What’s in store for state recycling policy in 2023?

Recycling policy experts from Colorado, Connecticut, Michigan and Washington predicted the legislative season’s biggest trends in a live panel discussion with Waste Dive.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 15, 2023

RTS acquires Cycle in effort to broaden reverse vending systems at sports stadiums and events

Recycle Track Systems will offer Cycle’s RVMs as part of its expanding stadium and recycling rewards business. The companies recently debuted a new machine at the Super Bowl.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 15, 2023

Waste and recycling industry leaders discuss the operational impact of corporate ESG trends

LRS CEO Alan Handley and Vanguard Renewables Chief Sustainability Officer David Darr recently joined Waste Dive for a live discussion about investment trends, sustainability reporting, customer expectations and more.

By Waste Dive Staff • Feb. 15, 2023

Lawmakers call for EPA to more tightly regulate plastic production and cut ties with chemical recycling

In a letter, lawmakers urged Administrator Michael Regan to carry out provisions first outlined in last year’s Protecting Communities from Plastic Act, saying the agency can do more to curb plastic pollution.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 14, 2023

Production begins at Circularix’s inaugural rPET facility

The company, which is a joint venture between Macquarie Group and HPC Industries, plans to open four additional PET recycling facilities in the next two years to meet growing demand.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 14, 2023

Sonoco reports ‘pivotal year’ of growth driven by consumer packaging demand and M&A

During a recent earnings call, CEO Howard Coker touted the importance of the company’s metal packaging acquisition — its largest ever — and why he thinks it “feels like we are in a recession.” 

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 13, 2023

Sustainability talks emphasizes real talk and bold action for 2023

Between the ever-increasing tsunami of plastics; textile- and food waste filling up landfills; and mountains of packaging being kicked to the curb every day, it’s time for bold action toward a sustainable future.

Feb. 13, 2023

With federal agencies still falling behind on PFAS deadlines, activists seek lawmakers’ help

The Environmental Working Group and Safer States say the U.S. EPA is moving too slowly on setting standards for PFAS in water, packaging and more. They’re pushing Congress and state legislatures to act as well.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 10, 2023

Direct Pack gets Recycling Partnership grant for PET thermoform recycling in Mexico

California-based Direct Pack bought over 4,000 tons of PET from Phoenix in 2022 — a relationship the city touted ahead of the Super Bowl — for processing in Mexicali, where new capacity will be built.

By Maria Rachal • Updated Feb. 14, 2023

Toledo, Ohio, advances plan to build new MRF by 2025

Lucas County will partner with a yet-to-be-named MRF operator to build the site on 15 acres. The county anticipates the project can reduce transportation costs and boost local jobs.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 8, 2023

DOE report touts chemical recycling R&D opportunities while noting plastic’s environmental justice issues

The report, part of a long-term Energy Department effort to boost the viability of plastics recycling and cut energy use, touts opportunities in researching bio-based plastics as well as chemical recycling technologies. 

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 6, 2023

WestRock notes global paper market headwinds but touts sustainability investments as growing opportunity

WestRock reported lower Q1 income and withdrew full-year guidance due to market uncertainty. CEO David Sewell said increased packaging revenue and a focus on plastic packaging replacement projects are positive signs, however.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 2, 2023

WM boosts planned MRF and RNG spending by $590M, sees signs of inflation easing

Volumes may be flat, and recycling values are down, but executives hope cost control measures and long-term investments will offset headwinds. They said federal regulations are driving an attractive environment for RNG projects.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 1, 2023

AI is a reason for optimism in recycling in 2023 and beyond

Claims that recycling can’t ever work fail to account for the high degree of innovation making recycling processes more efficient and cost effective, writes AMP Robotics CEO Matanya Horowitz.

By Matanya Horowitz • Feb. 1, 2023

Oregon’s bottle bill system CEO talks tech improvements, refillables and the prospects for a national system

Oregon aims to attain its highest return rates yet with a range of modern updates. Jules Bailey, new CEO of the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative, talks through what’s working and what’s next.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 1, 2023

Northstar Recycling acquires Sonoco’s ‘asset-light’ waste services business

The private equity-backed company has purchased a business that focuses on providing third-party service and consulting to large manufacturing clients from the major packaging company.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 1, 2023

EPR still top recycling issue for state policymakers, but plastics and repair laws also on the horizon

While federal action is uncertain, multiple state governors and policy advocates aim to build on the momentum of producer responsibility laws for packaging this year. Numerous other bills are also expected to get consideration.

By Megan Quinn • Jan. 30, 2023

Vermont mulls EPR, bottle bill improvements to catch up on recycling goals

A report from the Department of Environmental Conservation recommends adopting EPR for hazardous waste, reducing PFAS and updating the state’s bottle bill to help reach its waste reduction, recycling and composting goals.

By Megan Quinn • Jan. 27, 2023

Analysis of local climate action plans and solid waste planning shows overlapping opportunities

Environmental services firm HDR examined hundreds of solid waste-related actions across city and county climate action plans, noting a common interest around action on organics, among a range of other ideas.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 26, 2023

Connecticut governor backing EPR for packaging and other policies to increase state’s ‘self-sufficiency’

Gov. Ned Lamont said a combination of EPR, waste diversion and improved organics management will help Connecticut reduce a growing amount of waste exported to other states in the wake of a major WTE facility closing.

By Megan Quinn • Jan. 25, 2023

Carlton Waterhouse, EPA’s solid waste office nominee, to leave agency in February

Waterhouse’s nomination by President Biden for an EPA assistant administrator role has been stuck for a year and a half.

By Megan Quinn • Updated Jan. 25, 2023

The Waste Dive Outlook on 2023

What you need to know on industry trends to watch, the hiring landscape, fleet maintenance and more to come as the new year gets underway.

By The Waste Dive Team • Updated Feb. 15, 2023

Virginia state task force calls for more recycling business opportunities, possible EPR policies

A group with recycling industry representation offered recommendations to divert more waste from landfills, but stopped short of recommending EPR for packaging or reaching consensus on a possible bottle bill.

By Megan Quinn • Jan. 18, 2023

Nashville launching $4.8M curbside recycling expansion

The Recycling Partnership, which is providing a grant, predicts that a shift to biweekly collection in the fast-growing Tennessee city could generate 156 million new pounds of recyclables over the next decade

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 18, 2023

Renovare Environmental sells digester business while fate of West Virginia plant still pending

The financially troubled company sold its aerobic digestion assets to TraQiQ, a technology company with no known waste background. Meanwhile, fire issues have been mitigated at Renovare’s shuttered West Virginia site.

By Cole Rosengren • Jan. 17, 2023