Recycling’s political paradoxes
Recycling’s political paradoxes This article appeared in the June 2024 issue of Resource Recycling. Subscribe today for access to all print content. As the Republican-majority Iowa Senate
July 12, 2024
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RECYCLING NEWS
Hand-picked articles with the latest and most important information about the recycling industry.
Recycling News
Hand-picked articles with the latest and most important information about the recycling industry.
Residential Recycling Contamination Pilot Project Report of Findings
In 2020 the Authority contracted with ReCREATE Waste Collaborative to conduct a pilot study with the goal of identifying and reducing contamination in the residential commingled recycling stream. You can read the project overview, key findings, and recommendations in the ReCreate Project Report.
A Collection of the Latest Recycling News
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These links are being provided for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by the Mojave Desert & Mountain Region Recycling Authority of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organization or individual. We bear no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.
How to create a ‘world without waste’? Here are the plastic industry’s ideas. | Grist
A deep dive into the petrochemical industry’s proposals for the global plastics treaty. Source: How to create a ‘world without waste’? Here are the plastic
July 11, 2024
8 Great Strategies for Hitting Up Garage Sales
For a fun and successful garage sale outing, keep an open mind and embrace the reuse potential of items. We’ve got eight tips to help
July 9, 2024
Composting set for US boom, and it needs one, decades behind recycling
Consumer interest in waste composting is picking up given climate and farming benefits, but national numbers remains very low, decades behind recycling. Source: Composting set
July 7, 2024
Diminishing returns: California’s unclaimed bottle deposits hit $820M as recycling centers close | KPBS Public Media
Recycling has long been a bedrock of conservation and an income source for many people. But in California, getting nickels and dimes back for bottles
June 30, 2024
Coldplay Announces New Album will be Made with Recycled Plastic Bottles
Coldplay, one of the industry’s leading sustainability advocates, is releasing its new album, Moon Music, on vinyl made from plastic bottles.
June 28, 2024
How the recycling symbol got America addicted to plastic | Grist
Corporations sold Americans on the chasing arrows — while stripping the logo of its worth. Source: How the recycling symbol got America addicted to plastic
June 27, 2024
Plastic Promises Scorecard casts more doubt on 2025 company targets | Packaging Dive
As You Sow awarded no ‘A’ scores, as it echoed US Plastics Pact concerns about companies not progressing quickly enough to meet 2025 targets. Still, it lauded
June 25, 2024
Apple’s iPhone recycling robot shifts gears
Apple’s iPhone recycling robot shifts gears As more companies look to address e-scrap recovery, some are moving away from gentle dismantling and instead aiming for
June 23, 2024
Recycling Mystery: Rechargeable Tool Batteries
Many power tools use batteries to run instead of corded electricity or the muscle of… The post Recycling Mystery: Rechargeable Tool Batteries appeared first on
June 21, 2024
How the recycling symbol got America addicted to plastic | Grist
Corporations sold Americans on the chasing arrows — while stripping the logo of its worth. Source: How the recycling symbol got America addicted to plastic
June 20, 2024
Good, Better, Best: The Climate Impacts of Milks
Milk may do a body good, but it’s not so kind to the planet. Milk’s… The post Good, Better, Best: The Climate Impacts of Milks
June 18, 2024
iFixit ends Samsung partnership over ‘commitment’
iFixit ends Samsung partnership over ‘commitment’ After two years of trying – and some public pushing – iFixit ended its partnership with Samsung, citing the
June 16, 2024
How Many Times Can That Be Recycled?
