E-Scrap News Magazine: For the recycling industry, all politics is local

## For the recycling industry, all politics is local


_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

An assessment of campaign donation data shows that the waste management and recycling industry generally avoided the recent presidential race, but was active in Congressional political campaigns.

As the result of a Supreme Court ruling allowing unlimited donations, so-called super PACs were major forces in the 2012 campaign between President Barack Obama and former Governor Mitt Romney (donations to presidential campaigns are restricted by size). For example, the three largest PACs involved in the presidential campaign collected a combined $343 million. Nonetheless, only one recycling industry leader, Daniel DiMicco, CEO of Nucor Steel, donated to any of these funds. DiMicco gave $50,000 to a pro-Romney group.

A number of companies have established internal PACs that gather donations from employees and then disburse funds to campaigns. For example, the International Paper employee fund topped $1 million in donations this campaign cycle while the Waste Management employee PAC raised $320,000. An analysis of disbursements shows that such PACs carefully hedge their political bets and provide funds to numerous candidates from both parties.

The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries PAC received over $95,000 from 65 members. ISRI too distributed its funds widely, with disbursements being made to about 30 House candidates and to eight people seeking Senate seats. That said, ISRI favored two members of the House Subcommittee on Environment and Commerce. Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL), the subcommittee chairman, received $6,000 from ISRI and Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) was provided $9,500. The campaign data suggest that ISRI also implored members in the Midwest and New Jersey areas to also support these candidates. Shimkus received an additional $18,000 from 11 recycling industry executives and Rep. Pallone took in $18,150 from 19 industry leaders. In truth, neither candidate was in a tough race; both Shimkus and Pallone won with nearly two-thirds of the vote.

[ ](http://mrpcompany.com/)

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Resource Recycling Magazine: _Plastics Recycling 2013_: Industry leaders in the spotlight

## _Plastics Recycling 2013_: Industry leaders in the spotlight

With a new Congress, what are the policy implications for the business environment for plastics recycling? What can we learn from other countries? Where are resin markets going, and what's happening with new resins and new plastics applications? What are the general economic trends affecting plastics? Where will be the new jobs in plastics? Is sustainability here to stay? Willem De Vos (CEO of the Society of Plastics Engineers) William Carteaux (CEO of SPI) and Steve Russell (vice president of the American Chemistry Council's Plastics Department) will answer these questions and more on stage at the 2013 Plastics Recycling Conference in New Orleans.

Don't be left behind -- get your facts straight from the source at the 2013 Plastics Recycling Conference, which will be held **March 19-20 in New Orleans**. For more information, visit [www.plasticsrecycling.com](http://www.plasticsrecycling.com/).

And, after the conference, stick around for the **Global Plastics Environmental Conference's (GPEC)** "The Latest Need to Know: From Recycling to Sustainability of Plastics." GPEC's conference will be held right after the Plastics Recycling Conference, March 20-22 at the same great location, the Sheraton New Orleans, right next to the Crescent City's famed French Quarter. Don't miss out on these two terrific events.

[ ](http://www.plasticsrecycling.com/)

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Resource Recycling Magazine: NewsBits

## NewsBits

_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

[Sims Metal Recycling Management](http://johnstonsunrise.net/stories/Sims-to-build-30M-project-create-100-jobs,76544) broke ground this week **on a $30 million recycling facility** in Johnston, Rhode Island. The facility is expected to create 100 jobs and should have the operation in place by August 2013.

[The Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI) announced](http://www.dlionline.org/DLI-Cleaners-Care---Consumer) that it beat its self-imposed goal of **recycling more than 25 million hangers in 2012**. The organization estimated the over-25 million hangers was equivalent to more than 750 tons of steel diverted from landfills.

The [How2Recycle](http://www.how2recycle.info/) label will be adopted by Best Buy, Clorox and Minute Maid next year, according to the Sustainable Packaging Coalition. The label was designed to provide **clear recyclability instructions for product packaging** and conforms to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's Green Guides.

Earlier this week, _National Public Radio_ [highlighted](http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2012/11/27/165907972/for-restaurants-food-waste-is-seen-as-low-priority) the **low priority restaurants seem to put on wasting food**.

**Burt's Bees** has [partnered](http://www.triplepundit.com/2012/11/burts-bees-joins-unique-plastic-recycling-program/) with Preserve's Gimme 5 program to **recycle used lip balm tubes**. Consumers can return No. 5 plastic products to Gimme 5 bins at Whole Foods stores for recycling. Other partners for the program include Stonyfield, Brita and Tom's of Maine.

[ ](http://compostingcouncil.org/conference/)

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Resource Recycling Magazine: Exports of batteries on the rise

## Exports of batteries on the rise

_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

A new report from the international Commission for Environmental Cooperation has found that U.S. exports of spent lead-acid batteries to Canada and Mexico has surged over the past several years.

Between 2004 and 2011, net exports of used batteries to Mexico increased between 449 and 525 percent. Exports to Canada rose 221 percent over the same period. The report, [_Hazardous Trade? An Examination of US-generated Spent Lead-acid Battery Exports and Secondary Lead Recycling in Mexico, the United States and Canada_](http://www.cec.org/Page.asp?PageID=751&SiteNodeID=1075&AA_SiteLanguageID=1), attributes much of this increase to lower environmental, health and safety regulations in the destination countries, compared with those in place in the U.S.

The report recommends raising standards in Mexico and improving general cross-border cooperation to accommodate the increase in the battery trade.

[ ](http://www.sdslogistics.com/quick-quote?src=forlifebannerrecycling)

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E-Scrap News Magazine: E-scrap legislative progress continued in 2012

## E-scrap legislative progress continued in 2012


_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

Legislatures across the country continued to focus on electronic scrap this past year, introducing approximately 40 e-scrap bills accounting for 22 percent of all recycling and waste management legislation introduced in 2012.

In **Maryland**, Governor Martin O'Malley signed two e-scrap bills into law -- [House Bill 448](http://mlis.state.md.us/2012rs/chapters_noln/Ch_372_hb0448T.pdf) and [House Bill 879](http://mlis.state.md.us/2012rs/chapters_noln/Ch_400_hb0879T.pdf). HB 448 directs state procurement offices to purchase IT assets listed on the EPEAT registry, or alternatively, meet specified standards when purchasing new electronic products. HB 879, meanwhile, alters registration requirements for manufacturers under Maryland's e-scrap recycling program. Specifically, the bill adjusts the fees to be paid to the state Department of the Environment and requires new data security and data destruction reporting requirements for any manufacturer that has a take-back program.

With the signing of [Senate Bill 2822](http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2012/Bills/SB2822_.pdf), **Hawaii** Governor Neil Abercrombie established the Hawaii Electronic Device Recycling Task Force. The 26-member body will include officials from the state Department of Health, recycling coordinators from Kauai, Maui and Hawaii Counties, as well as the city of Honolulu, and representatives from the Consumer Electronics Association, the Consumer Electronics Retailers Council, major retailers, the local recycling industry, the shipping and freight industry, and other consumer or industrial technology stakeholders. The goal of the all-volunteer task force is to make recommendations and serve as a guidance body for Hawaii's electronics recycling program. The body is scheduled to disband on June 30, 2013.

In **Indiana**, [SB 131](http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/2012/ES/ES0131.1.html) was signed into law, which makes minor revisions to the state's e-scrap program. Included is an extension of the manufacturer non-compliance penalty date to November 1 of the following program year. The bill also authorizes the state to provide solid waste management districts in Indiana with consumer education and material handling best practices information to help in their e-scrap efforts.

