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
Despite showing brief declines between 2018 and 2020, paper and OCC recycling rates continue to trend upward. | AdamBoor/Shutterstock
Data from the American Forest & Paper Association showed that paper and OCC recycling rates held steady in 2022, despite fluctuations in recycled material markets more generally. Continue Reading
LRS held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for The Exchange MRF in Chicago on Wednesday, Aug. 9. | Courtesy of LRS
LRS has opened a $50 million Chicago MRF, giving the independent garbage and recycling company the ability to serve all parts of the Chicagoland area. Continue Reading
Many responses from environmental groups focused on the need for the U.S. EPA’s National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution to rein in the generation of new plastics. | Rich Carey/Shutterstock
The U.S. EPA asked for input on its draft National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution, and recycling industry stakeholders have answered. Continue Reading
Three-quarters of states and provinces surveyed by the Northeast Recycling Council reported the use of recovered glass as alternative daily cover at landfills. | One Photo/Shutterstock
This story has been updated.
There may not be solid data available on the amount of MRF glass used as alternative daily cover at Northeast landfills, but a recent survey suggests the low-value end use is fairly common. Continue Reading
From left: Keefe Harrison, Jennifer Russell and Matt Seaholm. | Big Wave Productions/Resource Recycling
A range of industry experts recently discussed steps to move forward on plastics sustainability, with transparency, public trust and standardization emerging as key themes. Continue Reading
The change will be accompanied by a consumer education campaign. | Natalya Bond/Shutterstock
Over 1 million Chicago-area residents are now able to put paper cups in their curbside recycling bins. Continue Reading
The amended extended producer responsibility bill enjoys support from Members of New York’s legislature, but faces opposition from several brands and industry groups. | Real Window Creative/Shutterstock
This story has been updated.
Some New York legislators are pushing to see extended producer responsibility for packaging pass this year. With days left in the session, they’ve reintroduced what they see as a compromise bill. Continue Reading
WWF found that 34% of members’ plastic footprint was recycled, 9% incinerated, 43% landfilled and 15% mismanaged. | Kraft74/Shutterstock
In 2021, major brands increased their use of recycled material and cut back on “problematic plastics,” but the amount of plastic they put on the market grew by over 5%, according to the World Wildlife Fund.
An AMP Robotics unit, nicknamed Arturito, is allowing the city of Dallas to accept cartons at curbside. | Courtesy of FCC Environmental
A recently installed carton-sorting robot at FCC Environmental Services’ Dallas MRF has reduced residue by about 11%, one reason the unit is “going to have a pretty big financial impact for us,” a company manager said. Continue Reading