixed plastics.

Google’s report noted headwinds to plastics recovery including unfavorable economics for recycled resins compared with virgin resins. | maciej nicgorski / Shutterstock

A report from Google lays out how mechanical and chemical recycling, a virgin plastic production tax, consumer incentives and more can increase plastics recovery over the next two decades.

Continue Reading

Posted in News, Top stories | Tagged , |

Recycled corrugated producers look to expand in US

Published: August 17, 2021
Updated:

by

Pratt Industries’ facility in Albany, Ga. | Courtesy of Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission

Two major producers of containerboard made from recycled fiber are growing their presence in the U.S. Pratt Industries will add on to a Georgia box plant, and Atlantic Packaging is working on a major facility in Illinois.

Continue Reading

Posted in News, Top stories | Tagged |