The most talked about recycling legislation of the year, however, occurred at the **federal** level, where lawmakers again introduced [HR 2284](http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-112hr2284ih/pdf/BILLS-112hr2284ih.pdf), The Responsible Electronics Recycling Act. The bill would amend the U.S. Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit the export of restricted electronic waste to countries that are not members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development or the European Union, as well as require the Environmental Protection Agency to develop criteria to identify hazardous materials in electronics.

The bill sparked a fierce debate within the electronics recycling industry, with many recycling firms, international refurbishment organizations and the Institute for Scrap Recycling Industries lobbying against the bill, while environmental activists and a new industry-led group called the Coalition for American Electronics Recycling opposed it.

CAER saw impressive growth since its founding this past year and currently counts 77 companies as members, including Waste Management, Cascade Asset Management, ECS Refining, and ISRI members Electronic Recyclers International and Sims Recycling Solutions, as well as many other large firms. While the bill showed few signs of progress, its strong lobbying support will make it one to watch when it is reintroduced next session.

For more on recycling's legislative progress in 2012, see the December issue of _Resource Recycling_ magazine.

[ ](http://www.sdslogistics.com/quick-quote?src=drayescrap)

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Plastics Recycling Update Magazine: PetroChem Wire: Recycled HIPS prices move higher

## _PetroChem Wire_: Recycled HIPS prices move higher


_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

Steady demand and limited supply supported stronger repro and regrind HIPS prices in the first half of November.

HIPS mixed color flake material sold for 59 cents per pound, delivered, on the East Coast -- up two cents per pound from October. HIPS mixed color pellet prices were also up 2 cents and were as high as 72 cents per pound. GPPS prices were static, with little business reported in the first two weeks of November. Quotes of GPPS natural pellets were at 58-60 cents per pound, with no buying interest at this level.

Higher styrene prices continued to put upward pressure on prime HIPS prices, which rose a total of three cents per pound during first-half November to above a dollar per pound.

For more information about _PetroChem Wire's Repro/Regrind Resin Report_ and daily prime grade polymers and monomers report, or to arrange a free trial subscription, contact Cindy Bryan at [cindy@petrochemwire.com](mailto:cindy@petrochemwire.com) or (713) 385-1407. To see sample issues of PCW publications, click [here](http://www.petrochemwire.com/Sample_Issues/Our_Publications.html).

[ ](http://www.sdslogistics.com/quick-quote?src=droptrailersplastics)

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E-Scrap News Magazine: NewsBits

## NewsBits


The Electronics Recycling Coordination Clearinghouse has launched a new **online tool allowing manufacturers to register for multiple state recycling programs** at once. By visiting [eCycleRegistration.org](http://www.ecycleregistration.org/), manufacturers can fulfill their registration requirements for the Connecticut, Hawaii, Oregon and Maine e-cycling programs.

**Kenya's National Environment Management Authority** has [announced](http://allafrica.com/stories/201211170118.html) plans to **build an electronics recycling facility** to accommodate the inflow of e-scrap into the country. Reportedly, Kenya has seen a dramatic rise in stockpiling of scrap consumer electronics, mobile devices and electrical appliances.

**Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania** has begun selling "[Good-to-Go](http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/2971623-74/goodwill-computers-computer-tobiczyk-donations-electronic-pennsylvania-recycling-restart-sold#axzz2Cmruzs7r)" computers again. Each Good-to-Go system sells for approximately $200 and includes a refurbished Dell Optiplex desktop, Windows 7 Home Premium operating system, LCD monitor, keyboard, mouse and speakers. The program was originally suspended due to overwhelming demand.

Greene Lyon Group, Inc. has sold its stake in a **printed circuit board recycling co-venture** to its partner company ATMI, Inc. The [process](http://www.atmi-evolv.com/) recovers rare earth metals from circuit board scrap. Greene Lyon says it plans to refocus its resources on material recovery technologies for other types of e-scrap, including CRTs.

An investigative article in [_Mother Jones_](http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2012/11/rare-earth-elements-iphone-malaysia) exposes the **environmental consequences of rare earth mining**. Rare earth metals are essential to the manufacture of some electronics components, but their mining produces many environmentally-harmful, and sometimes radioactive, byproducts.

[ ](http://www.recyclinginnovators.com/)

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Plastics Recycling Update Magazine: Recycling firms make investments around the country

## Recycling firms make investments around the country


_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

As the year comes to a close, plastics recycling firms have announced plans to expand in 2013, creating new jobs and recycling opportunities across the country, with many undertaking moves to be closer to their primary suppliers and customers.

**Regency Polymer Materials**, a processor of vinyl and aluminum scrap, has announced plans to lease and renovate a 48,000-square-foot facility in Spotsylvania, Pennsylvania. The company, which specializes in material used in windows, siding, floors and other vinyl building products, is undertaking the move to be nearer to some of its larger customers. Regency Polymer Materials's current 66,000-square-foot facility is located in Belcamp, Maryland. The move is expected to create 25 local jobs.

Post-industrial scrap plastic processor **Intergroup International** is investing as much as $5 million in a 33-acre site in Butts County, Georgia. The company plans to employ approximately 50 workers by the end of 2013, some of whom will be hired immediately. As the company prepares to expand into the 147,000-square-foot facility on the site, Intergroup also cited the desire to be closer to major customers as justification for the expansion. Intergroup currently operates six other facilities in the U.S.

GreenWaste Recovery, and its sister company Zanker Road Resource Management, have announced the formation of **GreenWaste Carpet Recycling**. The new company has quickly developed ties with many local carpet vendors and established four carpet collection centers in Northern California, including three in San Jose and one in Sacramento. GreenWaste's collection centers accept every type of commercial and residential carpeting, carpet tiles and carpet padding. The company also provides collection trailers at retail carpet stores and carpet installers' warehouses.

**Sonoco Recycling** has invested $4 million in its Columbia, South Carolina facility to increase its sorting and processing capacity. Included in the upgrade is an optical sorter to separate and recover plastic materials, such as yogurt cups, margarine tubs, milk crates and other bulky Nos. 1-7 plastic packaging. Three sorting screens for corrugated cardboard and paper, and a glass crusher to process bottles and jars were also installed.

[ ](http://eriez.com/)

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E-Scrap News Magazine: Certification scorecard

## Certification scorecard


With the roster of companies attaining third-party certifications or audits continuing to grow, _E-Scrap News_ has compiled a round-up of the firms announcing certification this past week.

* **Creative Recycling Systems** has received e-Stewards certification at its Morrisville, North Carolina facility. The site was previously certified to R2, RIOS, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.
* Houston-based **Evans Bros. Technical Remarketing LLC dba Houston Computer Recycling** is now R2 and ISO 14001 certified.
* **Grupo Ecologico MAC** of Guadalajara, Mexico is now e-Stewards certified. The company also has ISO 14001, R2 and RIOS certification.
* Chantilly, Virginia-based **Securis** has received R2 certification.
* **Ark-La-Tex Shredding Company** of Longview, Texas; EnviroShred, Inc.'s facilities in Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta; **No Trace, Inc.** of Richmond, California; and **Rip n Shred, Inc.** of Edmonton, Alberta have either achieved or renewed their NAID Certification for Physical Destruction of Hard Drives.

Has your firm recently completed a CHWMEG audit or an ISO 9001, ISO 14001, R2, RIOS or e-Stewards certification? Email [henry@resource-recycling.com](mailto:henry@resource-recycling.com) to be included in this section and in _E-Scrap News_' quarterly directory.

