The closing of container-redemption centers across California has meant dirtier downstream loads of recovered glass. Regulators are now adding emergency regulations to ensure that increased contamination doesn’t threaten the state’s glass recycling industry.
Photo credit: Sven Eberlein
Upgrades to a San Francisco materials recovery facility have boosted throughputs by nearly 40 percent and ensured the adaptability needed to confront an evolving ton. Recology, which operates the state-of-the-art facility, provided Resource Recycling with details of the major upgrade.
An Associated Recyclers of Wisconsin task force has released a report with recommendations on how to operate a successful glass recycling program within the state.
California officials are asking for input on how to appropriately regulate secondary-glass processors with residue rates above 10 percent.
A Denver-based recycling and waste collection company is now sending broken glass from its materials recovery facility to a specialized glass processing facility instead of disposal.
California has under-subsidized its container redemption centers to the tune of $43 million in recent years, leading a significant number of them to close, according to the Container Recycling Institute.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is expanding its Energy Star Portfolio Manager, allowing the commercial and institutional sector to make more informed choices about materials management.