More Idaho cities join Boise for specialty mixed plastics recovery

A newly launched regional program is being watched closely by the packaging industry, plastics processors and environmental groups.

By Cole Rosengren • June 11, 2018

UN Environment report offers 10 recommendations to curb single-use plastics

The report gives a global outlook on the "state of plastics" using data and case studies from more than 60 countries.

By Kristin Musulin • June 8, 2018

Organizations, governments pledge to reduce plastic waste

To celebrate World Environment Day (June 5) and World Oceans Day (June 8), organizations and countries are making big pledges to reduce or eliminate more plastic material.

By Jordan Schultz • June 8, 2018

WestRock now open to any buyer of Newberg, Oregon mill

The company wants to scrap the paper recycling equipment, despite growing domestic fiber processing demand and an interested buyer.

By Katie Pyzyk , Jordan Schultz • Updated June 15, 2018

Michelin's sustainability increases with tire recycling subsidiary Lehigh Technologies

Michelin is set to ramp up its recycled content while boosting its bottom line as its subsidiary provides feedstock savings.

By Jordan Schultz • June 6, 2018

San Diego set to ban expanded polystyrene products in 2019

The ordinance, which still needs one final step of council approval, will also require businesses to only offer plastic utensils and straws on request.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated Oct. 16, 2018

With recyclable packaging, Purple Carrot says it's rooting for the environment

The meal kit company's new corrugated boxes are made from 95% post-consumer material, using a recycled cellulose paper fiber liner and 100% water-filled, drain-safe and disposable ice packs.

By Alicia Kelso • June 6, 2018

Recycle BC launches flexible packaging collection

Traditionally non-recyclable plastics are now accepted at drop-off sites around the province to be converted into fuel or used for research purposes.

By Jake Thomas • June 6, 2018

CCIC scrap shipment inspections set to resume for US

The Chinese government had originally suspended China Certification and Inspection Group (CCIC) North America for one month, halting inspections and certificate issuance.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated June 5, 2018

Nonprofit touts benefits of housing deconstruction over demolition

A Delta Institute report explores how deconstruction processes can divert waste from the landfill and reduce consumption of virgin materials.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 5, 2018

Indonesian government delays tight fiber inspection policies

The Indonesian previously announced plans for a 100% pre-shipment inspection policy in 2018, which were set to take effect this month.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated April 4, 2019

CalRecycle recommends comprehensive e-waste updates

Proposed changes to the 15-year-old program include recognition of newer devices and a push toward extended producer responsibility.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 30, 2018

Nine Dragons to acquire 2 US paper mills for $175M

The Chinese company says this deal will provide access to new resources and "invigorate" mills in Wisconsin and Maine.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 30, 2018

EU proposes ban of single-use plastic products to reduce pollution

The proposal meets the European Commission's promise "to be big on the big issues" and stay ahead of the curve on sustainability.

By Kristin Musulin • May 29, 2018

China ban prompts Oregon county to suspend recycling program

Douglas County's landfill and 11 transfer stations will stop accepting plastics, glass and various paper materials, effective June 1. 

By Katie Pyzyk • May 29, 2018

Vietnam to temporarily stop accepting scrap plastic imports

The news from Vietnam is a wake-up call for the U.S. recycling market to continue pushing toward domestic solutions.

By Kristin Musulin • May 24, 2018

NWRA urges federal action on China import ban in letter to VP Pence

CEO Darrell Smith asked that Pence make the import ban on recyclables a top priority in discussions with the Chinese government.

By Kristin Musulin • May 24, 2018

China's scrap ban leaves supply chain unsettled

West Coast ports and carriers are facing lower volumes after China's decision to crack down on 32 types of scrap products.

By Edwin Lopez • May 23, 2018

How to know whether — and when — your workforce is ready for AR

Your employees may be more ready than you think, experts say.

By Riia O'Donnell • May 22, 2018

Shorter IoT battery creating more e-waste

The use of specialized, nonconforming parts for standard repairs contributes to the shortened lifespan of devices and, in turn, e-waste. 

By Samantha Schwartz • May 21, 2018

China scrap imports projected to drop nearly 95% from 2017 levels

China has only authorized import permits for 375 million pounds of plastic through April this year. In 2017, the country imported 12.9 billion pounds of plastic for recycling. 

By Kristin Musulin • May 18, 2018

NRC: China's import ban exposed poor US recycling practices

While the public extols the virtue of recycling, adoption of the practice lags, forcing MRFs to find new markets to sell inferior products.

By Kristin Musulin , Andy Burt • May 17, 2018

Call2Recycle launches Bay Area battery safety campaign

The "Avoid the Spark" campaign aims to educate consumers about the "hidden dangers" of improper battery disposal, particularly regarding lithium-based batteries.

By Kristin Musulin • May 16, 2018

AF&PA: US paper recovery rate drops to 65.8% in 2017

The association has a goal to exceed 70% paper recovery for recycling by 2020 as part of its Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 initiative. 

By Kristin Musulin • May 15, 2018

Australian VR app gives students a virtual recycling plant tour

The app gives users a walkthrough of the Hume recycling plant in Canberra, allowing students to virtually sort waste and play a series of mini-games to understand how recycling works.

By Gavin Bade • May 15, 2018