[ ](http://www.clovertech.com)

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Plastics Recycling Update Magazine: Patent watch

## Patent watch


Krones AG has received Patent No. 8,304,457, which describes a **method and device for recycling used plastic containers** -- specifically PET bottles. The device is capable of analyzing the degree of contamination on a particular container and assigning a specific decontamination and processing procedure based on that information.

MBA Polymers, Inc. has received Patent No. 8,302,777, describing a **method of reducing the amount of heavy metals in a mixture of shredded plastic flakes**.

For more information on these or any patents, please consult the U.S. Patent Office database [online](http://patft.uspto.gov/).

_Copies of patents can be ordered by number for $3 each from the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA, 22313-1450._

[ ](http://www.recyclinginnovators.com/)

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Plastics Recycling Update Magazine: Toronto walks back bag ban

## Toronto walks back bag ban


_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

Toronto City Council voted overwhelmingly to shelve its plastic bag ban rather than contend with lawsuits from the plastics industry.

According to the [_Toronto Star_](http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/1294392--council-kills-plastic-bag-ban), the city enacted a five-cent fee on bags in 2009, which the City Council voted to rescind last summer following disagreements over where the money generated from it should be directed. Around the same time, the council also adopted a surprise measure to ban plastic bags outright beginning Jan. 1, 2013.

The Canadian Plastics Industry Association and the grocery lobby cried foul. Claiming that there hadn't been adequate opportunity for public feedback, these groups prepared for legal action. Now, on the advice of the City Attorney, Toronto has withdrawn its ban.

Following the most recent action by City Council, there are no restrictions on bags at all. However, the issue could resurface. The Toronto City Council also voted to ask staff for a report due next June on measures to reduce plastic bag use.

[ ](http://www.amut.it/Default.asp)

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Resource Recycling Magazine: Recycling Resources

## Recycling Resources

_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

>From December's **Recycling Online column by Roger Guttentag**, providing resources for disaster debris management in the wake of Superstorm Sandy: [_Recycling Online: Recovering from disaster_](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/recyclingonline/RO_1212.pdf).

>From **SAI Global**: [_E-Scrap Recycling Standards Overview & Implementation Roadmap_](http://www.saiglobal.com/Assurance/resource-library/Environment/e-scrap-whitepaper-download.htm).

>From **The National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT)**: [_Effect of Ground Tire Rubber Particle Size and Grinding Method on Asphalt Binder Properties_](http://www.ncat.us/files/reports/2012/rep12-09.pdf).

[ ](http://www.sperecycling.org/)

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Plastics Recycling Update Magazine: Michigan looks to build on bottle bill

## Michigan looks to build on bottle bill


_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

Michigan could see a dramatic growth in recycling if Governor Richard Snyder has his way.

The governor has singled out recycling as a way to create jobs, generate new economic activity and clean up the environment in the Wolverine State, adding information on recycling to the state's [Energy and Environment Dashboard](http://www.michigan.gov/midashboard/0,4624,7-256-63322---,00.html). Despite the success of Michigan's container deposit law, residents in only 21 of the state's 83 counties are considered to have convenient access to recycling.

"As a state, we have one of the lowest recycling rates in the Midwest. We need to look beyond our recycling of cans and plastic bottles and creatively figure out what we can do to reduce our waste overall," said Governor Snyder, promising to examine all options as part of the development of a comprehensive plan scheduled for 2014.

While specifics weren't offered, the Michigan Recycling Coalition praised the announcement. According to a [2011 report](http://www.michiganrecycles.org/images/pdf/stateofrecycling2011mrc.pdf) by the MRC, raising the state's recycling rate from its current estimated rate of 20 percent to 30 percent (on par with other Great Lakes states) would create between 7,000 and 13,000 jobs and add as much as $22 million in additional state tax revenue.

[ ](http://www.herboldusa.net/pru)

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Resource Recycling Magazine: Novelis breaks ground on German aluminum recycling mill

## Novelis breaks ground on German aluminum recycling mill

_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

Novelis, a colossus of the aluminum industry, has broken ground on a $250 million recycling and casting center in Nachterstedt, Germany.

The new center will be constructed adjacent to the company's existing aluminum rolling mill and will allow the company to produce over 440,000 tons of aluminum sheet ingot from recycled material annually. Novelis anticipates this will be the world's largest aluminum recycling center and will propel the company toward its goal of using 80-percent recycled content by 2020.

The center will process used beverage cans as well as numerous other forms of aluminum scrap from across continental Europe. The company expects the center to create 200 new jobs when it is commissioned in mid-2014.

This project, as well as others, including the company's new integrated recycling and casting center in Yeongju, South Korea, will help boost Novelis' casting capacity to 2.1 million tons by 2015.

[ ](http://www.rotochopper.com/)

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E-Scrap News Magazine: Greenpeace issues latest green electronics guide

## Greenpeace issues latest green electronics guide


_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

Greenpeace International has released the 18th edition of its Guide to Greener Electronics, which evaluates the efforts of large consumer electronics companies to lessen their impact on the environment. Included in the report is how these companies are faring when it comes to product life cycle, avoidance of hazardous substances in products and offering consumers take-back programs in locales where there are no extended producer responsibility laws.

"While the industry overall has taken several strides in the right direction, crucial and growing problems remain: more people around the world are gaining access to electronic devices, and while proper electronic take-back programs proliferate, the speed of collection is not keeping pace with the rate of consumption, creating ever greater amounts of toxic e-waste," reads a [blog post](http://greenpeaceblogs.org/2012/11/19/electronics-companies-can-lead-the-way-on-clean-energy-if-you-push-them/#more-13093) from Greenpeace analyst Casey Harrell introducing [the report](http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/Guide-to-Greener-Electronics/18th-Edition/).

Wipro, an Indian electronics company making its first appearance on the international version of the guide, scored the highest, earning 7.1 points out of 10, largely for its work on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing its use of renewable energy.

On issues relevant to electronics recycling, Wipro had generally strong scores. Although it scored four out of four points for running an extensive and customer-friendly take-back program, the company was dinged by Greenpeace, earning zero out of three points on product life cycle for not doing enough to extend the longevity of its products. Wipro scored four out of five for making strides in phasing out polyvinyl chloride plastic and brominated flame retardants from its products, with the report noting that the company could do more to eliminate other hazardous chemicals from its wares.

RIM scored dead last in the rankings in 16th place. The company, best known as the maker of BlackBerry cell phones and mobile devices, scored only one out of eight for its take-back programs, a one out of five for avoiding hazardous materials and zero out of three for product life cycle.

The other companies in the report had mixed scores on avoiding hazardous materials, product life cycle and take-back programs.

[ ](http://Ousei.jp)

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Resource Recycling Magazine: Michigan looks to build on bottle bill

## Michigan looks to build on bottle bill

_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

Michigan could see a dramatic growth in recycling if Governor Richard Snyder has his way.

The governor has singled out recycling as a way to create jobs, generate new economic activity and clean up the environment in the Wolverine State, adding information on recycling to the state's [Energy and Environment Dashboard](http://www.michigan.gov/midashboard/0,4624,7-256-63322---,00.html). Despite the success of Michigan's container deposit law, residents in only 21 of the state's 83 counties are considered to have convenient access to recycling.

"As a state, we have one of the lowest recycling rates in the Midwest. We need to look beyond our recycling of cans and plastic bottles and creatively figure out what we can do to reduce our waste overall," said Governor Snyder, promising to examine all options as part of the development of a comprehensive plan scheduled for 2014.

