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Category: Top stories

Scrap plastic exports plummet 43% this year, paper stable

Published: August 6, 2019
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Cargo ship docked at logistics hub.

U.S. exporters shipped out 773 million pounds of scrap plastic in the first half of 2019. | aapsky/Shutterstock

Federal trade statistics released last week show U.S. export volumes for the first six months of 2019. Recycled plastics have seen a major drop when compared with figures from a year ago.

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Strategic Materials agrees to pay battery disposal fine

Published: August 6, 2019
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Batteries of various sizes.

Batteries made their way to Strategic Materials’ facility as contamination in the curbside recycling stream. | ANGHI/Shutterstock

A glass recycling facility will pay $1.2 million to settle allegations of improper disposal of batteries, which shouldn’t have arrived at its facility in the first place.

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Low commodity prices hammer hauler revenues

Published: August 6, 2019
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Waste Connections company truck on an urban street.

For the first half of the year, Waste Connections’ recycling business generated $36.5 million in revenue. | Jordi Cor/Shutterstock

Waste Connections and Advanced Disposal Services have continued to suffer from lower commodity prices. Casella Waste Systems, however, charged enough in fees to overcome the market pain.

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Federal politicians highlight recycling and plastic waste

Published: July 30, 2019
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Legislation introduced last week establishes a framework to enable recycling-related investments. | LWPhotography/Shutterstock

Recycling issues have hit the national stage with unprecedented fervor in recent weeks. Citing recycling market challenges and growing plastic pollution, lawmakers are advancing legislation and pressuring government agencies to take action.

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Fees help WM and Republic overcome commodity pains

Published: July 30, 2019
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Republic Services hauling truck.

Republic Services’ recycling business brought in $72 million in revenue during the second quarter. | Supannee Hickman/Shutterstock

The two largest garbage and recycling companies in North America have enjoyed more profitable recycling businesses, even as commodity prices remain at rock bottom.

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Lawmakers revive national Zero Waste Act

Published: July 25, 2019
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A bill from Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar provides federal funding to help local municipalities invest in materials recovery initiatives. | Supachai Pakdeesrisakda/Shutterstock

A waste reduction and recycling support bill has been introduced in Congress, with lawmakers describing the legislation as a significant component of the Green New Deal.

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