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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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?
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.
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.
MRFs are enjoying notably higher prices for used beverage cans and PET containers this month, with bale values rising by 14% and 10%, respectively.
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.
Waste Management says it is on the hunt for more “sustainable solutions” for recovering materials. | Courtesy of Waste Management
A joint venture between Waste Management and an investment firm will recycle plastic and paper scrap into a construction material.
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.
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.
Rendering of Pratt Industries’ 650,000-square-foot 100% recycled paper mill in Henderson, Ky. | Courtesy of Pratt Industries
Pratt Industries recently broke ground on its sixth 100% recycled paper mill, and Graphic Packaging is close to opening its massive recycled paperboard machine.