Worldwide, nearly 269 million short tons of recovered fiber were generated in 2019. | nickpeps / Shutterstock
A global report charting recovered fiber trends throughout 2019 found that packaging made up 86% of the end products made from the material. The study also examined fiber generation by region, international trade flows and more.
Recycle BC’s recent annual report noted a 90% recovery rate for paper, 52% for plastic, and 85% for metal. | pryzmat / Shutterstock
In 2020, a producer-funded system for paper and packaging recycling achieved a significantly higher recovery rate – and spent more money – than the year prior.
Indonesia’s 2% contamination rule for recovered fiber imports is likely to take effect in September. | Triawanda Tirta Aditya / Shutterstock
Recovered fiber will be allowed a maximum of 2% contamination when shipped into Indonesia, which is currently the ninth-largest market for U.S. exports of the material.
Sellers of recyclable materials have continued to enjoy strong markets, with virtually all grades of curbside fiber, plastics and metals seeing value boosts from June to July.
Maine’s new law requires packaging producers to fund the recycling of their products. | Sean Pavone / Shutterstock
The governor of Maine has signed legislation establishing extended producer responsibility for packaging materials in the state. It’s the first bill of its kind to become law in the U.S.
The Crossroads plans call for a 350,000-tons-per-year containerboard mill that uses 100% old corrugated containers (OCC) and mixed paper. | Pakorn Jarujittipun / Shutterstock
Crossroads Paper recently drew capital from an investment firm as it continues to develop a $320 million containerboard mill that would serve as a big buyer of recycled fiber in the western U.S.
Sonoco plans to bring in domestic curbside fiber grades, which the company views as an affordable feedstock. | PureRadiancePhoto / Shutterstock
A $115 million South Carolina recycled paper mill conversion will allow Sonoco to bring in higher quantities of mixed paper and OCC by October of this year.
The California Statewide Commission on Recycling Markets & Curbside Recycling in late June published an expansive report with recommendations for lawmakers. | Nordroden / Shutterstock
A government-convened commission of California recycling stakeholders has outlined steps to boost markets and cut contamination. But the group’s report also leaves PP plastic off a key initial list of accepted materials, drawing quick pushback from national associations.
For 2020, SWANA tallied a total of 52 on-the-job waste and recycling industry fatalities. This year the numbers are trending downward. | Somchai_Stock / Shutterstock
Half as many solid waste workers were killed on the job during the first half of this year compared with recent years, according to the Solid Waste Association of North America.
Legislators in New Jersey approved recycled-content mandates for containers and bags made from several materials. | Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock
A bill establishing minimum post-consumer recycled plastic, glass and paper use in containers and bags was approved by the New Jersey Senate last month.