Recycling Program of the Year Submissions

Resource Recycling is excited to announce our third annual “Program of the Year” awards!

The Program of the Year Awards, sponsored by Re-TRAC, highlight cities and counties that are taking innovative steps to recover more material, engage with residents on sustainability, demonstrate excellence in program measurement, and make critical progress in other ways.

The Awards are granted to communities in two size categories: 150,000 residents or more, and fewer than 150,000 residents.

Please complete the application form by Tuesday, May 23 for your community’s chance to be recognized for outstanding recycling work!

Questions? Email Dan Leif at [email protected].

Want more info before applying?

Read about the forward-thinking 2022 winners, Fayetteville, Ark. (winner in Small City category) and Washington, D.C. (Large City category). Or, watch the Awards Webinar.

And, read about the 2021 winners, Grand Rapids, Mich. and Olympia, Wash.

The latest recycling industry news

KW Plastics close to launching another wash line
There are plenty of reasons to be gloomy about recycled resin markets these days. But one of the largest plastics reclaimers in the U.S. is staying focused on a course of expansion, and it’s getting ready to start up an additional 100 million pounds per year of olefin recycling capacity.
Policy Update: Electronics and battery recycling bills
With most legislative sessions reaching the halfway point, there are a dozen bills in play that would create or amend state electronics recycling programs or regulate battery disposal.
Oregon deposit system estimates 90.5% return rate
An Oregon beverage stewardship group that manages the oldest container deposit program in the country reported a preliminary 2023 redemption rate of 90.5%, the first time the program has topped 90% since 2019.
Values rise for curbside plastics, paper holds steady
Prices for post-consumer PET, HDPE and PP climbed higher in April, while mixed paper and OCC remained stable. Most curbside material grades are trading for prices they haven’t reached since at least last summer.
NYC study finds lower capture rates, higher contamination
A waste characterization study in New York City found that recycling rates for metal, glass, plastic and paper declined from previous study years. It also found capture rates decreased and contamination rates increased.
Nonprofit director sentenced for recycling grant fraud
The former head of a Nebraska nonprofit will serve four months in prison after she admitted to submitting fraudulent documents to secure public grant funds meant for electronics recycling collection events.
Circular Action Alliance submits EPR plan in Oregon
The shape of Oregon’s extended producer responsibility for packaging plan is becoming clearer after the Circular Action Alliance released its initial program plan to the state.

Want more info before applying?

Topic in focus: Fiber

Plastic-to-paper switch brings complications, panelists say

Recycled fiber capacity tracker publishes final report

‘Continued strong demand’ driving recycled fiber market

Corrugated box producer closes three facilities

Topic in focus: MRFs

Panelists: AI has a bigger role to play in recycling

Survey: Residents expect glass recycling option

Why Glacier’s MRF robots drew millions in funding

MRF battery fires burn ‘really fast’ and ‘really hot’

Topic in focus: Legislation

California releases deposit system update draft rules

Packaging deposits, packaging EPR get federal attention

Right-to-repair bills active in a dozen states

Ten EPR bills introduced in 2024 so far