I used to think that plastic water bottles could be infinitely recycled, that every time… The post How Many Times Can That Be Recycled? appeared
June 14, 2024
Plastics industry worked for decades to create a throw-away culture : NPR
Plastic has become embedded in everyday life. That’s because for the last 70 years, the plastics industry convinced consumers to embrace the material for its
June 13, 2024
iFixit ends Samsung partnership over ‘commitment’
iFixit ends Samsung partnership over ‘commitment’ After two years of trying – and some public pushing – iFixit ended its partnership with Samsung, citing the
June 11, 2024
Finding the Best Raised Bed Kit
It may seem like spring planting is a long way off, but if you’ve been… The post Finding the Best Raised Bed Kit appeared first
June 9, 2024
Complete plastic bag ban clears California Senate
A bill that expands California’s bag ban to prohibit all plastic bags – even the reusable recycled-content bags that are a major driver of post-consumer
June 7, 2024
Attorney General Bonta Petitions Court to Compel Plastics Industry Association and American Chemistry Council to Fully Comply with Outstanding Investigative Subpoenas | State of California – Department of Justice – Office of the Attorney General
SACRAMENTO – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today filed two petitions to compel the Plastics Industry Association, Inc. (PLASTICS), formerly known as the Society of
June 6, 2024
Stakeholders react to CalRecycle director pick
California’s sizable state environment agency has a new leader in Zoe Heller, who was recently appointed director of the California Department of Resources, Recycling and
May 21, 2024
What will it take to get companies to embrace reusable packaging? | Grist
Inside the effort to standardize the design of returnable containers. Source: What will it take to get companies to embrace reusable packaging? | Grist
May 19, 2024
Planting a Garden for the Birds
Birds are the most welcome wildlife in the landscape garden. They are beautiful, musical, interesting… The post Planting a Garden for the Birds appeared first
May 17, 2024
Well-known circular economy specialist appointed as CalRecycle director | Waste Dive
Zoe Heller is well-known in the industry for her work with CalRecycle and the U.S. EPA. Supporters says her skill set will help her manage the
May 9, 2024
California’s Pioneering Strides In Plastic Management
California’s Pioneering Strides In Plastic Management A comprehensive look at the legislation guiding California’s recycling goals. This article appeared in the March 2024 issue of
April 23, 2024
California’s incredible expanding plastics ban – POLITICO
Lawmakers are taking another several whacks at California’s plastics proliferation. Source: California’s incredible expanding plastics ban – POLITICO
April 21, 2024
Recycling Mystery: Tires
Let’s be honest: Tires make the world go ’round. Unless you’re a professional speed walker,… The post Recycling Mystery: Tires appeared first on Earth911.
April 19, 2024
Free the tea: Celestial Seasonings is latest brand to slash plastic overwrap | Packaging Dive
Plastic overwrap was a legacy process for Celestial Seasonings, which recently redesigned its boxes. The U.S. Plastics Pact’s executive director said more brands should ask whether outer plastic
April 14, 2024
Texas group seeks cooperation with California on container recycling – Recycling Today
Recycling Today Source: Texas group seeks cooperation with California on container recycling – Recycling Today
April 12, 2024
A Day for Zero Waste
The can you set out by the curb every week may not seem so big…. The post A Day for Zero Waste appeared first on
April 11, 2024
Forging a global agreement – Recycling Today
Recycling Today Source: Forging a global agreement – Recycling Today
April 9, 2024
Walmart Delivers on Promise, Replaces Plastic Mailers with Paper Envelopes
Sticking with its pledge from June 2023, Walmart has phased out single-use plastic for mailing and has shifted to recyclable paper.
April 7, 2024
Food Date Labeling Act Returns to the Legislature
Research shows confusion over date labels accounts for 8 percent of consumer food waste in the U.S., costing around $30 billion a year. In this
April 5, 2024
How 3 large states want to address waste with federal climate funding
The U.S. EPA received 45 state priority climate action plans, the first step in accessing Climate Pollution Reduction Grant funding.
April 4, 2024
61 Unexpected PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ Found in Food Packaging | Scientific American
A global study identified 61 PFAS chemicals in food packaging that are not authorized for use in such products Source: 61 Unexpected PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’
March 31, 2024
Recycling Mystery: Plastic Utensils
Plastic utensils are not recyclable. If you’re considering buying any “disposable” with the intention of… The post Recycling Mystery: Plastic Utensils appeared first on Earth911.