While specifics weren't offered, the Michigan Recycling Coalition praised the announcement. According to a [2011 report](http://www.michiganrecycles.org/images/pdf/stateofrecycling2011mrc.pdf) by the MRC, raising the state's recycling rate from its current estimated rate of 20 percent to 30 percent (on par with other Great Lakes states) would create between 7,000 and 13,000 jobs and add as much as $22 million in additional state tax revenue.

[ ](http://www.buschsystems.com/)

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URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3299

Resource Recycling Magazine: State and regional conferences continue to grow

## State and regional conferences continue to grow

_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

Nearly 8,000 industry leaders attended 27 state and regional recycling conferences this year. This is an increase of nearly four percent over the year-earlier tally. Two-thirds of the state and regional associations sponsoring these events saw attendee levels increase, with conferences in Kansas, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Washington experiencing growth of 20 percent or more.

[ ](http://www.ousei.jp/)

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URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3297

Resource Recycling Magazine: ReCommunity launches recycling education website

## ReCommunity launches recycling education website

_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

Recycling firm ReCommunity has launched an educational website to help explain and promote recycling to the 36 communities in 13 states the company serves.

The Charlotte, North Carolina-based company's website, [www.recommunity.com](http://www.recommunity.com/), offers a virtual 360-degree recycling tour of materials recovery facilities operated by ReCommunity for community members, such as students unable to take field trips due to budget cuts.

For the project, ReCommunity worked with Atlanta-based Atomic Wash to build the slick new website that contains resources meant to help educators, including teacher lesson plans, animated videos and an interactive MRF.

"We wanted to take a proactive approach to engaging and educating our communities," said Jeff Fielkow, ReCommunity vice president of revenue and growth, in a prepared statement. "We really believe virtual tours and interactive educational resources are the wave of the future. So we wanted to stay true to our community and education-focused mission, and build a turn-key recycling educational website."

[ ](http://mrpcompany.com/)

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Resource Recycling Magazine: AF&PA: Paper news roundup

## AF&PA: Paper news roundup

_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

According to recently-released figures from the American Forest & Paper Association, total production and shipment figures were a mixed bag for boxboard, containerboard, Kraft paper, printed-writing paper and recovered paper in October 2012.

Total [**boxboard**](http://www.afandpa.org/pressreleases.aspx?id=2927) production hopped by 2.6 percent compared to October 2011 but was flat (0.5 percent) from last month. Unbleached Kraft boxboard production decreased over the same month last year and decreased compared to last month. Total solid bleached boxboard and liner production increased compared to year-over-year (YOY) and increased compared to last month. The production of recycled boxboard increased YOY and also increased when compared to last month.

[**Containerboard**](http://www.afandpa.org/pressreleases.aspx?id=2925) production rose 2.6 percent over September 2012 and 0.5 percent YOY. The average daily production month-over-month dropped 0.7 percent. The containerboard operating rate for October 2012 gained 0.1 points over the month previous, increasing from 96 percent to 96.1 percent.

Total [**Kraft paper**](http://www.afandpa.org/pressreleases.aspx?id=2926) shipments were 128,300 tons, a drop of 5 percent compared to the prior month. Total inventory was 72,900 tons this month. Both unbleached and bleached Kraft shipments decreased YOY.

[**Printing-writing paper**](http://www.afandpa.org/pressreleases.aspx?id=2930) shipments decreased 2 percent in October compared to October 2011. October shipments of coated free sheet papers increased YOY for the fifth time in the past twelve months, hitting the highest level since September 2010. Shipments of uncoated free sheet paper in October increased 2 percent over the same period in 2011, with mill inventories at the lowest level since July 1995.

Total U.S. industry consumption of [**recovered paper**](http://www.afandpa.org/pressreleases.aspx?id=2929) in October was 2.49 million tons, 6 percent higher than in September 2012. Consumption was up for all grades except newspapers, which remained at its September low and was 25 percent lower than in October 2011. Year-to-date total consumption in 2012 is 4 percent lower than during the same period last year.

[ ](http://www.herboldusa.net/pru)

**_To return to the Resource Recycling newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/RRe-news113012.html). _**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3293

E-Scrap News Magazine: Patent watch

## Patent watch


ECO ATM, Inc. has filed Patent Application No. 20120294490 which describes a **reverse vending machine kiosk for determining the value of a mobile phone** and dispensing money to users.

Taiwanese firm Uwin Nanotech Co. Ltd. has filed Patent Application No. 20120292201, describing a **method of chemically removing gold from scrap material**.

Empire Technology Development LLC has filed Patent Application No. 20120302779, outlining a method for **recovering lithium from scrap lithium-ion batteries**.

Inventor Hsieh-Sen Wu of Tao Yuan County, Taiwan, has received Patent No. 8,308,843, for a **method of recycling printed circuit boards using pyrolysis**.

For more information on these or any patents, please consult the U.S. Patent Office database [online](http://patft.uspto.gov/).

_Copies of patents can be ordered by number for $3 each from the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA, 22313-1450._

[ ](http://www.t3toner.com/Escrap.cfm)

**_To return to the E-Scrap News newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/ESNe-news112812.html)_**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3286

Plastics Recycling Update Magazine: NewsBits

## NewsBits


The Fort Collins, Colorado City Council **will not be banning single-use plastic bags**. Still on the table, however, are [proposals](http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20121127/NEWS01/311270040/Council-takes-bag-ban-off-table-advances-cardboard-recycling-mandate?nclick_check=1) to expand education about plastic bag recycling options, impose fees or taxes on disposable bags, or require grocers to offer customers a discount for not using disposable bags.

The [How2Recycle](http://www.how2recycle.info/) label will be adopted by Best Buy, Clorox and Minute Maid next year, according to the Sustainable Packaging Coalition. The label was designed to provide **clear recyclability instructions for product packaging** and conforms to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's Green Guides.

**Burt's Bees** has [partnered](http://www.triplepundit.com/2012/11/burts-bees-joins-unique-plastic-recycling-program/) with Preserve's Gimme 5 program to **recycle used lip balm tubes**. Consumers can return No. 5 plastic products to Gimme 5 bins at Whole Foods stores for recycling. Other partners for the program include Stonyfield, Brita and Tom's of Maine.

Vancouver, British Columbia motorists will soon be [driving on plastic](http://www.solidwastemag.com/news/vancouver-first-to-use-recyclables-for-asphalt/1001866128/?ref=rss&ctid=1001866128). A **new asphalt mix** that the city will begin using **includes approximately 1 percent reclaimed plastic** aggregate, which allows it to be poured at 248 degrees Fahrenheit, as opposed to 320 degrees Fahrenheit for conventional mixtures, saving fuel.

[ ](http://www.plasticsrecycling.com/)

**_To return to the Plastics Recycling Update newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/PRUe-news112812.html)_**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3279

Emterra purchases Michigan waste, recycling hauler

Burlington, Ontario-based Emterra Environmental USA recently bought Flint, Michigan-based Richfield Management's assets.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121130/NEWS04/121139995

Illinois lawmakers don't override plastic bag bill veto

Bag bans are still possible in Illinois after lawmakers fail to override governor's veto of bill

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121130/NEWS08/121139994

Austin, Texas, adds baking tins, pie trays, other metals to curbside recycling

The city has a goal to divert 90% of its waste from landfills by 2040.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121130/NEWS02/121139996

Court strikes down Michigan law attempting to curb illegal bottle returns

Residents from surrounding are returning bottles, cans for 10 cents without first paying deposit.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121130/NEWS02/121139997

Michigan Gov. Snyder addresses state's subpar recycling rate

With a 20% recycling rate, Michigan should do better. At least that's what Governor Rick Snyder thinks.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121130/NEWS02/121129928

GM achieves landfill-free status at 103rd facility

Components Holdings LLC plant in Lockport, New York, becomes latest General Motors landfill-free facility.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121130/NEWS03/121129926

Recology, San Francisco scrap landfill contract amid lawsuits

Deal to haul waste to the Yuba County landfill is on hold.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121130/NEWS01/121139999

Garbage bug may help lower the cost of biofuel

One reason that biofuels are expensive to make is that the organisms used to ferment the biomass cannot make effective use of hemicellulose, the next most abundant cell wall component after cellulose. They convert only the glucose in the cellulose, thus using less than half of the available plant material. Researchers have been doing research on an organism that they think could be used to solve this problem.

