Zero Waste: Page 8
-
Q&A // Environmental justice conversations
University of Maine researchers: Circular economy concepts may be overlooking environmental justice
The circular economy can offer “transformative promises” and potential job creation, but a recent literature review found many reports overlook EJ's role in sustaining such systems.
By Megan Quinn • June 21, 2022 -
Recycled cotton company Recover raises $100M in funding led by Goldman Sachs
The latest round of funding for a company focused on textile waste speaks to the need for innovation in an industry that creates tons of waste annually.
By Dani James • June 13, 2022 -
EPA aims to disburse $375M in waste and recycling funds from infrastructure bill by spring 2023
Stakeholders have called for the EPA to move quickly on implementing funding from grants and initiatives that the agency says represent its “largest investment in recycling in 30 years.”
By Megan Quinn • Updated June 15, 2022 -
California’s high-stakes experiment to cut organic waste disposal 75% by 2025
Waste companies and local governments in the state are making massive investments and operational changes to meet the demands of SB 1383. Explore the implications with our ongoing series.
Updated Nov. 14, 2022 -
Deep Dive // California's organics experiment
Expecting food waste 'tsunami,' California recyclers focus on infrastructure and end markets
As the state rolls out universal organics collection, major companies such as Agromin, Anaergia, GreenWaste Recovery, Recology, Republic Services and WM are expanding to meet demand. Learn more in Part 2 of our series.
By Cole Rosengren • June 9, 2022 -
Recology SF corruption investigation
San Francisco voters approve reform measure in wake of Recology corruption scandal
The first major change to the local refuse ordinance in 90 years will update a rate-setting process that resulted in significant overcharges. It could also affect the company’s lock on hauling permits, pending further legislative action.
By Cole Rosengren • June 8, 2022 -
New York business improvement districts adapt to expansion of waste containerization pilot
The Times Square Alliance is moving forward with installations, but questions remain about barriers to participation around container choice and servicing for some potential adopters.
By Maria Rachal • June 6, 2022 -
Deep Dive // California's organics experiment
Ambitious policy makes California a crucible for investments in organics collection and recycling
SB 1383, a sweeping law that calls for a 75% reduction in organic waste disposal by 2025 to reduce methane emissions, has spurred a flurry of activity. Is the state's current infrastructure ready to meet the moment?
By Cole Rosengren • June 3, 2022 -
Q&A // Environmental justice conversations
EPA’s Carlton Waterhouse: Environmental justice means thinking beyond regulatory requirements
The EPA official previewed a new recycling infrastructure map, more data and updates on grants to help facilities "green" their operations. He also urged facility operators to invest in their communities.
By Megan Quinn • May 31, 2022 -
Target, CVS testing reusable bag rental system in New Jersey
Coming on the heels of the state's ban on single-use paper and plastic bags, shoppers at select locations can now use in-store kiosks to rent and return bags through a program supported by Closed Loop Partners.
By Catherine Douglas Moran • May 23, 2022 -
WasteExpo 2022
WasteExpo highlights big ideas for solving food waste, recycling, data and infrastructure problems
Speakers from Recology, ERI, Generate Upcycle, Orlando and the state of California shared advice on how to advance waste, recycling and organics operations.
By Megan Quinn , Maria Rachal • Updated May 23, 2022 -
Minneapolis shares its years of organics collection expertise as other major cities consider new efforts
The Minnesota city has over 50% program participation after going citywide around 2015. Meanwhile, Boston, Chicago and Washington, D.C., are among the cities eyeing expansions to collection options.
By Maria Rachal • May 3, 2022 -
Boston curbside composting pilot to begin service in August
Garbage to Garden and Save That Stuff will jointly provide collection service. Food waste will be sent to local composting and codigestion facilities.
By Maria Rachal • Updated May 27, 2022 -
As reusable takeout container systems expand, logistics questions abound
The pandemic threw startups for a loop, but many are still seeing strong demand. Now, companies and restaurants may have to balance brand identity with a factor that could be most helpful for reusables to succeed — uniformity.
By Leslie Nemo • April 20, 2022 -
Hawaii's EPR for packaging bill fails to pass before end of legislative session
Supporters had expected the unique model focused on reuse and reduction to move quickly through final committees, but legislators did not reconcile bill differences before the clock ran out.
By Megan Quinn • Updated May 11, 2022 -
Denver City Council greenlights pay-as-you-throw system for 2023
Officials voted Monday to implement volume-based pricing for trash, expand recycling pickups and provide weekly compost collection at no added cost.
By Maria Rachal • Updated June 28, 2022 -
Q&A
After years of growing awareness, ReFED director sees a 'rubber-meets-the-road moment' for food waste
The U.S. government's 2030 food loss and waste reduction goal is fast approaching, and food prices are on the rise. Dana Gunders discusses what this all means for ongoing efforts to reduce, recover and recycle wasted food.
By Cole Rosengren • April 6, 2022 -
Latest UN climate change report highlights urban mitigation strategies, circular materials management
Reducing food waste and increasing plastics recycling and materials reuse all came up as potential strategies, as the world must implement changes more rapidly to alter the course of global warming.
By Maria Rachal • April 5, 2022 -
City Haul: Inside top issues facing municipal waste leaders
How are waste agencies dealing with labor constraints? What do leaders tell residents who doubt the recycling system? Who are some of the new faces steering local U.S. operations? Catch up on past editions of City Haul.
By Maria Rachal • Updated Feb. 6, 2023 -
Washington governor signs bill calling for 75% reduction of organic waste disposal by 2030
The law is seen as a natural evolution from the state's recent work on recycling and climate change. Organics recyclers are especially focused on new compost procurement rules and first-in-the-nation compostable product guidelines.
By Cole Rosengren • Updated March 25, 2022 -
Waste Dive Live: What's next for waste and recycling in 2022?
Watch the videos from our Feb. 10 virtual event to hear perspectives from the Waste Dive team, The Recycling Partnership and Reloop.
By The Waste Dive Team • March 9, 2022 -
Los Angeles City Council moves toward phasing out single-use plastics, including bags and EPS foam
The second-largest U.S. city tapped LA Sanitation & Environment for more details on how to actually make the transition as the county and state also pursue related policies.
By Maria Rachal • Feb. 28, 2022 -
WM drops 'waste' from its name, frames ESG approach at annual sustainability forum
The newly rebranded industry giant described itself as a "circular logistics operator" that is part of a "renewable energy revolution." Plus, panelists spoke on economics, circularity, climate justice, diversity, leadership and more.
By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 16, 2022 -
Deep Dive
EPR remains top item in state recycling policy debate, but bottle bills and plastic bans also in play
After a "breakthrough" in 2021, legislators and supporters aim to pass more laws in 2022 they say will improve recycling systems and curb litter. Competing stakeholder perspectives could complicate the finish line for many bills.
By Megan Quinn • Updated Feb. 10, 2022 -
The Waste Dive Outlook on 2022
Get up to speed on what may be coming next around M&A, labor solutions, ESG investment trends, federal regulation, state policy, environmental justice, local programs and more.
By The Waste Dive Team • Feb. 9, 2022