Bold Reuse launches retail glass packaging reuse pilot

Portland, Oregon-based Bold Reuse saw an opportunity to “plug and play” by leveraging its washing infrastructure, ongoing work with a local grocery chain and support from a government grant, explained one program lead.

By Maria Rachal • April 17, 2023

Should more PFAS types be deemed hazardous? EPA seeks feedback

The agency already plans to include PFOS and PFOA in a hazardous designation under Superfund law but could now go further. The waste industry has previously raised concerns about possible liability and cost burdens.

By Megan Quinn • April 14, 2023

Boston ‘reconsidering everything’ for its next residential collection contract

Boston’s Public Works Department aims to rethink setout times, containerization, competition and more before awarding a 2024 contract. Meanwhile, the city’s recycling and disposal contracts could be extended.

By Cole Rosengren • April 12, 2023

Curbside film recycling can be a reality with the right equipment and policy updates, pilot suggests

End markets exist and EPR could spur the investments to upgrade MRFs to handle flexible plastics, but “you’ve got to figure out that last step” to capture existing packaging, said the Flexible Packaging Association’s CEO.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 12, 2023

Maryland EPR for packaging proposal, now a study bill, sent to governor for signature

The bill had already undergone major changes requiring an in-depth needs assessment before establishing a program, but the version sent to the governor speeds up key timelines and calls for a single PRO.

By Megan Quinn • Updated April 12, 2023

Reports, letters and hearings: How the 117th Congress debated recycling policy

The 117th Congress only passed a few recycling bills, but kept the conversation going through numerous hearings and letters. Here’s a digest of the highlights.

By Megan Quinn • April 7, 2023

Ball’s net zero climate plans touts support for EPR, container deposit policy

Director of Global Sustainability Adam Shalapin discusses what’s needed to realize more can-to-can recycling, Ball’s approach to policy advocacy and why a climate plan considering multiple paths is important.

By Maria Rachal • April 7, 2023

WM expects major MRF automation and efficiency plans to yield returns at ‘virtually any commodity price’

At a recent investor presentation, WM leaders said their 2026 recycling sustainability plan would expand markets and invest heavily in MRF automation to reap efficiency and labor benefits.

By Megan Quinn • April 6, 2023

MassRecycle pushes back on narrative of recycling as ‘a hoax,’ touts education efforts

In the wake of critical reports from advocacy groups and media outlets, the state’s public and private recyclers are updating their messaging. Brooke Nash, a retiring MassDEP official, shared her unfiltered view at a recent event.

By Cole Rosengren • April 5, 2023

Diverse waste and recycling workplaces should include younger workers: NERC

Speakers at the Northeast Recycling Council’s recent conference described opportunities for hiring diverse younger workers who may not be familiar with the industry. 

By Megan Quinn • April 5, 2023

Maryland EPR bill passes House with major changes

The bill has been amended to require an in-depth needs assessment before a new program is established, a move a range of stakeholders supported. It must be finalized in the state Senate before heading to the governor’s desk.

By Megan Quinn • April 4, 2023

Connecticut environmental justice law could expand to transfer stations, chemical recycling facilities

The state’s legislature is advancing a bill that would expand the existing EJ law to include cumulative impact requirements in permitting decisions. This would follow similar laws in New York and New Jersey. 

By Megan Quinn • April 3, 2023

Senate subcommittee debates role of plastics production, recycling in future of US economy

Sen. Jeff Merkley, who led a hearing with testimony from multiple scientists, urged the subcommittee to agree on concrete ideas for curbing plastics pollution.

By Megan Quinn • March 31, 2023

RTS acquires RecycleSmart, Canada’s largest waste broker

The purchase of RecycleSmart and its Pello sensor technology is the latest in a series of deals by RTS and part of a broader trend in the broker space.

By Cole Rosengren • March 30, 2023

How second-use boxes are helping customers advance their circularity goals

Companies like Philadelphia’s American Box have been collecting and reselling cardboard containers for decades, but the concept is gaining renewed attention as a way to extend the lifespan of this ubiquitous packaging.

By Lela Nargi • March 29, 2023

Connecticut legislative committee approves key waste bill with changes to EPR, disposal fee provisions

Changes to the bill include removing a MSW disposal fee and delaying an EPR for packaging provision until neighboring states adopt their own. A section expanding organics separation programs remains.

By Megan Quinn • March 29, 2023

Bioplastics industry hopes farm bill can address Biden’s plastic replacement goal

Product manufacturers, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Composting Council and others discussed investment priorities at the Plant Based Products Council’s first conference on Tuesday.

By Jacob Wallace • March 29, 2023

Dozens of attorneys general call on Congress to pass right-to-repair laws for electronics

A bipartisan group of officials asked committee leaders to “redouble” their efforts around enabling repair for automobiles, agricultural equipment and electronics. Recyclers have previously supported the concept.

By Cole Rosengren • March 29, 2023

MRF operators and packaging producers say ‘readily recyclable’ definition a key part of Maine EPR law

Maine regulators are working out key details of an EPR for packaging law. Casella Waste Systems, Ameripen and other stakeholders weighed in on recyclability considerations during a Tuesday meeting.

By Megan Quinn • March 29, 2023

Waste industry groups call for Congressional support against looming PFAS regulations

NWRA, EREF and members of several solid waste and composting groups said in a briefing that anticipated hazardous substance designations for PFAS under the Superfund law could make liability risks and costs skyrocket.

By Megan Quinn • March 28, 2023

As budget deadline looms, New York governor and advocates debate EPR and bottle bill provisions

Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state Senate have proposed EPR for packaging policies in their draft budgets. The Assembly, along with key environmental and packaging groups, say the policy is best determined through legislation. 

By Megan Quinn • March 27, 2023

Connecticut bill overhauling state waste management practices could see big changes

Pressure from stakeholders could mean the removal of MSW disposal fee and delay an EPR for packaging provision, but organics separation and recycled content sections could remain.

By Megan Quinn • March 24, 2023

Rubicon CEO on the company’s next chapter and the challenges of going public

Phil Rodoni, previously chief technology officer, took the helm during an eventful period for the company. He discusses Rubicon’s efforts to become profitable, grow its software business and compete in the sector.

By Cole Rosengren • March 22, 2023

High number of facility fires in 2022 prompts renewed look at battery recycling efforts

The media reported 390 waste and recycling facility fires in the U.S. and Canada in 2022, the highest number since Fire Rover started tracking such reports in 2016. State EPR laws and federal funding efforts aim to reduce risk.

By Megan Quinn • March 22, 2023

For OCC demand and pricing, economic uncertainty puts quick recovery in question

Recycling and packaging executives have a range of predictions for what’s ahead as continued inflation and lagging consumer spending affect whether OCC pulls out of its slump.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 21, 2023