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Recycling facility fires expected to reach new high

Published: August 12, 2025
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Fire Rover analyzed nine years of data to discover trends in recycling facility fires. | Photo courtesy of Boston Fire Department

Across North America, recycling and waste management facilities are experiencing an increase in reported fires, with 2025 predicted to reach a new annual high. A recent special report by Fire Rover highlights this trend, attributing the record-high reported numbers and escalating financial risks to factors such as lithium-ion batteries, escalating demands from insurers and inadequate control measures. Continue Reading

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Visia X-ray tech helps prevent MRF battery fires

Published: August 26, 2025
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Visia’s internal analysis shows facilities that adopt the technology often record a 30% to 50% reduction in thermal events. | Photo courtesy of Visia

Visia’s effort to curb battery-related fires in recycling facilities is beginning to show measurable results, according to new data from the company’s first wave of commercial installations.

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Women in Circularity: Dr. Jess Watson

Published: August 26, 2025
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A warm welcome back to “Women in Circularity”, where we shine a light on women moving us toward a circular economy. This month, I was pleased to connect with an expert in  community-based circular systems: Dr. Jess Watson. Jess is the Executive Director of earthday365, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring and equipping the St. Louis community to work collaboratively toward an equitable, healthy and environmentally sustainable future through education and resources. Jess has 20 years of experience in developing and delivering community projects that support a healthy, just and circular future.  

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Denali reports recycling 7 million tons of organics in 2024

Published: August 25, 2025
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Denali says it recycled 7 million tons of organics in 2024, including 1 million tons of food waste, with new depackaging and Walmart compost sales. | Photo courtesy of Denali

Editor’s Note: Organics will be featured in sessions at the 2026 Resource Recycling Conference, Feb. 23-25 in San Diego, California.

Commercial food waste handler Denali said it recycled nearly 7 million tons of organic material in 2024, including more than 1 million tons of food waste.
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US paper recycling rate slips while mills expand use

Published: August 19, 2025
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The mixed picture reflects three forces moving in different directions, according to an executive from the American Forest & Paper Association. | Seeshooteatrepeat/Shutterstock

US paper recycling rates declined modestly in 2024 even as domestic mills increased their use of recovered fiber, according to the latest report from the American Forest & Paper Association. Continue Reading

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Plastics treaty talks collapse, exposing divides

Published: August 19, 2025
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The Geneva talks ended without agreement, highlighting sharp rifts on production caps, leaving no clear picture of when they might resume. | Maryshot/Shutterstock

After nearly two weeks of tense negotiations, the world’s attempt to forge the first legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution collapsed in Geneva, leaving delegates exhausted, civil groups dismayed and the path forward uncertain. Continue Reading

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Fiber sector adapts to tariffs, cost swings

Published: August 12, 2025
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A roll of containerboard.

Executives from paper fiber companies detailed strategies aimed at balancing infrastructure gains with shifting demand and other headwinds. | Jim Barber/Shutterstock

Several U.S. paper and packaging companies moved to reshape operations as they reported second-quarter results amid market softness, cost pressures and shifting demand. Continue Reading

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