Organics: Page 21
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Deep Dive
Trouble in paradise: Recycling a tough proposition for US territories
Devastating hurricanes have strained weak infrastructure in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Guam has newer infrastructure, but still faces market challenges. All are often overlooked in national recycling discussions.
By Genevieve Glatsky • Updated Nov. 18, 2019 -
EPA: National recycling rate 35% in 2017, composting at record high
New figures show overall MSW volumes increased, with total recycling volume declining slightly. The agency also resumed its focus on greenhouse gas emissions reduction benefits.
By Cole Rosengren • Updated Nov. 14, 2019 -
Phoenix City Council preserves curbside recycling with rate increase
The city, viewed as a model for circular economy efforts, had run into financial challenges due to a turbulent recycling market and growing population. This will be its first residential rate increase since 2009.
By E.A. Crunden • Updated Feb. 12, 2020 -
New Hampshire legislators call for major changes to meet modern 'realities' of waste and recycling
A legislative committee set out to examine the state of New Hampshire's recycling, but ended up writing a broad report about underlying infrastructure and policy challenges.
By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 11, 2019 -
Scaling up organics recycling and biogas projects, in the Midwest and beyond
The BioCycle REFOR19 conference in Madison, Wisconsin covered how both local governments and private enterprise can optimize their efforts with projects that fit regional needs.
By Max Witynski • Updated Nov. 7, 2019 -
What cities can learn from Phoenix's circular economy experiments
Home to a unique incubator, the fast-growing Arizona city has embarked on multiple new ventures in recent years. WASTECON panelists shared economic, logistical and political advice.
By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 1, 2019 -
NYC commercial waste reform
Key stories from the New York commercial waste reform saga
The multiyear push to implement a nonexclusive franchise system has been tumultuous and complex. Follow along with Waste Dive’s in-depth coverage.
Updated Oct. 7, 2024 -
Federal government and food industry take aim at organic waste with formal commitment
A senior EPA official told Supply Chain Dive the effort is intended to change industry "attitudes and apathy" around the issue of food waste and relieve some confusion around food recovery and donation liability.
By Emma Cosgrove • Oct. 30, 2019 -
New York City Council advances commercial zone bill, opponents make final push
The successful vote came after 13 council members endorsed a letter requesting more time to consider a proposal that will dramatically reshape the city's open market system. A final vote is scheduled for Oct. 30.
By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 29, 2019 -
New York commercial waste zone bill finalized ahead of imminent vote
Aside from new language on labor retention, the version council members will be asked to vote on remains largely unchanged from a prior draft. A vote is expected Oct. 30.
By Cole Rosengren • Updated Oct. 23, 2019 -
Deep Dive // NYC commercial waste reform
Who comes out on top if New York passes commercial waste zones?
How many local haulers will be left to win franchise contracts, and whether any new entrants join the fray, all comes down to how legislative negotiations play out.
By Cole Rosengren • Updated Oct. 9, 2019 -
Massachusetts raises 2050 waste reduction target, may expand organics ban
The Department of Environmental Protection's new solid waste master plan draft indicates support for new packaging policies, additional waste bans and future infrastructure as disposal capacity shrinks.
By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 1, 2019 -
Philadelphia solicits bids for new compost facility with statewide implications
The city aims to expand organics processing infrastructure via a public-private partnership that could reduce annual food waste by nearly 150 tons as part of its 2035 "zero waste" goals.
By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 26, 2019 -
In fight against food waste, EPA and corporate leaders focus on business case
Administrator Wheeler, ReFED and others held a Sunday roundtable to discuss waste reduction progress. They agreed measurement is a crucial first step to move beyond just philanthropic actions.
By Emma Cosgrove • Sept. 24, 2019 -
How Oregon DEQ is challenging common food waste perceptions
The agency shared surprising results about why food rescue may not always be the most environmentally beneficial option and how composting assuages consumer guilt.
By Leslie Nemo • Updated Sept. 23, 2019 -
Kroger expands line of Apeel produce to tackle food waste
After a pilot in Cincinnati, the grocer will stock the long-lasting avocados in 1,100 stores with plans to add asparagus and limes to some locations later this fall.
By Jennifer Sweeney • Sept. 18, 2019 -
New Jersey releases draft plan to reduce food waste 50% by 2030
The Department of Environmental Protection's long-awaited plan calls for establishing a Food Waste Reduction Council and estimates barely 10% of wasted food is recovered in the state.
By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 17, 2019 -
Column
PFAS: New efforts to put the genie back in the bottle
The EPA may be moving slowly, but action is ramping up across multiple levels of government and the waste industry. Rich Thompson breaks down the latest updates, including from EREF's recent summit.
By Rich Thompson • Sept. 12, 2019 -
Study: Shoppers overestimate perishable grocery habits, causing food waste
Researchers from The Ohio State University took a uniquely close look into what's getting tossed from U.S. refrigerators – and why.
By Leslie Nemo • Sept. 9, 2019 -
ReFED announces $400K for first Nonprofit Food Recovery Accelerator cohort
Backed by the Walmart Foundation, the initial group of 10 organizations from around the country will receive dedicated business training and funding to help reduce organic waste.
By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 5, 2019 -
Bernie Sanders's $16.3T climate plan promises major waste and recycling shifts
The Democratic presidential candidate's platform includes a national recycling program, divestment from incinerators, funding for food recovery and composting investments, and a right to repair policy.
By Rina Li • Aug. 30, 2019 -
Opinion
Renewable natural gas: A climate solution with untapped potential
RNG's benefits include new revenue streams, climate change mitigation and enhanced energy security through a diversified resource supply, writes Ameresco's Michael Bakas.
By Michael Bakas • Aug. 28, 2019 -
What does it take to go compostable? Seattle grocer PCC is finding out
The trend-setting company plans to make all of its deli packaging compostable within three years – but it's found that getting there isn't easy.
By Krishna Thakker • Aug. 28, 2019 -
New Jersey governor vetoes controversial food waste bill
The organics diversion mandate, which would have still allowed material to go to incinerators and most landfills, returns to the state legislature.
By Cole Rosengren • Updated Aug. 28, 2019 -
Federal bill aims to extend renewable energy tax credits for biogas and WTE
The bill would incentivize development of qualifying biogas, WTE and biomass projects. While attention to organic waste has spurred recent biogas investment, new incinerator projects have been less frequent.
By Rina Li • Aug. 22, 2019