March 28, 2024
Report takes aim at drop-off recycling system
Report takes aim at drop-off recycling system An investigation that placed tracking devices in bundles of Amazon’s plastic packaging and dropped them off in store
March 26, 2024
California overhauls recycling with plastic pollution and beverage container reforms
Office of Public Affairs For Immediate Release: March 8, 2024 News Release #2024-03 Media Contact: Lance Klug 916-341-6293 | [email protected] SACRAMENTO – Taking action to
March 24, 2024
Bioplastics: sustainable solution or distraction from the plastic waste crisis? – EHN
Biodegradable and plant-based plastics are booming — but still come with climate and chemical concerns. Source: Bioplastics: sustainable solution or distraction from the plastic waste
March 14, 2024
Recycling Solutions, It Works Elsewhere: Beverage Container Redemption Solutions –Reverse Vending Machines
Wine Industry News Article Source: Recycling Solutions, It Works Elsewhere: Beverage Container Redemption Solutions –Reverse Vending Machines
March 3, 2024
New report unveils what plastic makers knew about recycling : NPR
Recycling “does not solve the solid waste problem,” the head of a plastics trade group said in 1989, around the time the industry was launching
March 1, 2024
Scrap plastic exports drop to new low
Scrap plastic exports drop to new low Recovered plastic exports out of the U.S. dropped slightly in 2023, bringing a record low for the fourth
February 29, 2024
Recycling fraud convicts ordered to pay California $140 million for bottle and can smuggling scheme
Office of Public Affairs For Immediate Release: February 20, 2024 News Release #2024-02 Media Contact: Lance Klug 916-341-66293 | [email protected] SACRAMENTO – Recycling Services Alliance,
February 27, 2024
Colgate-Palmolive faces lawsuit over ‘misleading’ recyclable toothpaste tube claims
A judge denied the company’s request to throw out a lawsuit that consumers filed a year and a half after Colgate introduced a monomaterial HDPE tube. The product’s
February 18, 2024
CalRecycle director stepping down in March | Waste Dive
Rachel Machi Wagoner will leave her role after three years in the position. The director job will be challenging to fill, industry experts say, as
February 16, 2024
Survey: Consumers Seek Sustainable Products and Packaging, Transparency
Consumers exhibited a heightened awareness of sustainability and transparency, particularly in relation to their favorite brands and products. However, 69 percent still were skeptical, believing
February 8, 2024
Will California Reach its Pending Organics Diversion Goals?
The ability to move forward on what is arguably the country’s largest food scrap collection and processing system has hinged on government public-private sector partnerships.
January 26, 2024
California’s composting mandate is driving market growth
California’s composting mandate is driving market growth It’s been a year since a California law mandating organics recycling went into effect, and initial results show
January 25, 2024
2023: The Circular Economy In Review
2023 was a tough year for sustainability, even though renewable energy investments reached new highs…. The post 2023: The Circular Economy In Review appeared first
January 23, 2024
How To Choose Sustainably-Made Fabrics
How green are the clothes you are wearing? It can be challenging to discern this… The post How To Choose Sustainably-Made Fabrics appeared first on Earth911.
January 21, 2024
A Kids’ History of Recycling
Recycling has been around almost as long as humans; it’s one of our signature activities…. The post A Kids’ History of Recycling appeared first on
January 19, 2024
States Throw Out Millions of Pandemic Materials Due to Expiration Dates, Costs of Storage
Three years following the COVID-19 pandemic, states are left dealing with excess protective gear as supplies are thrown out as they expire.
January 18, 2024
France to Ban Plastic Packaging by 2040 With Other Crackdowns in Store
France is strengthening its push toward a system-wide transition to a circular economy, having set a few world firsts on the policy front. Among them
January 16, 2024
Starbucks Now Allows Personal Cups for Orders to Reduce Waste
Staying true to a pledge it made in 2022, Starbucks is allowing customers to use their personal cups for all orders to reduce waste.
January 14, 2024
California on track to implement nation-leading effort to slash single-use plastic and packaging waste
Office of Public Affairs For Immediate Release: December 28, 2023 News Release #2023-12 Media Contact: Melanie Turner 916-341-6763 | [email protected] SACRAMENTO — CalRecycle today released
January 12, 2024
The Plastic Chemicals Hiding in Your Food – Consumer Reports
CR tested popular fast foods and supermarket staples for some of the chemicals used to make plastic, which can be harmful to your health. Here’s
January 11, 2024
Holiday food and packing waste are clogging landfills – Los Angeles Times
The holiday season provides a visible and tangible surge in trash, including food, wrapping paper, aluminum and shipping boxes. Source: Holiday food and packing waste
January 7, 2024
Commentary: Paper recycling is the gift that keeps on giving – Recycling Today
Recycling Today Source: Commentary: Paper recycling is the gift that keeps on giving – Recycling Today
January 5, 2024
Smart bins target contamination at street level
Smart bins target contamination at street level Consumer education is a traditional way to reduce contamination, but the founder of startup MyMatR is combining it
January 4, 2024
Getting Rid of Plastic Zip-Top Bags
In the quest for a plastic-free lifestyle, zip-top bags are among the hardest things to… The post Getting Rid of Plastic Zip-Top Bags appeared first
December 26, 2023
Mushroom and corn and seaweed, oh my: Evaluating plastic alternatives | Packaging Dive
As brands assess if, where and which bio-based plastic alternatives could play a role in packaging portfolios, analysis of these novel feedstocks must also focus
December 22, 2023
California Residents Can Recycle Alcoholic Beverage Containers Starting in 2024
California residents can recycle wine, liquor and large juice bottles starting next year.
