The DRS redemption rate decreases ranged from 1% to 4%, with only two states tallying increases. | Kwangmoozaa/Shutterstock
New data from the Container Recycling Institute showed falling beverage container redemption rates in most states with deposit return systems in 2023, which advocates said shows the need to modernize aging systems.
Prices for all major curbside paper commodities held firm in August, bringing the second straight month without major changes in fiber values. It was a different story on the plastics side, where some grades saw major price fluctuations. 
July brought higher prices for bales of PET and natural HDPE containers, while color HDPE continued to slip downwards in value. On the fiber front, major grades maintained stable pricing after a long runup throughout the year. Continue Reading
Five large publicly traded North American haulers recently reported their second-quarter earnings. | LV Olga/Shutterstock
Rising commodity prices were a boon for major recycling operators in the second quarter of the year, and they’re now anticipating better full-year results than they initially expected.
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A municipality’s lawsuit against major brand owners drew reader interest last month, alongside state policy development, a giant packaging merger, market pricing and an effort to incorporate AI into consumer recycling education.
American Beverage and Closed Loop Partners provided a $3 million loan to Balcones Recycling to help buy equipment for a MRF in San Antonio, Texas. | Courtesy of Balcones Recycling
A $3 million loan will facilitate additional sorting machinery to be installed at Balcones Recycling’s new MRF in San Antonio, Texas. Funding partners offered details on the recently-opened MRF’s total equipment capabilities. Continue Reading
The two companies will stop selling products in Minnesota for two and a half years, can re-enter the market only if bags are clearly marked as non-recyclable, and will pay more than $200,000.
Walmart and Reynolds Consumer Products have reached settlements with the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office in a lawsuit over marketing language for bags labeled as “recycling bags.” Continue Reading
Eco-modulation is commonly introduced after an EPR program is established, as it requires a strong foundation of data. | Olivier-Le-Moal/Shutterstock
Many recycling industry players and brands are now familiar with the base concept of extended producer responsibility for packaging, but now advisory boards, producer responsibility organizations and state regulators are working on another complex, interrelated concept: fee eco-modulation.