One year covering COVID-19's impact on the waste and recycling sector

The coronavirus pandemic brought sweeping changes to the U.S., including significant effects for an industry that continued its work throughout the crisis. Catch up on all of Waste Dive's reporting from the initial year.

By Waste Dive Team • Updated March 15, 2021

Reducing food waste emerges as key climate solution

Project Drawdown's 2020 report, released before the pandemic, elevated food waste as an increasingly relevant solution while highlighting the role industry can play in tackling the issue through reducing waste sent to landfills.

By E.A. Crunden • April 16, 2020

Dishwashers and data laid the groundwork for California city's landmark waste reduction ordinance

The ReThink Disposable program, designed to help restaurants switch to reusables, was a model for Berkeley's foodware ordinance set to fully take effect this summer. Whether the COVID-19 pandemic will disrupt those plans remains to be seen. 

By Karine Vann • April 9, 2020

New York bans expanded polystyrene foam products statewide

Gov. Andrew Cuomo approved the legislation, which will take effect in 2022. New York joins Washington in showing a willingness to target some plastics, despite a push by industry groups to promote their products during the pandemic. 

By E.A. Crunden • Updated April 3, 2020

Single-use plastic bag supporters cite coronavirus risks in reviving sanitation concerns over reusables

Some states are changing policies as an old debate gains new traction. While prior research shows consumers could wash reusable bags more often, there's no clear proof single-use bags are less likely to spread the novel coronavirus.

By Leslie Nemo • April 2, 2020

How to talk about EPR, product stewardship and minimum content policies

Neil Seldman, director of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance's Waste to Wealth initiative, advocates for the use of common terminology in policy discussions around recycling.

By Neil Seldman • March 27, 2020

COVID-19 puts BYO coffee cups on hold, but sanitized reusable systems could fill the void

Major brands like Starbucks and Dunkin' have banned the use of personal to-go containers in recent weeks over coronavirus fears, raising new questions in a wider debate around packaging safety. 

By Karine Vann • March 25, 2020

Oregon DEQ calls for emphasis on 'low-impact' materials, not 'recyclable'

As highlighted in a recent Northeast Recycling Council webinar, research shows that a recyclable product isn’t always the one that creates less waste or uses fewer valuable resources.

By Leslie Nemo • Updated April 1, 2020

New York City Council outlines big plans for curbside organics, textiles and EPR

A new agenda calls for the expansion of curbside residential organics collection citywide, along with more than a dozen other policies, to accelerate progress toward "zero waste" by 2030. Mention of a "save-as-you-throw" program is notably absent.

By Cole Rosengren • March 16, 2020

Ambrosia, organics recycler behind food waste-based cleaning product, eyes expansion

The company is still scaling up plans for more processing capacity, but its CEO also now sees potential for a new business line. The concept could gain traction amid rising consumer awareness of food waste, experts say.

By Cole Rosengren • March 10, 2020

Baltimore council members back goal of 'zero waste' by 2040 amid incinerator litigation

Activists pushing for the closure of Wheelabrator Baltimore are calling for a dramatic turn toward waste reduction and diversion. A majority of council members introduced a resolution Monday in support of that plan.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated March 10, 2020

House lawmakers debate regulatory role of federal government in plastics and recycling

In a Wednesday hearing, lawmakers formed stances along partisan lines over several pieces of federal recycling legislation. Republicans took a hard line against plastics bans and seemed to scrutinize shifting oversight to the federal government.

By E.A. Crunden • March 5, 2020

Gov Inslee signs Washington single-use bag ban, vetoes PCR requirements

Plastics were a prominent focus for state lawmakers this session. While Washington will join a growing list of states by banning bags, it will not pursue recycled content requirements due to fiscal concerns.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated April 6, 2020

Waste Management's Tara Hemmer says industry needs to be more proactive on climate issues

Speaking at the Global Waste Management Symposium, the senior vice president emphasized a need to be more proactive around emerging topics such as plastics and the Green New Deal.

By E.A. Crunden • Feb. 26, 2020

NextGen Cup Challenge, driven by McDonald's and Starbucks, rolls out reusable cup pilot in California

The programs — set to debut at independent coffee shops around San Francisco and Palo Alto — could pave the way for major chains to eventually make the switch as they seek to meet their environmental goals. 

By E.A. Crunden • Feb. 20, 2020

Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act debuts in Congress, instigating packaging EPR debate

The bill would also establish a national container deposit system, ban single-use plastic products and set recycled content requirements. Staunch opposition is expected from some recycling and plastics trade groups.

By E.A. Crunden • Feb. 11, 2020

National EPR campaign kicks off with anti-plastic film screening, activist support

Rep. Alan Lowenthal, sponsor of the upcoming Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act, rallied activists around the bill at a Washington event. The film teases out likely divides between industry and advocacy groups.

By E.A. Crunden • Feb. 10, 2020

2020 could be the year of legislative boom – or bust – for national recycling policy

An influx of legislation in Congress aims to tackle problems facing the recycling industry amid rising public attention. The bills range widely in their industry backers and odds of success.

By E.A. Crunden • Jan. 29, 2020

Tracking the future of US recycling policy in Congress

A bipartisan bill supported by the plastics industry calls for nationwide plastic recycling standards, a 30% recycled content rate, and chemical recycling provisions. 

By Megan Quinn • Updated Sept. 20, 2024

Starbucks ramps up waste reduction goals, focusing on reusable and recyclable cups

The coffee giant's "resource positive" goals seek 50% reduction in waste sent to landfills by 2030. Its emphasis on changing cup design for recyclability, as opposed to compostables, differs from some competitors.

By E.A. Crunden • Jan. 24, 2020

California plastics tax ballot initiative on track for 2022 following court ruling

Recology, a key backer of the proposal, successfully petitioned for an extension of the signature gathering process due to recent pandemic disruptions.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated July 6, 2020

If you're not recycling glass are you really recycling?

As more municipalities drop glass over financial pressure, processors maintain the market is viable. Neil Seldman of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance argues glass is still essential.

By Neil Seldman • Updated Jan. 17, 2020

DC weighs new expanded polystyrene ban amid national focus on plastics

The District of Columbia is part of a growing trend of local and state governments embracing increasingly bold measures to curb pollution and address environmental concerns. 

By E.A. Crunden • Jan. 8, 2020

7 pressing questions for the waste and recycling industry in 2020

The year is shaping up to be a major one for the industry's future. We'll be digging into safety, corporate consolidation, climate commitments, recycling policy, organics, PFAS, politics and more.

By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden • Jan. 6, 2020

Denver mayor signs plastic and paper bag fee into law

The Denver City Council pursued a fee due to a state preemption law on product bans. The Colorado city is the latest in a wave of local governments to pass or enact bag policies throughout the country.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 6, 2020