URL: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/earth_climate/recycling_and_waste/~3/XufLkVJ8MJQ/121129162149.htm

Sources of E. coli are not always what they seem

Scientists have identified sources of Escherichia coli bacteria that could help restore the reputation of local livestock. Studies suggest that in some parts of California, pathogens in local waterways are more often carried there via runoff from urban areas, not from animal production facilities.

URL: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/earth_climate/recycling_and_waste/~3/jNpQcfU01rU/121129130632.htm

Man sleeping in Toronto dumpster narrowly avoids tragedy

A homeless man keeping warm inside a Toronto dumpster narrowly avoided being crushed after the container was dumped into a garbage truck Thursday morning.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121129/NEWS06/121129931

Ohio State's diversion efforts reach 98%

Ohio State University football coaching legend Woody Hayes had a phrase, "You win with people."

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121129/NEWS02/121129935

Businesses catching on to conscientious e-recycling

Companies and consumers looking for environmentally sound and data-safe ways to swap out antiquated electronics.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121129/NEWS02/121129929

ReCommunity adds recycling 'field trip' on website

The new education section contains teacher lesson plans, educator resources, animated videos and an interactive material recovery facility.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121129/NEWS02/121129930

Amid lawsuits, Toronto reverses course on plastic bag ban

Toronto City Council has rescinded its decision to ban plastic bags in retail operations.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121129/NEWS08/121129933

Carroll County, Maryland looking for solid waste options

Carroll County, Md. is looking into various options for future waste disposal, including potential privatization of services, the Carroll County Times reported.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121129/NEWS08/121129934

Capital Briefs: Seniors would get free bins, carts in D.C.

Washington D.C.: Bill 1036 provides that residents age 65 years and older receive a free recycling cart and trash can at the time the senior relocates to, or within, the District of Columbia.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121129/NEWS08/121129937

Making biodiesel in Alaska has unique set of challenges for Alaska Waste

Mike Shrewsbury is a bit of a Pied Piper when it comes to championing biodiesel fuel production in his part of Alaska.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121129/NEWS01/121129936

More than half of Rhode Island cities, towns fail to meet minimum recycling rate

Only 15 of Rhode Island's 39 municipalities have met a state law that requires them to recycle 35% of their municipal solid waste.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121129/NEWS02/121129932

Japan’s Nuclear Mistake

Japan's plutonium recycle program sets a terrible precedent and creates a tempting target for terrorists.

URL: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/29/opinion/japans-nuclear-mistake.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

Mathematics used to identify contamination in water distribution networks

New research considers the identification of contaminants in a water distribution network as an optimal control problem within a networked system.

URL: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/earth_climate/recycling_and_waste/~3/mnS79D1qmw4/121128143541.htm

Former solid waste director to plead guilty on charges he stole from agency

Former head of a solid waste agency outside of Chicago is likely going to plead guilty to charges he stole approximately $850,000 from the agency.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121128/NEWS06/121129940

Jamestown, North Carolina, switching to curbside recycling

Dropoff center to close; residents will have to bag recyclables.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121128/NEWS02/121129939

Medical waste removed from abandoned medical facility

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has removed waste from an abandoned medical center east of Pittsburgh.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121128/NEWS01/121129944

Update: Progressive buys Choice Environmental for deeper Florida push

$123.3 million deal means Swisher Hygiene -- and maybe Wayne Huizenga -- are out of the trash business

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121128/NEWS01/121129945

Rules on mercury-containing lights stewardship program adopted in Washington

The Washington Department of Ecology has adopted rules governing the state's mercury-containing lights product stewardship program.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121128/NEWS08/121129942

Sonoco upgrades South Carolina MRF

$4 million project will allow facility to accept more materials.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121128/NEWS02/121129941

On the Streets: Driver killed after pulling in front of trash truck

Editor's note: On the Streets is a roundup of mishaps from the front lines of the industry. Its purpose is to remind us all to remain diligent about safety.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121128/NEWS06/121129943

Cutting real Christmas trees less environmentally harmful than using an artificial one for six years, biologists say

Given recent extreme weather events – the summer's brutal heat and subsequent drought, followed by Superstorm Sandy's disastrous path – newly green-conscious consumers may be wondering how to lessen their carbon footprint this holiday season. Plant biologists says that buying a real Christmas tree may not solve the world's climate ills, but it is environmentally better than getting an artificial one.

URL: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/earth_climate/recycling_and_waste/~3/a_sbCiEmaaw/121127153030.htm

Santa garbage truck tradition saved

Yes, Whitehorse, Yukon, there is a Santa Claus. And he'll continue to ride a decked-out garbage truck.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121127/NEWS01/121129947

More residents file lawsuit against Republic for foul odors in South Carolina

Months after a jury ordered Republic to pay a group of residents $2.3 million, more residents come forward to file suit.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121127/NEWS01/121129955

Companies agree to pay for superfund site in California

290 companies will pay a total of $2 million for cleanup at the Casmalia Resources superfund site in California.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121127/NEWS01/121129962

Wisconsin oil recycling company ordered to pay $140,000

Inspections revealed 11 violations of hazardous waste laws at Milwaukee-based Benz Oil.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121127/NEWS08/121129961

Resource Recycling Magazine: Recycle 'em if you got 'em

## Recycle 'em if you got 'em

_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

They account for 38 percent of all roadside litter by count, according to one study, and they're the most commonly picked up item during an annual coastal cleanup. Cigarette butts are truly nasty piece of trash, but a new program from TerraCycle seeks to collect and recycle this ubiquitous garbage.

With funding from Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co. (makers of American Spirit-brand cigarettes), New Jersey-based TerraCycle, a company that finds ways to recycle difficult-to-recycle materials, has a found a way to keep cigarette butts from landfills.

Under the Cigarette Waste Brigade, people can sign up to collect all parts of extinguished cigarettes, including filters, partial cigarettes, outer plastic packaging, inner foil packing, rolling paper, loose tobacco pouches and ash. Brigadiers put the cigarette refuse into a plastic bag, put it in a shipping package, log onto TerraCycle's website to print out free shipping labels and then send the butts off to be recycled.&nbsp_place_holder; Individuals, nonprofit groups, as well as restaurants and other businesses can sign up for the program.

As with other TerraCycle brigades, participants can send their refuse in to TerraCycle, and the company will direct money to a school or charity of the participants' choosing. However, with the Cigarette Waste Brigade, TerraCycle will send a dollar to Keep America Beautiful for every pound of cigarette refuse received. TerraCycle adopted this arrangement out of concerns that participants would be incentivized to smoke to support a school or charity under its usual terms. TerraCycle estimates that a pound is equivalent to a thousand cigarette butts.