December 21, 2023
Plastic bag drop-off resource is taken off-line
Plastic bag drop-off resource is taken off-line The longest-running comprehensive guide to public drop-off sites accepting plastic film has been taken down, leaving a gap
December 8, 2023
Packaging innovation by online grocery and meal-kit companies focuses on reduction and reuse | Packaging Dive
With takeback systems and seasonal packaging based on algorithms, companies such as HelloFresh and Misfits Market are working toward using less material in their deliveries.
December 7, 2023
Plastic bag drop-off guide is taken off-line
The longest-running comprehensive guide to public drop-off sites accepting plastic film has been taken down, leaving a gap in consumer-facing recycling information for bags and
December 5, 2023
US recycling rates have stagnated. Can collaborative packaging solutions turn them around?
Speakers from consumer brands like Coca-Cola and recyclers like Rumpke discussed how to send more recyclables to MRFs at the Packaging Recycling Summit.
December 1, 2023
The Right to Repair is Crucial to E-Waste Reductions
In an era defined by rapid technological development, the exponential growth of electronic devices creates… The post The Right to Repair is Crucial to E-Waste
November 30, 2023
Protecting Your Garden In Winter
It’s been a record-breaking year for weather-related disasters, with extreme heat waves threatening human health,… The post Protecting Your Garden In Winter appeared first on
November 28, 2023
Recycling Mystery: Garden Hoses – Earth911
Have an old garden hose with too many leaks? This recycling mystery investigates what to do with an old garden hose that’s seen better days.
November 26, 2023
PFAS Contaminants: Where They Came From, Why They Persist & What We Can Do
The chemical group referred to as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) — more popularly called… The post PFAS Contaminants: Where They Came From, Why They
November 25, 2023
More Than 10 Million Mattresses Recycled in California
SACRAMENTO, Calif.,– More than 10 million mattresses have been recycled in California since the Mattress Recycling Council (MRC) launched the Bye Bye Mattress program in the state.
November 24, 2023
QR Codes on Packaging to Help Answer Recycling Questions
A QR code on a product’s package may be a new way to answer the common question, “Can I recycle this?”
November 14, 2023
In federal briefing, Apple supports national repair law
Apple supports the concept of federal right-to-repair legislation, and it will voluntarily extend the requirements of California’s new repair law to the rest of the
November 12, 2023
California’s new ‘right to repair’ law is embraced by recyclers – Los Angeles Times
The new ‘right to repair’ law could slow down the dumping of e-waste into our landfills and save customers and recycling firms millions of dollars.
November 10, 2023
Opinion | Why California shouldn’t pause its organic waste law
The calls to pause a California law aimed at reducing organic waste in landfills downplay the importance of reducing methane emissions. Source: Opinion | Why
November 9, 2023
Gov. Newsom signs law to expand California’s bottle bill program
Supporters say the new payment structure will better reflect short-term commodity market fluctuations. The law also expands coverage to millions of 100% fruit and vegetable
October 31, 2023
California Gov. Newsom vetoes bills on franchise agreements, SB 54 updates | Waste Dive
Newsom also vetoed a plastic gift card ban and several bills related to packaging. He has yet to take action on a bottle bill update.
