Recycling: Page 47
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How COVID-19 is changing packaging
The pandemic-accelerated shift to e-commerce has driven changes in automation, packaging size, consumer perception of packaging and waste, and design for more return-friendly packaging.
By Jen A. Miller • Jan. 6, 2021 -
Rise in takeout waste presents new opportunity for reusable containers
With office and indoor dining activity greatly diminished during the pandemic, takeout boxes and other containers are increasingly common in the residential stream. California company Dispatch Goods aims to change that.
By Karine Vann • Jan. 6, 2021 -
Recology SF corruption investigation
Recology names new CEO Coniglio, following retirement of longtime leader
Sal Coniglio's elevation to the top job comes six months after he became chief operating officer. This move caps off former CEO Mike Sangiacomo's 37-year stint at the major California-based private company.
By Cole Rosengren • Jan. 5, 2021 -
Deep Dive
The unfulfilled promises of plastic film recycling
The pandemic spurred an uptick in plastic bag use, as already limited retail take back options became more scarce. Stakeholders from all sides think it's time for new ideas.
By Karine Vann • Updated Jan. 5, 2021 -
Deep Dive
How local waste and recycling leaders are grappling with coronavirus-driven budget pressures
Lost revenues, rising operating expenses and limited federal aid have left local leaders looking for creative solutions. In some cases, the pandemic has also created opportunities to update their practices.
By Leslie Nemo • Dec. 22, 2020 -
Deep Dive
No 'green halo' for renewables: Veolia, First Solar, others tackle wind and solar environmental impacts
From manufacturing effects to the difficulty of recycling PV panels and turbine blades, solar and wind in particular can spur consequences the industries are trying to reduce.
By Lynn Freehill-Maye • Dec. 18, 2020 -
Collection worker fatalities fell in 2019, rank as 6th deadliest job: BLS
It's the first time since 2012 refuse and recycling collectors haven't landed in the top five most fatal occupations, as tracked by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Fatal transportation incidents fell dramatically after a 2018 spike.
By Maria Rachal • Dec. 17, 2020 -
5 takeaways on emerging trends from the National Zero Waste Conference
Recycled content, plastics policy, climate connections and racial justice are among top priorities heading into 2021. The event also marked the latest sign of a revived National Recycling Coalition.
By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 16, 2020 -
2020 shapes up as major year for M&A, consolidation in waste and recycling industry
Waste Management, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, Wheelabrator and many others all had a particularly active stretch of deal-making across numerous states.
By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 15, 2020 -
New England M&A heats up as Wheelabrator, Boston Carting Services expand
The private equity-backed players are just two examples of companies making moves in a region many view as primed for consolidation. As other companies expand their footprints, there may be more to come.
By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 15, 2020 -
GE announces first US wind turbine blade recycling program with Veolia
Blades, the only turbine component not getting recycled, will now be shredded to replace raw material for cement manufacturing with lower CO2 emissions.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 11, 2020 -
Light, Alan. (2015). "Chicago Skyline" [Photograph]. Retrieved from Flickr.
Inspector General faults Chicago for multifamily recycling stagnancy, lawmakers call for answers
The Department of Streets and Sanitation was found to be falling short in multiple areas when it comes to enforcing recycling for numerous buildings in the city. Local aldermen are calling for a hearing on the issue in January.
By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 11, 2020 -
Continuus Materials pursuing new Pennsylvania plant for paper and plastic recovery
The manufacturer of Everboard, a unique roofing material, sees opportunities to use more plastic packaging in addition to its usual feedstock of cartons. Construction could begin as early as next year.
By Leslie Nemo • Dec. 10, 2020 -
Environmental groups urge Biden to take action on plastics, prioritize market development
The Presidential Plastics Action Plan calls for eight types of action by the president-elect, including support for the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act.
By Maria Rachal • Dec. 9, 2020 -
Republic Services highlights plastic market limitations, clarifies EPR stances, in report
A recent report, stemming from a shareholder resolution this year, shows the financial complexities around managing mixed plastics. It's also the latest sign of an industry shift on the rising producer responsibility discussion.
By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 9, 2020 -
Dive Awards
People of the Year: Waste and recycling workers
The entire industry has stepped up during a significantly challenging year, but none of it would be possible without the frontline workers who put themselves at risk to keep it all running.
By Waste Dive Team • Dec. 9, 2020 -
The image by Kai Schreiber is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Dive Awards
ESG Action of the Year: New Jersey's environmental justice law
The law offers an example of stakeholders uniting on key ESG considerations such as potential emissions and pollution benefits, racial justice and evolving corporate policies impacting such issues.
By Waste Dive Team • Dec. 9, 2020 -
Dive Awards
Organization of the Year: Sanitation Foundation
As New York sanitation workers were caught in the initial epicenter of the pandemic, hundreds were infected and multiple died. A city nonprofit played a key role in supporting them and adapting to a very eventful year.
By Waste Dive Team • Dec. 9, 2020 -
Dive Awards
The Waste Dive Awards for 2020
During a year of crisis and challenge, these are some of the people, groups and initiatives that met the moment.
By Waste Dive Team • Dec. 9, 2020 -
Trump signs Save Our Seas 2.0, giving plastics recycling infrastructure potential boost
Proponents say the bill could impact the entire value chain, including $55 million in annual funding toward post-consumer infrastructure. Critics maintain it does not go far enough in changing the equation on plastic waste.
By Katie Pyzyk • Updated Dec. 18, 2020 -
Q&A
How Harsco reimagined its Clean Earth division mid-pandemic as a national hazardous waste player
President David Stanton discusses building a new business following the acquisition of assets from Stericycle, pandemic effects, recycling opportunities, and the big potential around managing PFAS waste.
By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 8, 2020 -
As dozens of curbside textile recycling programs pause, others launch anew
Simple Recycling, the country's largest curbside service provider, has suspended around 25% of its estimated 200 municipal contracts due to the pandemic. Meanwhile, a new Rhode Island company sees hope for the model.
By Karine Vann • Dec. 7, 2020 -
Diageo pledges 100% recyclable packaging, 50% supply chain emissions reduction by 2030
After falling short on some 2020 goals, the maker of Guinness and Smirnoff laid out plans to reduce emissions and improve packaging recyclability through 2030.
By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 2, 2020 -
Q&A
Quest CEO talks first acquisition, weathering pandemic and growing demand for sustainability
The "asset-light" company's national platform of commercial accounts took a hit this year, like many others. Leader Ray Hatch, formerly of Oakleaf, sees signs of a recovery and more potential deals ahead.
By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 30, 2020 -
MRF Summit: Despite pandemic setbacks, 2020 shows bright spots for recycling
Speakers at the event highlighted the booming use of robotics, declining contamination and improved market pricing as positive signs; while international trade policy continues to present complications.
By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 24, 2020