The collected waste will be recycled into a variety of industrial products, such as plastic pallets, and any remaining tobacco will be re-worked into tobacco composting.

[ ](http://www.sdslogistics.com/quick-quote?src=forlifebannerrecycling)

**_To return to the Resource Recycling newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/RRe-news112012.html). _**

&nbsp_place_holder;

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3273

Residents fight to block transfer station in New York City

Residents against a transfer station on Manhattan's Upper East Side have filed a lawsuit.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121127/NEWS08/121129958

Resource Recycling Magazine: National bottle bill down under?

## National bottle bill down under?

_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

The Australian Senate is looking into allegations that the beverage industry is engaging in profiteering around container deposit systems in two different regions of the country. And some see the inquiry as a chance to enact a national container deposit system.

The inquiry was prompted by a [report](http://www.boomerangalliance.org.au/images/pdfs/final profiteering report 282012-1.pdf), from zero waste advocacy group the Boomerang Alliance, which was written in response to long-held and -repeated claims from the beverage industry that deposits on containers result in higher prices for consumers and more burdens for businesses.

The report found that a handful of beverage companies in South Australia and the Northern Territory are using container deposits to raise their prices to levels that don't reasonably reflect their costs. Any extra money made from these increased prices, according to the report, isn't funneled back into recycling programs, but is instead pocketed by the companies who continue to campaign against deposits.

"While the following study is not exhaustive, there are some clear patterns to indicate widespread profiteering, in particular by Coca Cola Amatil, Lion Nathan and Schweppes," reads the report.

Written testimony from the beverage industry submitted to the Senate panel repeated familiar charges that a national container deposit system is "a high-cost scheme." It also criticized the Boomerang Alliance report as "ill-founded and without substance," pointing out that retailers set retail prices, not manufacturers. The testimony also argued that the report failed to take into consideration other factors that influence prices, such as costs associated with transporting bottles and cans for processing out of the Northern Territory, which is lacking in recycling facilities.

Although, the Australian Senate [rejected a national container deposit system](http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/senate-rejects-container-deposit-scheme/story-fn3dxiwe-1226473376252) in September, one of the two senators spearheading the inquiry sees it as a step toward revisiting the measure.

"A Senate inquiry should allow us to get to the bottom of beverage industry pricing tactics and help ensure similar problems wouldn't occur under any national container deposit scheme," Peter Wish-Wilson, a Green Party senator from Tasmania, told [_The Australian_](http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/senate-to-probe-container-scheme/story-fn3dxiwe-1226493738293). "A national container deposit scheme clearly has multi-party support in addition to 82 percent national community support, according to recent polling."

[ ](http://www.recyclinginnovators.com/)

**_To return to the Resource Recycling newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/RRe-news112012.html). _**

&nbsp_place_holder;

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3272

Dallas asks for new flow-control trial

Saying the judge improperly decided the case, Dallas is asking for a new flow-control trial.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121127/NEWS08/121129960

Tax law changes, 'fiscal cliff' prompt Covanta to pay dividend earlier

Quarterly cash dividend of 15 cents per share for January will be paid December 26 instead.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121127/NEWS04/121129956

Update: Advanced Disposal joins the big boys

With Veolia deal done, combined company is now the largest private hauler in the United States.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121127/NEWS01/121129954

European plastics-recycling group EuPR changes its name

Group will now be called Plastics Recyclers Europe.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121127/NEWS02/121129959

Novelis to build $259M aluminum recycling plant in Germany

Plant in Nachterstedt will produce 400,000 metric tons of ingots per year from used aluminum cans, cables, wires and industrial waste.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121126/NEWS02/121129967

New York town suing Waste Management for $2.4 million

Grand Island claims it is owed $2.4 million after it was forced to contract with another hauler.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121126/NEWS01/121129970

Movie industry opposes Los Angeles collection plan

Fox Studios already has 87% diversion rate.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121126/NEWS01/121129969

NYC collecting household hazardous waste at curb following Hurricane Sandy

Residents are being encouraged to put solvents, paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, bleach and other items at the curb for pickup.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121126/NEWS08/121129973

Tennessee adds can, bottle recycling to its welcome centers

Motorists cruising through Tennessee can now recycle their bottles and cans throughout the state's welcome centers.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121126/NEWS02/121129979

Cap-and-trade program has WTE plants worried

As California auctions emissions credits, industry experts predict higher prices.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121126/NEWS01/121129971

Update: Los Angeles collection overhaul coming

A major overhaul to the way waste and recycling is collected for commercial and multifamily customers is coming to the nation's second largest city.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121126/NEWS01/121129968

Akron, Ohio, landfill gases to power city sewage plant

Gas collected at Akron's Hardy Road Landfill will help power the city's municipal sewage treatment plant.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121126/NEWS01/121129964

Simple way to precipitate phosphorus from the wastewater of a pulp mill

Researchers have developed a simple method for reducing the amount of phosphorus in the wastewater of a pulp mill. The method is called simultaneous precipitation using iron sulphate. A separate treatment stage is not required, as the precipitation takes place simultaneously with the actual biological wastewater treatment.

URL: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/earth_climate/recycling_and_waste/~3/LgNQj0Q2128/121121075758.htm

Nutrients from farmed salmon waste can feed new marine industry

Waste from salmon production is currently being discharged into Norwegian coastal waters. Researchers say this is a resource that should be exploited for new biological production.

URL: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/earth_climate/recycling_and_waste/~3/5R1AijrkmLw/121123092744.htm

Mites to save Valencian orange exports

A new study by researchers in Spain and Belgium has found that soil-dwelling predatory mites are a perfect partner to address the plague of thrips in citrus caused by Pezothrips kellyanus, a tiny insect that affects the skin of the fruit.

URL: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/earth_climate/recycling_and_waste/~3/cxLiHZnDBRE/121119093844.htm

Plastic bag manufacturers take legal action against Toronto bag ban

The Canada Plastic Bag Association has taken its battle against the ban to the Ontario Superior Court.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121121/NEWS02/121129980

PERSONNEL | On the move

The latest promotions and hires in the waste and recycling industry.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121121/NEWS03/121129983

Fresno, California, considering privatization

Mayor pushing to privatize city's residential garbage collection

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121121/NEWS08/121129984

EIA Hall of Fame nominations now being accepted

Inductees will be honored at Waste Expo

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121121/NEWS01/121129988

Louisiana parish could require contracts for rural trash pickup

Rural residents and businesses in Ouachita Parish could be required to contract with a garbage collector.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121121/NEWS01/121129982

New landfill capacity opens in Garrett County, Maryland

Additional cells will add 15 to 20 years of capacity at Garrett County landfill

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121121/NEWS01/121129986

Christmas garbage truck tradition in jeopardy

For decades, Santa has cruised the streets of Whitehorse, Canada, in a decked-out trash truck.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121121/NEWS01/121129987

Providence, Rhode Island, increases recycling rate

In just six weeks, Providence has increased its recycling rate from below 15% to more than 20%.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121121/NEWS02/121129985

Business notes: Agilyx recognized for energy innovation

Awards, partnerships and new facilities in and around the industry.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121121/NEWS01/121119915

Advanced Disposal closes Veolia deal

$1.9 billion acquisition is complete

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121120/NEWS01/121129990

Louisville, Ky., debuts solar-powered trash containers

Receptacles will be placed on several downtown streets as part of the city's sustainability efforts.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121120/NEWS01/121129999

Maryland county to vote on mandatory recycling

Prince George's County is considering raising recycling targets and may institute mandatory recycling if it doesn't hit the standards.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121120/NEWS02/121129998

Getting trashed, thanks to a trash truck

Crooks in Malaysia busted for selling stolen beer out of a garbage truck.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121120/NEWS06/121129992

Food for thought: How much composting occurs in U.S.?