October 29, 2023
6 Tips To Get Your Kids to Recycle
Blogger Donna DeForbes shares some new tips on how to get kids to recycle, from turning a stuffed animal into a recycling mascot to playing
October 27, 2023
5 Easy Ways To Propagate Plants
Gardening or having a thriving collection of houseplants can be a very rewarding hobby. A… The post 5 Easy Ways To Propagate Plants appeared first
October 26, 2023
What To Do With Autumn Leaves
Ah, fall. Back to school, sweater weather, and warm drinks. Those brightly colored leaves are… The post What To Do With Autumn Leaves appeared first
October 22, 2023
Tomra says convenience remains recycling priority – Recycling Today
Recycling Today Source: Tomra says convenience remains recycling priority – Recycling Today
October 20, 2023
California roundup: Breaking down 2023 legislation
California roundup: Breaking down 2023 legislation Another busy legislative season is winding down in California. Several recycling-related bills made it to the governor’s desk this
October 17, 2023
California Gov. Newsom signs consumer electronics right-to-repair law | Waste Dive
California’s new law for consumer electronics is among the strongest in the country, advocates say. Newsom vetoed a separate right-to-repair bill for powered wheelchairs, citing healthcare
October 15, 2023
6 Tips for Buying a Used Electric Vehicle
After reaching record levels in 2022, used car prices have fallen across most vehicle types…. The post 6 Tips for Buying a Used Electric Vehicle
October 3, 2023
HDPE toothpaste tube recyclability claim questioned
HDPE toothpaste tube recyclability claim questioned The 100% HDPE toothpaste tubes used by some brands and marketed as recyclable are under fire from a consumer
October 1, 2023
Lego Ends Plans to Make Bricks from Recycled Plastic Bottles
After years of testing, Lego announced that it would be dropping its plans to make its popular bricks from recycled plastic bottles.
September 29, 2023
Right-to-repair, bottle bill update pass in CA
Right-to-repair, bottle bill update pass in CA California’s right-to-repair bill for electronics awaits Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature, as does a bill that will update and
September 28, 2023
California bills on right-to-repair, bottle deposits, labor and plastic reduction headed to governor
Advocates expect the governor to sign a long-awaited right-to-repair bill. The state is also poised to add juice to the bottle bill and establish laws
September 19, 2023
What Investors and Companies Should Know About Greenwashing
Greenwashing is on the rise since the signing of the Paris Agreement in 2015, and regulators, investors, and consumers are on the lookout for companies’
September 15, 2023
Picture Books for Budding Environmentalists
It is never too early for children to learn about the environment and how to… The post Picture Books for Budding Environmentalists appeared first on
September 14, 2023
How the ‘circular economy’ went from environmentalist dream to marketing buzzword | Grist
Can plastics be circular? At a recent conference, companies’ answer was a resounding yes. Source: How the ‘circular economy’ went from environmentalist dream to marketing
September 10, 2023
California legislative snapshot: Right-to-repair, labor dispute bill, bottle bill expansion still on table
California’s legislative session ends Sept. 14 and a handful of waste and recycling bills are still inching toward a final vote. Two EPR bills for textiles and solar panels
September 8, 2023
Increasing the Circularity of #1 Plastic (PET) Recycling
Here’s a trick question. Can #1 plastics — otherwise known as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastics… The post Increasing the Circularity of #1 Plastic (PET) Recycling
September 5, 2023
Hell freezes over as Apple supports right-to-repair bill | Ars Technica
As California legislation nears finish line, Apple suddenly switches sides. Source: Hell freezes over as Apple supports right-to-repair bill | Ars Technica
September 3, 2023
Apple’s U-Turn: Tech Giant Finally Backs Repair in California! | iFixit News
Hold the iPhone. Believe it or not, Apple is actually endorsing Right to Repair! Source: Apple’s U-Turn: Tech Giant Finally Backs Repair in California! |
September 1, 2023
DIY Potting Soil: How To Make Your Potting Medium at Home
If you do any container gardening or keep indoor plants, you’ve likely made use of… The post DIY Potting Soil: How To Make Your Potting
August 3, 2023
Clean Your Whole House With Vinegar, Baking Soda, and Lemon
One way to reduce the number of cleaning products you bring into your home is… The post Clean Your Whole House With Vinegar, Baking Soda,
July 30, 2023
Shopping for Clean Jeans
For clothing companies looking to make the fashion industry more sustainable, denim is an obvious… The post Shopping for Clean Jeans appeared first on Earth911.
July 28, 2023
Container Recycling Institute identifies errors in California’s Beverage Container Recycling Fund budget
The institute has reached out to state lawmakers to inform them of mistakes in this year’s budget for the fund.
July 27, 2023
Heat- & Drought-Tolerant Veggies for Your Climate-Resilient Garden
Is your vegetable garden climate-resilient? If you want to keep your green thumb in the… The post Heat- & Drought-Tolerant Veggies for Your Climate-Resilient Garden
July 25, 2023
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