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Plastic reclaimers grapple with ‘rock bottom’ pricing

Published: August 28, 2023
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Although depressed plastics prices have caused some companies to revise their earnings projections, many in the sector are optimistic about an upcoming rebound. | Golden Dayz/Shutterstock

This story has been updated.

Recycled plastics prices are at their lowest levels in some time, putting significant strain on material processors. Meanwhile, some resin buyers are abandoning post-consumer resin to purchase virgin plastic instead. Continue Reading

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Our top stories from August 2023

Published: September 5, 2023
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A story about OCC recycling markets was among our top-read stories in August. | Jared Paben/Resource Recycling

A mix of coverage of recycling markets, EPR policy and a notable industry retirement attracted our readers’ attention last month. 

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Survey seeks input on glass management

Published: September 5, 2023
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The Glass Recycling Coalition hopes the survey will shed light on how glass recycling programs have been affected by pandemic-era markets. | Jared Paben/Resource Recycling

An industry group has launched a survey of recycling industry stakeholders to bring clarity to how they recover glass.  Continue Reading

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Report finds generally stagnant bottle return rates

Published: September 5, 2023
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Of the nine states for which data is available, only two showed meaningful increases in their container redemption rates. | Poring Studio/Shutterstock

Most states with deposit return systems saw static or reduced bottle redemption rates in 2022, according to a deposit advocacy organization. Continue Reading

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Study explores cleanliness of food packaging in bins

Published: July 31, 2023
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Researchers found that molded fiber food service packaging showed the highest levels of food residue among the items studied. | J.chizhe/Shutterstock

In a follow-up to previous research, the Foodservice Packaging Institute performed an audit of food residue on residential recyclables, finding little difference between food service and food contact items.  Continue Reading

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Oregon again fines glass giant O-I for air pollution

Published: August 28, 2023
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The $213,600 fine marks the 10th time O-I Glass has faced emissions penalties since 2004. | Jared Paben/Resource Recycling

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality fined O-I Glass for its air emissions, just a few years after the cullet end user agreed to install more pollution control equipment in a deal with the state over similar violations. Continue Reading

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Study: Urban circularity requires tailored solutions

Published: August 28, 2023
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Plastic waste pile

Researchers at The Circulate Initiative identified several common challenges that cities face when dealing with plastic waste. | Mohamed Abdulraheem/Shutterstock

Research recently undertaken by several groups dug into how individual cities in ocean plastic hot spots are approaching materials management. Continue Reading

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Agromin wins composting contract in California

Published: August 28, 2023
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The contract allows Agromin to operate a Merced composting site that is permitted to accept up to 25,000 tons of organics each year. | Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock

Composting company Agromin has signed a contract to run a California county’s composting site, with plans for a major capacity expansion. Continue Reading

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