US Composting Council tries to get numbers on nationwide organics recycling and composting operations.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121120/NEWS02/121119914

Honeywell to clean another NJ superfund site

Company agrees to clean an Edgewater superfund site of industrial contaminants.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121120/NEWS06/121129996

Maui looking for waste conversation technologies

Maui looking to partner with a private company to turn waste into energy, without an incinerator.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121120/NEWS01/121129994

Resource Recycling Magazine: NewsBits — America Recycles Day wrap-up edition

## NewsBits -- America Recycles Day wrap-up edition

_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

[Plastics Make it Possible](http://plasticsmakeitpossible.com/), a project of the American Chemistry Council, commissioned a **survey** for America Recycles day that found that only **37 percent of Americans say they're "doing enough for the environment,"** and less than half (46 percent) say they are "knowledgeable about what it takes to be eco-friendly in my daily life." Two-thirds of Americans say they would like to learn some simple steps that help the planet, and Plastics Make it Possible offers one easy approach: **buy recycled**.

In celebration of America Recycles Day, Keep California Beautiful and the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) are collaborating on the annual [Recycle Rex Recycle Challenge](http://keepcabeautiful.org/programs/recycle-rex-challenge.html), in which **elementary school classes collect and recycle aluminum and plastic California redemption value beverage containers**. The contest began on Nov. 15, America Recycles Day, and runs through March 30, 2013. Winners will be announced on Earth Day, April 22, 2013.

The **American Beverage Association** is honoring America Recycles Day by supporting a [pilot project called "Recycle on the Go"](http://www.ameribev.org/news--media/news-releases--statements/more/292/) in **Palm Beach County, Florida**, to increase the amount of recycled cans and bottles and decrease the amount of personal waste. This year, ABA is providing funding for "Recycle on the Go" bins as well as project support and assistance for promotion and education components of this project. In addition, ABA will monitor the results of this project and use that information to help establish a best practices-approach to developing public space recycling programs in other communities.

On America Recycles Day, the [Commonwealth of Pennsylvania announced](http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/commonwealth-recovers-more-than-2-million-through-recycling-program-179527241.html) that more than **$2 million** was recovered in the state's recycling program, **a 9-percent increase** from the previous year. The program requires all commonwealth agencies to have recycling programs.

[ ](http://www.recyclinginnovators.com/)

**_To return to the Resource Recycling newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/RRe-news112012.html). _**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3270

Resource Recycling Magazine: Export watch

## Export watch

_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

The volume of plastic scrap exported in September, at 368.86 million pounds, fell by 5.6 percent from its August figure. Also, when matched against its September 2011 position, the volume of exports was down by 11.6 percent.

The weighted price of recovered plastic exports in September, at 22 cents per pound, was up 6.3 percent from its August 2012 standing. However, when compared to its year-over-year (YOY) level the price was down sharply by 7.9 percent.

Through September, at 3.29 billion pounds, the volume of recovered plastics exported was down 7.8 percent through the same period in 2011. At 21.41 cents per pound, the average price through September 2012 was down, as well, by 3.2 percent from its 2011 year-to-date (YTD) standing.

As for other exported materials, recovered paper exports YTD experienced a 6.5 percent YOY decrease, to 14.74 million metric tons. At $170 per metric ton, the weighted average price of exported recovered paper in September was down 5.1 percent when compared to its September 2011 mark.

Regarding ferrous scrap, the 16.93 million metric tons exported through September resulted in a 10.5 percent YOY decrease. At $447 per metric ton, the weighted average price of exported ferrous scrap in September was also down, by 4.7 percent.

Lastly, the 3.46 billion pounds of aluminum scrap exported through September equated to a small 2.1 percent YOY decrease. And, at 78 cents per pound, the average price of exported aluminum scrap in September was down 11.4 percent when compared to its September 2011 standing.

[ ](http://www.sperecycling.org/)

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URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3271

Plastics Recycling Update Magazine: NewsBits

## NewsBits


[Plastics Make it Possible](http://plasticsmakeitpossible.com/), a project of the American Chemistry Council, commissioned a survey for America Recycles day that found that only **37 percent of Americans say they're "doing enough for the environment,"** and less than half (46 percent) say they are "knowledgeable about what it takes to be eco-friendly in my daily life." Two-thirds of Americans say they would like to learn some simple steps that help the planet, and Plastics Make it Possible offers one easy approach: buy recycled.

In honor of America Recycles Day on November 15, the **American Beverage Association** launched "[Recycle on the Go](http://www.ameribev.org/news--media/news-releases--statements/more/292/)," a program to **increase collection of used cans and bottles**. Piloted in Palm Beach County, Florida, the program provides bins around the community to increase away-from-home recycling.

**Puma** is launching a new line of footwear and **apparel made using recycled materials**. Dubbed [InCycle](http://earth911.com/news/2012/11/19/puma-incycle-recyclable-clothes-shoes/), the line includes a track jacket made from 98-percent recycled polyester.

**Coca-Cola** has [announced](http://inhabitat.com/coca-cola-launches-plastic-bottle-recycling-program-to-make-seats-for-brazilian-world-cup-stadium/) it will provide **plastic bottle recycling collection services for professional soccer's 2014 FIFA World Cup** in Brazil. Coke plans to provide approximately 100 collection points near the event venue in Rio de Janeiro.

[ ](http://www.sperecycling.org/)

**_To return to the Plastics Recycling Update newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/PRUe-news112012.html)_**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3265

Plastics Recycling Update Magazine: Exports of plastic scrap fell in October

## Exports of plastic scrap fell in October


_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

The volume of plastic scrap exported in September, at 368.86 million pounds, fell by 5.6 percent from its August figure. Also, when matched against its September 2011 position, the volume of exports was down by 11.6 percent.

percent from its August 2012 standing. However, when compared to its year-over-year (YOY) level the price was down sharply by 7.9 percent.

Through September, at 3.29 billion pounds, the volume of recovered plastics exported was down 7.8 percent through the same period in 2011. At 21.41 cents per pound, the average price through September 2012 was down, as well, by 3.2 percent from its 2011 year-to-date (YTD) standing.

[ ](http://www.plasticsrecycling.com/)

**_To return to the Plastics Recycling Update newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/PRUe-news112012.html)_**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3267

Resource Recycling Magazine: Recycle 'em if you got 'em

## Recycle 'em if you got 'em

_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

They account for 38 percent of all roadside litter by count, according to one study, and they're the most commonly picked up item during an annual coastal cleanup. Cigarette butts are truly nasty piece of trash, but a new program from TerraCycle seeks to collect and recycle this ubiquitous garbage.

With funding from Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co. (makers of American Spirit-brand cigarettes), New Jersey-based TerraCycle, a company that finds ways to recycle difficult-to-recycle materials, has a found a way to keep cigarette butts from landfills.

Under the Cigarette Waste Brigade, people can sign up to collect all parts of extinguished cigarettes, including filters, partial cigarettes, outer plastic packaging, inner foil packing, rolling paper, loose tobacco pouches and ash. Brigadiers put the cigarette refuse into a plastic bag, put it in a shipping package, log onto TerraCycle's website to print out free shipping labels. Individuals, nonprofit groups, as well as restaurants and other businesses can sign up for the program.

