From mobile apps to fleet management software, the waste and recycling industry is slowly yet surely becoming more tech-focused. Included in this new focus is the adaption of social media — the immediate, efficient way to stay connected with the industry and the professionals driving it.
To help keep you up-to-date on the hottest topics, we've compiled a list of what we consider important Twitter accounts across the waste and recycling industry (aside from our own @WasteDive, of course). Be sure to follow these organizations and experts for relevant news, tips, and insight.
1. @AdamMinter
Followers: 8,597
Description: "Bloomberg View. Junkyard Planet. Expat Minnesotan. Viewpoint is mine."
Why follow: Minter's 2013 book Junkyard Planet offers an interesting and insightful look into the global recycling business — his tweets do the same. He is a frequent speaker and reporter on many topics regarding the trash trade business, and does not hold back when expressing viewpoints over social media.
Recycling is dead. Long live recycling. https://t.co/z3g5p9Fif8 on commodity boom, bust ... boom? etc etc, by me for shanghai scrap.
— Adam Minter (@AdamMinter) November 17, 2015
2. @kabtweet
Followers: 6,034
Description: "Keep America Beautiful is the nation's leading nonprofit that brings people together to build and sustain vibrant communities."
Why follow: From conference coverage to quick facts, Keep America Beautiful uses its social media to educate followers on important developments in the domestic recycling industry, while encouraging innovation and eco-friendly practices.
Each year, enough plastic bottles are thrown away to circle the earth 4 times. Send them on a different journey: https://t.co/lA1nvvnivB
— KeepAmericaBeautiful (@kabtweet) November 18, 2015
3. @bewastewise
Followers: 1,330
Description: "Bridging the waste solutions expertise gap worldwide."
Why follow: be Waste Wise (bWW) seeks a "global dialogue" on waste management, and will tweet questions or share articles to engage followers and get a conversation going. bWW also conducts panels with leading experts to discuss buzzing topics, such as waste in developing countries and zero waste.
Compatibility Between Recycling and Waste-to-Energy. There are two main schools of thought... #Replug https://t.co/48ReCQoC1b
— be Waste Wise (@bewastewise) November 13, 2015
4. @SustainBrands
Followers: 67.4K
Description: "News, Views, Events and Community surrounding the field of Sustainable Brand building."
Why follow: The shift to being a "sustainable brand" has been a key focus for many retailers, including Speedo, Adidas, and Dell. These shifts have impacted the waste and recycling industry in many ways, all which are highlighted by this Twitter account. Sustainable Brands explains the business value behind sustainability and gives tips on how to pursue an eco-friendly business.
.@WRAP_UK, @Starbucks Dig Into How to Drive #BusinessModel Transformation Inside a Company: https://t.co/Mv3gbimYH2
— Sustainable Brands (@SustainBrands) November 20, 2015
5. @WasteShifter
Followers: 4,806
Description: "Here to help in our small way to transform the view of #Waste cost to #Resource savings. #Building a #CircularEconomy."
Why follow: Sometimes we need a bit of inspiration to push to new heights, and sometimes that inspiration comes from a Twitter account like Waste Shifter. This account tweets motivational messages, waste and recycling "#FunFacts," and links to unique stories so you'll always have a source of encouragement waiting in your Twitter feed.
#EcoMonday inspiration: “The horizon leans forward, offering you space to place new steps of change.” #MayaAngelou #quote
— Waste Shifter (@WasteShifter) November 23, 2015
6. @PlasticsNews
Followers: 12K
Description: "Crain Communications' international newspaper for the plastics industry."
Why follow: The decisions that are made in the plastics industry can have a direct affect on the recycling industry, and Plastics News is a crucial source to show relevancy of these impacts. Plastics News reports on plastic recycling companies, packaging, regulations, and other topics, and tweets links to their stories to keep you up-to-date.
Report: Sustainability a key to food-service packaging https://t.co/hk4tJFXuRr
— plasticsnews (@plasticsnews) November 19, 2015
7. @Lee_Ballin
Followers: 480
Description: "Sustainability @Bloomberg, Corporate Sustainability Opportunist, green daddy, landfill waste diverter & golf enthusiast. Views expressed are my own."
Why follow: Lee Ballin is a reporter for Bloomberg's Sustainability Group, covering all aspects of sustainability including the business of waste diversion and recycling innovation. As a sustainability manager, Ballin is an expert on the global supply chain, marketing, and consumer engagement.
Disruption, technology, automobiles, mobility & sustainable value creation. All @Bloomberg #sustainablebiz pic.twitter.com/GtxztLHrO9
— Lee Ballin (@Lee_Ballin) November 11, 2015
8. @CalRecycle
Followers: 8,278
Description: "CalRecycle tweets to inspire & challenge Californians to achieve the highest waste reduction & recycling goals in the nation."
Why follow: You don't need to live in California to be inspired by the waste reduction efforts that are taking place in the state. As California aims to reach a statewide goal of 75% recycling by 2020, CalRecycle's Twitter account posts statistics, articles, and photos to explain how the state is achieving its goal day by day.
About 4.8 million tons of food waste are disposed in California landfills every year. #wastenot #75percentCA pic.twitter.com/KMlcaiYcGE
— CalRecycle (@CalRecycle) November 10, 2015
9. @ColeRosengrenNY
Followers: 460
Description: "Environmental reporter, garbage enthusiast, Brooklynite, Mainer. Currently @CUNYJSchool."
Why follow: A self-proclaimed waste "enthusiast," Cole Rosengren is a City Limits reporter covering New York City's "Trash Challenge." Rosengren writes about garbage collection issues, waste exportation, composting efforts and more, all as the Big Apple struggles to control its growing amounts of trash.
Check out my latest from the garbage beat https://t.co/vr9otBrHUQ
— Cole Rosengren (@ColeRosengrenNY) November 17, 2015
10. @GuardianSustBiz
Followers: 123K
Description: "The global voice for cutting edge sustainability comment, debate and expert insight."
Why follow: With so much ingenuity happening in waste and recycling markets across the world, The Guardian's Sustainable Business Twitter account can help you stay relevant with global initiatives. The account posts story links and commentary from influential leaders from places like the UK and Latin America, while relating many topics back to the North American market.
Plastic waste in Pacific Ocean washed up on Hawaii beach - in pictures https://t.co/n4EaGfrDoq
— Sustainable Business (@GuardianSustBiz) November 22, 2015
Are there other Twitter feeds you want to share? Let us know at waste.dive.editors@industrydive.com.