Recycling industry split on California bills that pave way for packaging EPR

Major legislation that could reshape how consumer products are designed and recycled far beyond California has become a national focal point for manufacturers, retailers and recyclers alike.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Sept. 16, 2019

PFAS: New efforts to put the genie back in the bottle

The EPA may be moving slowly, but action is ramping up across multiple levels of government and the waste industry. Rich Thompson breaks down the latest updates, including from EREF's recent summit.

By Rich Thompson • Sept. 12, 2019

California governor signs law encouraging dual-stream recycling

While multiple local governments are choosing to switch around the country, this latest law in California is largely seen as a symbolic effort because it doesn't include any compliance mandate.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 11, 2019

McDonald's Germany served edible packaging in 10-day pilot

The experiment, which also collected diner feedback on burger wrappers made from grass and wooden McFlurry spoons, was launched ahead of the European Union's impending 2021 ban on many single-use plastics. 

By Lauren Manning • Sept. 11, 2019

Off the Route: Nathan Proctor on our 'broken relationship' with electronics and e-waste

The director of U.S. PIRG's Right to Repair campaign spoke to Waste Dive about strategy, the societal implications of planned obsolescence and the repercussions of e-waste.

By Rina Li • Sept. 9, 2019

The Recycling Partnership launches tool to simplify recycling for consumers

The new templates, which offer clear images of what can be recycled in order to reduce consumer confusion, are intended to reduce contamination rates.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 4, 2019

Apple will allow independent repair businesses to fix its devices

The announcement comes amid growing support for right-to-repair policies, and just a few months after the tech company expanded its authorized repair services to all Best Buy stores.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Sept. 4, 2019

Utah county approves Republic contract after prior recycler claims force majeure

Rocky Mountain Recycling's changing rates have affected programs in Utah and Arizona. Yet a new deal between Republic and one county has made local officials second-guess their choice.

By Leia Larsen , Cole Rosengren • Updated Sept. 19, 2019

Bernie Sanders's $16.3T climate plan promises major waste and recycling shifts

The Democratic presidential candidate's platform includes a national recycling program, divestment from incinerators, funding for food recovery and composting investments, and a right to repair policy.

By Rina Li • Aug. 30, 2019

What's next for California container recycling after rePlanet's closure?

Losing the state's largest recycling center operator in one fell swoop could challenge California's redemption program. Supporters and critics alike offer ideas for stabilization.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 28, 2019

UC San Diego launches study on recycling EV batteries into energy storage

The university partnered with manufacturer and energy company Cummins on a potential solution for the scarcity of foreign critical materials in batteries.

By HJ Mai • Aug. 28, 2019

What does it take to go compostable? Seattle grocer PCC is finding out

The trend-setting company plans to make all of its deli packaging compostable within three years – but it's found that getting there isn't easy.

By Krishna Thakker • Aug. 28, 2019

Republic Services sued by New Jersey county over recycling contamination standards

Camden County says new charges for inbound contamination violate its original processing agreement with ReCommunity. Republic says it's still abiding by contract terms.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 27, 2019

China announces additional tariffs on US scrap commodities, including aluminum and OCC

Beginning Dec. 15, aluminum, copper and fiber imports will be assessed an additional 5% tariff on top of those imposed last year.

By Rina Li • Aug. 27, 2019

Mississippi's largest city ends recycling, extends Waste Management landfill contract

After trying for months, Jackson officials found a way out of their curbside agreement. Questions remain about how it happened — and what comes next.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 19, 2019

Scrap Collector: Australia's recyclable export ban creates domestic opportunities — including incineration

Plus: Lion King collectibles get the landfill treatment, and Modi calls for Indian single-use plastics ban.

By Rina Li • Aug. 16, 2019

Dasani products switching to aluminum, more recycled plastic

The Coca-Cola-owned brand will add more recyclable options and use less new plastic in a bid to boost sales.

By Cathy Siegner • Aug. 14, 2019

Why every business should have a 'zero waste' goal

Elytus President Matthew S. Hollis makes the case for why reaching sustainability goals can be an incremental process, and how service providers can help customers achieve them.

By Matthew S. Hollis • Aug. 13, 2019

EPA releases status report on efforts to 'advance' US recycling system

Following increased pressure from Congress and ongoing media attention, the agency has outlined five action items to support working groups established at last year's America Recycles Day summit.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 12, 2019

Scrap Collector: Gender expectations vs. pro-environmental behaviors

Plus: Man receives poetic justice after dumping refrigerator off cliff in Spain, and Mexico City bans single-use plastics.

By Rina Li • Aug. 9, 2019

Public company recycling revenues down nearly 9% so far this year

Although some saw revenues hold steady or improve compared with the first half of 2018, the five publicly traded U.S. players all reported ongoing tightness in commodity markets during Q2.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 7, 2019

Why China's 2020 total scrap import ban may not be so clear cut

According to the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, language in the country's revised solid waste management plan indicates the potential for a phased-in approach.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 7, 2019

Casella Q2: Northeast landfill pricing on the rise

The Vermont company reported another favorable quarter, continuing growth through acquisitions and boosting recycling revenues by charging customers higher rates.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 5, 2019

Hawaii plastics ban legislation 'watered down' to working group

According to Surfrider Oahu Chapter Coordinator Doorae Shin, the plastics reduction working group — which is "heavily stacked with industry representatives" — is "certainly not an environmental victory."

By Rina Li • Aug. 5, 2019

Scrap Collector: Rep. Ilhan Omar's Zero Waste Act billed as 'key part' of Green New Deal

Plus: Florida activists dump 3,000 pounds of plastic litter in front of historic state capitol, and India's first "garbage cafe" offering food for trash.

By Rina Li • Aug. 2, 2019