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Category: Top stories

Recycling markets continued to challenge WM and others in Q1

Published: May 12, 2020
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Republic Services is among the haulers that experienced year-over-year decreases in first-quarter recycling revenues. | Rosamar/Shutterstock

Two years after China’s imports ban upended material flows, recycling revenues are still falling for the largest waste and recycling companies in North America.

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West Coast study: Recycling zeal doesn’t erase contamination

Published: May 5, 2020
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California cities of 50,000 residents or more are seeing inbound contamination rates between 8% and 46%, with an average of 20%. | Oksana Shturo/Shutterstock

According to a study from The Recycling Partnership, large and mid-sized cities in California see an average contamination rate of around 20%, a finding that underscores the complications of aligning enthusiastic residents with local-program realities.

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Low virgin plastics pricing pinches recycling market further

Published: May 5, 2020
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An industry analyst recently noted that low virgin resin pricing means challenges for ensuring end users choose to use recycled plastic. | batuhan taskinkaya/Shutterstock

The coronavirus pandemic has piled on top of existing plastics recycling market strife to cause pricing fluctuations and create uncertainty about how end users will meet their sustainability commitments.

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City data shows COVID-19 impacts on recycling tonnages

Published: April 28, 2020
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Figures show New York City saw an uptick in collected residential material in March compared with a year earlier. | Felix Lipov/Shutterstock

Recycling programs are reporting greater residential recycling generation in March, concurrent with stay-at-home orders issued nationwide. Stakeholders involved with local programs are also noting the shift away from commercial generation may carry major financial implications. Continue Reading

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How firms are faring as they look for paycheck loans

Published: April 28, 2020
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The $349 billion in initial funding for the Paycheck Protection Program ran out within two weeks. | NIKCOA/Shutterstock

Recycling companies across the country are applying to a federal assistance program to help them overcome cash-flow problems sparked by the coronavirus. Some have been successful, but others are running into banking complexities and tapped-out funding.

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Pandemic alters – and threatens – supply chain for end users

Published: April 21, 2020
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Residential recyclable materials have become an increasingly important feedstock for manufacturers since the coronavirus outbreak. | RawPixel.com/Shutterstock

As the coronavirus impacts continue throughout the U.S., manufacturers are highlighting the importance of curbside recycling as a feedstock supply channel. Meanwhile, processors are seeing changes in demand for their material as consumer spending shifts.

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Guide helps programs prepare for the unknown

Published: April 21, 2020
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The Continuous Improvement Fund recently released a guide to help recycling managers create contingency plans. | smolaw/Shutterstock

The coronavirus pandemic has made clear the importance of having a contingency plan when the unexpected strikes recycling programs. A new tool helps municipalities develop such guidance.

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