Plastics recyclers hit hard by low energy prices

One company owner said this has been a wake up call into the connection of commodities around the world and the dependency of the US economy on oil and gas.

By Arlene Karidis • Feb. 2, 2016

Is that plastic really compostable?

As the industry looks to develop more compostable plastics, manufacturers must correctly engineer products to reach industry standards.

By Arlene Karidis • Feb. 1, 2016

Republic's possible coal ash expansion generates protest, plans on hold

The commissioners said they will pass a resolution opposing the landfill expansion and possible ash deal.

By Arlene Karidis • Feb. 1, 2016

Albany considers pay-as-you-throw to generate funds as landfill nears capacity

"We have a culture here that you can put anything on the curb. I'm sorry, party's over," said Albany Chief Auditor Leif Engstrom.

By Arlene Karidis • Feb. 1, 2016

Denver expands composting in 2016, hoping to later offer free service

The fee-based program does not deliver the level of participation as a free recycling program. "But it's a step in the right direction," said manager of Denver Recycles/Solid Waste Management Charlotte Pitt. 

By Arlene Karidis • Feb. 1, 2016

Rhode Island closes e-waste collection sites as manufacturers cut funding

The state plans to ride out tight times as revenue comes and goes — and the stream of e-waste just comes.

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 29, 2016

CalRecycle calls on packaging industry to help recover plastics

"The reason why we're looking for something that's comprehensive is because that's what it's going to take," said Cynthia Dunn of CalRecycle.

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 28, 2016

Tennessee awards $4.8M in recycling, composting, and waste oil grants

These projects will provide opportunities for counties and municipalities across the state to enhance their waste reduction and recycling infrastructure, said TDEC.

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 28, 2016

Organics firm Yard Works acquires Waltrip, expands in Virginia

The acquisition of Waltrip Recycling allows Yard Works to serve thousands of new residential and commercial customers in Virginia's Historic Triangle.

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 26, 2016

'Green deconstruction' on the rise to divert construction debris from landfills

About 12.8% of materials in the landfill are from construction debris, however 90% of those materials can be recycled or reused.

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 26, 2016

WISEerg 'Harvester' converts food waste into organic fertilizer for food retailers

The smart technology has the potential to open up new learning experiences and ultimately lead to new food industry protocol.

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 22, 2016

World Economic Forum shines hopeful light on tackling global food waste

Global initiatives and coalitions were announced today at the Forum, all with the aim to reduce food waste and strengthen food supply systems. 

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 21, 2016

'Do it unapologetically': Startup insight from CEO of plastic-to-fabric company Thread

Thread CEO Ian Rosenberger shares his experience with starting a business, his insight on business growth, and his passion for social responsibility. 

By Kristin Musulin • Jan. 20, 2016

Ellen MacArthur report: More plastic than fish in the sea by 2050

"Growing volumes of end-of-use plastics are generating costs and destroying value to the industry. After-use plastics could, with circular economy thinking, be turned into valuable feedstock,” said report contributor Dr. Martin R Stuchtey.  

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 20, 2016

Chicago's new recycling policy aims to keep plastic bags out of stream

"There’s a series of progressions. Educate `em first. Give them warnings. But after that, they have to do something proactive," said Greg Maxwell, senior vice-president of Resource Management.

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 19, 2016

BioHiTech and Natural Systems Utilities testing food waste disposal system

"We have developed a process for those who want their food waste delivered to anaerobic digesters so that it can be converted to clean energy," said Frank E. Celli, CEO of BioHiTech Global. 

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 15, 2016

California's new 'Trash Policy' aims to curb ocean pollution

The policy prohibits disposal of trash into state waters through storm drains, and requires municipalities to install full trash capture systems or use equivalent devices.

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 15, 2016

Florida county to temporarily ban composting facilities

The ban was triggered by CompostUSA’s plan to divert rotting garbage from landfill. While the plan was appealing at first, officials changed their perspective after close examination.

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 14, 2016

Wastequip launches new dry waste compactor for commercial use

The new 245IP Precision Series Compactor is the third model in the company’s compactor line, following 265XP and 26IP.

By Arlene Karidis • Jan. 14, 2016

What the new Styrofoam ban means for DC's environment

As of Jan. 1, businesses and restaurants in the nation's capital are required to substitute Styrofoam with biodegradable packaging. What impact will this have on the surrounding environment?

By Kristin Musulin • Jan. 8, 2016

Entsorga West Virginia announces unique waste-to-solid fuel facility

The facility — which will be capable of producing about 50,000 tons of solid recovered fuel (SRF) annually — is a joint venture between Apple Valley Waste Technologies, Entsorga USA, and Chemtex International.

By Kristin Musulin • Jan. 7, 2016

Food reduction goals open composting business opportunities

Companies like American Disposal and Western Disposal are profiting on increased efforts to divert compostable waste from landfills.

By Arlene Karidis • Dec. 21, 2015

Mr. Trash Wheel: Using natural forces to clean Baltimore's waters

How the $750,000 wheel has removed more than 350 tons of trash and debris from the Baltimore Harbor since its May 2014 installation.

By Arlene Karidis • Dec. 16, 2015

6 waste and recycling trends to watch in 2016, as predicted by experts

Leaders across the industry suggest that waste and recycling professionals keep an eye out for the expansion of automatic collections, CNG trucks, and many other innovations in 2016.

By Arlene Karidis • Dec. 14, 2015