The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality announced it approved a program plan on Feb. 21. | Yanqiang Dai/Shutterstock
After several years of work, Oregon has approved an extended producer responsibility plan, laying out how packaging producers are expected to fulfill the requirements of the law. Continue Reading
More than 20 bills concerning electronics recycling so far have been introduced in 14 states for the 2025 legislative session. | Parilov/Shutterstock
Legislators have been filing bills as the 2025 session starts up, and in the e-scrap realm, two main topics are again at the forefront: extended producer responsibility for batteries and the right to repair consumer electronics.
If domestic aluminum demand rises, used beverage cans could see a jump in commodity value. | Graham Corney/Shutterstock
New tariff actions targeting aluminum and steel imports could have near-term benefits for MRF operators if the actions spur additional demand for domestic-sourced commodities. But it’s the longer-term effects that are more concerning. Continue Reading
Plastic pallet wrap is one material that’s eligible for an exemption from the state’s extended producer responsibility for packaging program. | St.Marco/Shutterstock
The Product Stewardship Institute and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality explained the different exemptions available to producers under the state’s incoming extended producer responsibility for packaging law in a recent webinar. Continue Reading
The U.S. exported 13.3 million short tons of recovered fiber throughout the year, down from 14.8 million short tons in 2023. | Magnifier/Shutterstock
Recovered paper exports dropped 11% year-over-year in 2024, and scrap plastic exports fell by about 2%, according to new trade data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Continue Reading
End users of recycled materials across several sectors have announced plans to shut down or relocate facilities of late. | Worradirek/Shutterstock
The latest earnings calls for recycled paper, glass and plastic end users and processors have brought facility closure and layoff announcements, at times contrasting with recent expansion plans. Continue Reading
Brands including Nestle, parent company of Vital Proteins, are incorporating paper-based packaging to help reduce their use of plastics. | Courtesy of Nestlé
Faced with public scrutiny over the use of plastic packaging, a growing number of brand owners are touting their switch to paper-based alternatives, including recent moves by Driscoll’s, Nestlé, Mars and more. Continue Reading
Ball Corporation plans to build a two-line can plant in Oregon and purchased an existing business in Florida. | Pimpic/Shutterstock
Ball Corporation is planning to build a two-line can plant in Oregon and acquired Florida Can Manufacturing, betting on future North American growth. Continue Reading