As with other TerraCycle brigades, participants can send their refuse in to TerraCycle, and the company will direct money to a school or charity of the participants' choosing. However, with the Cigarette Waste Brigade, TerraCycle will send a dollar to Keep America Beautiful for every pound of cigarette refuse received. TerraCycle adopted this arrangement out of concerns that participants would be incentivized to smoke to support a school or charity under its usual terms. TerraCycle estimates that a pound is equivalent to a thousand cigarette butts.

The collected waste will be recycled into a variety of industrial products, such as plastic pallets, and any remaining tobacco will be re-worked into tobacco composting.

[ ](http://www.sdslogistics.com/quick-quote?src=forlifebannerrecycling)

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URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3273

Plastics Recycling Update Magazine: Portland moves forward on bag ban

## Portland moves forward on bag ban


_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

In response to the Portland, Oregon city council voting unanimously last week to expand the city's plastic bag ban, the American Progressive Bag Alliance has released a statement sharply criticizing the move as harmful to consumers, the environment and jobs.

"The expansion of Portland's bag ban will continue to have a negative impact on consumers, and, ironically, the environment," said APBA president Mark Daniels in a prepared [statement](http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/portlands-expansion-of-a-plastic-bag-ban-statement-from-american-progressive-bag-alliance-179682291.html). "Portland residents will be forced to purchase even more reusable bags which cannot be recycled, are predominately imported from China and have been proven to harbor dangerous bacteria. Those interested in real solutions to reducing litter and protecting the environment should pursue scientifically sound, common sense policies -- ones that encourage a comprehensive statewide recycling solution that address all forms of plastic bags, sacks and wraps -- instead of targeting one product that makes up a fraction of a percent of the waste stream."

The council's decision was supported by the Northwest Grocery Association, which actually lobbied the city council to support a five-cent fee on paper bags as well, although that move proved unsuccessful. There has also been very little public opposition or consumer backlash to the bag ban among Portland residents.

The Northwest Grocery Association says Portland's ban directly led to 50 million fewer plastic bags consumed in Portland during the first six months of the ban, as well as a corresponding 300 percent increase in the use of reusable bags.

The expanded bag ban will apply to all retail and food providers with buildings greater than 10,000 square feet beginning March 1, 2013, and all other stores in Portland beginning Oct. 1, 2013. Approximately 5,000 establishments will be affected by the ban.

[ ](http://www.recyclinginnovators.com/)

**_To return to the Plastics Recycling Update newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/PRUe-news112012.html)_**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3269

Resource Recycling Magazine: _Plastics Recycling 2013_: What can the landfill tell us?

## _Plastics Recycling 2013_: What can the landfill tell us?

As part of the Vermont Waste Characterization, co-funded by the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers, researchers are digging deep into the nitty-gritty details of plastics recycling in Vermont. How much plastic is left in the residential and commercial waste stream in Vermont? Where might efforts be focused to increase plastic recycling? Should plastics recycling focus on traditional bottles, rigids or something else entirely? How prevalent is PLA in the waste stream? Are there any implications for extended producer responsibility? Get answers to these compelling questions and more in this timely presentation.

Don't be left behind -- get your facts straight from the source at the 2013 Plastics Recycling Conference, which will be held **March 19-20 in New Orleans**. For more information, visit [www.plasticsrecycling.com](http://www.plasticsrecycling.com/).

[ ](http://www.plasticsrecycling.com/)

**_To return to the Resource Recycling newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/RRe-news112012.html). _**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3274

Resource Recycling Magazine: National bottle bill down under?

## National bottle bill down under?

_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

The Australian Senate is looking into allegations that the beverage industry is engaging in profiteering around container deposit systems in two different regions of the country. And some see the inquiry as a chance to enact a national container deposit system.

The inquiry was prompted by a [report](http://www.boomerangalliance.org.au/images/pdfs/final profiteering report 282012-1.pdf), from zero waste advocacy group the Boomerang Alliance, that was written in response to long-held and -repeated claims from the beverage industry that deposits on containers result in higher prices for consumers and more burdens for businesses.

The report found that a handful of beverage companies in South Australia and the Northern Territory are using container deposits to raise their prices to levels that don't reasonably reflect their costs. Any extra money made from these increased prices, according to the report, isn't funneled back into recycling programs, but is instead pocketed by the companies who continue to campaign against deposits.

"While the following study is not exhaustive, there are some clear patterns to indicate widespread profiteering, in particular by Coca Cola Amatil, Lion Nathan and
Schweppes," reads the report.

Written testimony submitted to the Senate panel repeated familiar charges that a national container deposit system is "a high-cost scheme." It also criticized the Boomerang Alliance report as "ill-founded and without substance," pointing out that retailers set retail prices, not manufacturers. The testimony also argued that the report failed to take into consideration other factors that influence prices, such as costs associated with transporting bottles and cans for processing out of the Northern Territory, which is lacking in recycling facilities.

Although, the Australian Senate [rejected a national container deposit system](http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/senate-rejects-container-deposit-scheme/story-fn3dxiwe-1226473376252) in September, one of the two senators spearheading the inquiry sees it as a step toward revisiting the measure.

"A Senate inquiry should allow us to get to the bottom of beverage industry pricing tactics and help ensure similar problems wouldn't occur under any national container deposit scheme," Peter Wish-Wilson, a Green Party senator from Tasmania, told [_The Australian_](http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/senate-to-probe-container-scheme/story-fn3dxiwe-1226493738293). "A national container deposit scheme clearly has multi-party support in addition to 82 percent national community support, according to recent polling."

[ ](http://www.recyclinginnovators.com/)

**_To return to the Resource Recycling newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/RRe-news112012.html). _**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3272

Changing the public notion on landfills

Waste operations - and landfills in particular - often get a bad rap. But it doesn't have to be that way.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20121120/NEWS01/121109922

Resource Recycling Magazine: For the recycling industry, all politics is local

## For the recycling industry, all politics is local

_By Jerry Powell, Resource Recycling_

An assessment of campaign donation data shows that the waste management and recycling industry generally avoided the recent presidential race but was active in Congressional political campaigns.

As the result of the Citizens United Supreme Court ruling allowing unlimited donations, so-called super PACs were major forces in the 2012 campaign between President Barack Obama and former Governor Mitt Romney (direct donations to presidential campaigns are restricted by size). For example, the three largest political action committees involved in the presidential campaign collected a combined $343 million. Nonetheless, only one recycling industry leader, Daniel DiMicco, CEO of Nucor Steel, donated to any of these funds. DiMicco gave $50,000 to a pro-Romney group.

A number of companies have established internal PACs that gather donations from employees and then disburse funds to campaigns. For example, the International Paper employee fund topped $1 million in donations this campaign cycle while the Waste Management employee PAC raised $320,000. An analysis of disbursements shows that such PACs carefully hedge their political bets and provide funds to numerous candidates from both parties.

The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries PAC received over $95,000 from 65 members. ISRI too distributed its funds widely, with disbursements being made to about 30 House candidates and to eight people seeking Senate seats. That said, ISRI favored two members of the House Subcommittee on Environment and Commerce. Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL), the subcommittee chairman, received $6,000 from ISRI and Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) was given $9,500. The campaign data suggest that ISRI also implored members in the Midwest and New Jersey areas to also support these candidates. Shimkus received an additional $18,000 from 11 recycling industry executives and Rep. Pallone took in $18,150 from 19 industry leaders. In truth, neither candidate was in a tough race; both Shimkus and Pallone won with nearly two-thirds of the vote.

[ ](http://compostingcouncil.org/conference/)

**_To return to the Resource Recycling newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/RRe-news112012.html). _**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3275