The number North American MRF workers killed on the job last year decreased, but the total number of garbage and recycling sector deaths remained flat, according to industry data.
Average landfill tip fees across the country dropped in 2020, although the eastern U.S. continued to see rising disposal costs.
Forty-three garbage and recycling collection workers were killed on the job in 2019, fewer than the prior year but still more than the average over the past several years.
Over $850 million in Paycheck Protection Program funds flowed to MRF operators and recyclables trading companies this year, according to data released following a court order.
The U.S. recycling and composting rate took a significant dive in 2018, falling from 35% to 32%, according to new figures from the federal government. The drop was partially due to a change in how the rate was calculated.
Recycled-content commitments by consumer packaged goods companies and fashion brands have driven demand for recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET) to a level that exceeds available supply.