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Tag Archives: challenging materials

Colorado approval signals path forward for PRO choice

Published: October 6, 2025
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The Lubricants Packaging Management Association became the first independent producer responsibility organization to gain approval in a state EPR program. | Air Images / Shutterstock

Although a designated producer responsibility organization (PRO) receives much of the attention for any state’s emerging extended producer responsibility (EPR) plan for packaging, independent PROs quietly address more specialized needs. Continue Reading

California’s 2024 carpet recycling rate exceeds annual goal

Published: September 16, 2025
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The market for recycled carpet in California continues to scale, boosted by supplemental subsidies and infrastructure improvements. | FrankHH/Shutterstock

California’s carpet recycling rate has improved for the fifth consecutive year, with Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) citing financial incentives, including grants, as a key driver of the continued growth. Continue Reading

Iowa firm recycles wind turbine blades into concrete

Published: September 23, 2025
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Renewablade in Iowa is turning old wind turbine blades into precast concrete blocks, barriers and bunkers after years of trial and development. | Ultramansk / Shutterstock

After years of research and trial runs, an Iowa recycling company has begun turning retired wind turbine blades into precast concrete products. Continue Reading

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Nonprofit coalition explores challenges of film plastics

Published: July 29, 2025
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film recycling

In a recent webinar, speakers from the Alliance of Mission-Based Recyclers explored possible solutions for film recycling. | Happy Stock Photo/Shutterstock

Members of the nonprofit Alliance of Mission-Based Recyclers discussed the increasing use of film plastics, and the difficulties in recycling them, in a recent webinar. Continue Reading

Facing increasing volumes, Ridwell tweaks textile recycling

Published: June 3, 2025
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Ridwell is now asking customers to separate textiles into two streams: re-wearable and recyclable. | Photo Courtesy of Ridwell

After years of collecting textiles from households, Ridwell is now asking customers to self-sort the items into re-wearable and recyclable categories, in response to growing volumes and feedback from end markets.  Continue Reading

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Nebraska city to accept paper cups in curbside bins

Published: May 28, 2025
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Residents were already “wishcycling” the cups, so the locally owned recycler decided to pave the way to formal acceptance. | Oasishifi/Shutterstock

The city of Omaha recently added paper take-out cups to its list of accepted items for recycling, with locally owned First Star Recycling leading the way in the resident-driven effort.  Continue Reading

A hot topic for recyclers: Battery-related fires

Published: May 13, 2025
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A recent webinar presented by the Northeast Recycling Council explored industry and federal efforts to improve consumer education and reduce fire risks. | Allyson-Kitts/Shutterstock

Many MRF operators cite batteries as their greatest challenge, and for good reason. Fires at waste management facilities have been steadily increasing in recent years, many traced back to improper disposal of household batteries. 

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Experts share safety tips after ‘disconcerting’ fatalities

Published: May 13, 2025
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Recycling collection worker taking bin to truck.

The safety-focused summit came after the latest federal data showed a backslide in waste and recycling industry safety. | M2020/Shutterstock

As recycling companies seek to improve workplace safety amid an industry-wide increase in on-the-job fatalities, experts at a recent industry summit advised managers to focus their attention on — and for top executives, even to attend — the regular pre-shift safety meetings.

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Nova commissions first US film recycling facility

Published: March 11, 2025
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Partners Novolex and Nova Chemicals are proactively working to increase feedstock supply for the new Indiana facility, which can process 140 million pounds a year of LLDPE film. | Antoinette Smith/Resource Recycling

Editor’s note: Learn more about accelerating film recycling and many other topics at the 2025 Plastics Recycling Conference on March 24-26 in National Harbor, Maryland.  Continue Reading

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Industry association launches film drop-off guide

Published: January 23, 2025
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The guide directs users to various retail and other collection sites around the U.S. that accept film for drop-off recycling. | Ivanova Tetyana/Shutterstock

Editor’s note: Learn more about film recycling trends and many other topics at the 2025 Plastics Recycling Conference on March 24-26 in National Harbor, Maryland. Continue Reading