Reuse gets enthusiastic White House, EPA support

While highlighting a need for greater investment and cultural change to scale reuse systems, industry participants described being “all in” on reuse and called for policy engagement at a Washington, D.C., event Friday.

By Maria Rachal • April 26, 2023

EPA calls for greater EJ focus in new plastics pollution prevention strategy

The agency wants public feedback on its new plastics strategy, which calls for waste and composting improvements while making operations safer for surrounding communities.

By Megan Quinn • April 25, 2023

Casella Waste to acquire $525M worth of GFL assets in 3 states

Pending regulatory approval, the transaction would mark a major collection expansion for the Northeastern company into a region where it had already been developing new landfill capacity.

By Cole Rosengren • April 24, 2023

Solarcycle CEO, fresh off $31.5M in public and private funding, discusses solar recycling’s future

Solarcycle recently raised series A funding and received a U.S. Department of Energy research grant. CEO and co-founder Suvi Sharma said his company is scaling up as the solar industry begins to seriously contend with circularity.

By Jacob Wallace • April 21, 2023

Indiana governor signs law designating chemical recycling as manufacturing

Similar American Chemistry Council-backed bills have passed in 23 other states. The bill’s passage is part of a larger fight over the technologies’ role in plastics recycling.

By Megan Quinn • April 21, 2023

Competing EPR bills are stalled in Hawai’i this year, but proponents are playing the long game

A bill got close to passing last year, but two proposals are stuck in committee amid opposition from packaging groups. Stakeholders say the legislation symbolizes the state’s willingness to make major waste management changes.

By Megan Quinn • April 20, 2023

Federal bills for recycling infrastructure grants, composting strategies make a comeback

The two bipartisan bills sailed through the Senate with industry support last year but didn’t make it to the finish line. One could lead to recycling project grants worth up to $750 million.

By Megan Quinn • Updated April 24, 2023

New York carpet EPR program start postponed to 2026

The law would have required carpet producers to submit compliance plans by the end of this year, but a bill update officially gives them an extra two years to comply.

By Megan Quinn • April 18, 2023

Bold Reuse launches retail glass packaging reuse pilot

Portland, Oregon-based Bold Reuse saw an opportunity to “plug and play” by leveraging its washing infrastructure, ongoing work with a local grocery chain and support from a government grant, explained one program lead.

By Maria Rachal • April 17, 2023

Should more PFAS types be deemed hazardous? EPA seeks feedback

The agency already plans to include PFOS and PFOA in a hazardous designation under Superfund law but could now go further. The waste industry has previously raised concerns about possible liability and cost burdens.

By Megan Quinn • April 14, 2023

Boston ‘reconsidering everything’ for its next residential collection contract

Boston’s Public Works Department aims to rethink setout times, containerization, competition and more before awarding a 2024 contract. Meanwhile, the city’s recycling and disposal contracts could be extended.

By Cole Rosengren • April 12, 2023

Curbside film recycling can be a reality with the right equipment and policy updates, pilot suggests

End markets exist and EPR could spur the investments to upgrade MRFs to handle flexible plastics, but “you’ve got to figure out that last step” to capture existing packaging, said the Flexible Packaging Association’s CEO.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 12, 2023

Maryland EPR for packaging proposal, now a study bill, sent to governor for signature

The bill had already undergone major changes requiring an in-depth needs assessment before establishing a program, but the version sent to the governor speeds up key timelines and calls for a single PRO.

By Megan Quinn • Updated April 12, 2023

Reports, letters and hearings: How the 117th Congress debated recycling policy

The 117th Congress only passed a few recycling bills, but kept the conversation going through numerous hearings and letters. Here’s a digest of the highlights.

By Megan Quinn • April 7, 2023

Ball’s net zero climate plans touts support for EPR, container deposit policy

Director of Global Sustainability Adam Shalapin discusses what’s needed to realize more can-to-can recycling, Ball’s approach to policy advocacy and why a climate plan considering multiple paths is important.

By Maria Rachal • April 7, 2023

WM expects major MRF automation and efficiency plans to yield returns at ‘virtually any commodity price’

At a recent investor presentation, WM leaders said their 2026 recycling sustainability plan would expand markets and invest heavily in MRF automation to reap efficiency and labor benefits.

By Megan Quinn • April 6, 2023

MassRecycle pushes back on narrative of recycling as ‘a hoax,’ touts education efforts

In the wake of critical reports from advocacy groups and media outlets, the state’s public and private recyclers are updating their messaging. Brooke Nash, a retiring MassDEP official, shared her unfiltered view at a recent event.

By Cole Rosengren • April 5, 2023

Diverse waste and recycling workplaces should include younger workers: NERC

Speakers at the Northeast Recycling Council’s recent conference described opportunities for hiring diverse younger workers who may not be familiar with the industry. 

By Megan Quinn • April 5, 2023

Maryland EPR bill passes House with major changes

The bill has been amended to require an in-depth needs assessment before a new program is established, a move a range of stakeholders supported. It must be finalized in the state Senate before heading to the governor’s desk.

By Megan Quinn • April 4, 2023

Connecticut environmental justice law could expand to transfer stations, chemical recycling facilities

The state’s legislature is advancing a bill that would expand the existing EJ law to include cumulative impact requirements in permitting decisions. This would follow similar laws in New York and New Jersey. 

By Megan Quinn • April 3, 2023

Senate subcommittee debates role of plastics production, recycling in future of US economy

Sen. Jeff Merkley, who led a hearing with testimony from multiple scientists, urged the subcommittee to agree on concrete ideas for curbing plastics pollution.

By Megan Quinn • March 31, 2023

RTS acquires RecycleSmart, Canada’s largest waste broker

The purchase of RecycleSmart and its Pello sensor technology is the latest in a series of deals by RTS and part of a broader trend in the broker space.

By Cole Rosengren • March 30, 2023

How second-use boxes are helping customers advance their circularity goals

Companies like Philadelphia’s American Box have been collecting and reselling cardboard containers for decades, but the concept is gaining renewed attention as a way to extend the lifespan of this ubiquitous packaging.

By Lela Nargi • March 29, 2023

Connecticut legislative committee approves key waste bill with changes to EPR, disposal fee provisions

Changes to the bill include removing a MSW disposal fee and delaying an EPR for packaging provision until neighboring states adopt their own. A section expanding organics separation programs remains.

By Megan Quinn • March 29, 2023

Bioplastics industry hopes farm bill can address Biden’s plastic replacement goal

Product manufacturers, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Composting Council and others discussed investment priorities at the Plant Based Products Council’s first conference on Tuesday.

By Jacob Wallace • March 29, 2023