Resource Recycling Magazine: Chinese plastics recycling group seeks tour sites

## Chinese plastics recycling group seeks tour sites

A group of Chinese plastics reclaimers will visit the U.S. in March to meet with potential suppliers and equipment makers in the New York City area for meetings and tours of facilities. To be put in contact with this group, please email to [china@resource-recycling.com](mailto:china@resource-recycling.com).

[ ](http://solid-waste.org/)

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Resource Recycling Magazine: Zero Waste Week coming to the Bay Area

## Zero Waste Week coming to the Bay Area

A veritable who's who in the zero waste community will be coming to the San Francisco Bay Area the week of **March 17-22**.

>From zero waste tours on San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf, to the 18th annual Northern California Recycling Association Recycling Update to -- in the U.S. for the first time in almost a decade -- the Zero Waste International Alliance International Dialog, [Zero Waste Week](http://www.grrn.org/2012/09/zero-waste-week-san-francisco-bay-area-2013) shouldn't be missed.

Featuring speakers from around the globe, Zero Waste Week will celebrate and educate those throughout the zero waste community at many varied events in Berkeley, Oakland and San Francisco, including:

* March 17 -- Zero Waste Youth Convergence
* March 18 -- San Francisco Zero Waste Facility Tours and Fisherman's Wharf Zero Waste Zone Reception
* March 19 -- Recycling Update, Freight & Salvage, Berkeley
* March 20 -- International Dialog, Freight & Salvage, Berkeley
* March 21 -- International/National Zero Waste Business Recognition and Certification Meeting, Oakland
* March 22 -- East Bay Zero Waste Facility Tours and Reception at Urban Ore EcoPark, Berkeley

Click [here](http://ncrarecycles.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=10) to register today for this can't-miss event.

[ ](http://ncrarecycles.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=10)

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Resource Recycling Magazine: Recycle-Bowl winners announced

## Recycle-Bowl winners announced

_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

National beautification organization Keep America Beautiful has announced the winner of its second ever "Recycle-Bowl," a recycling competition for elementary, middle and high school students.

Sponsored by Nestlé Waters North America, the Recycle-Bowl competition reached more than 900,000 students across America with schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. First place went to Taylor Primary in Kokomo, Indiana, where students recycled 47 pounds of waste per child. If all students in America recycled at the rate of this year's Recycle-Bowl competitors, approximately 2.4 million tons of material would be diverted annually from landfills.

>From Oct. 15 through Nov. 9, 2012, participating schools recycled as much as possible. The total amount of recyclables recovered during the 2012 competition added up to 4.5 million pounds. The competition offered a $1,000 prize to the school in each state that collected the most recyclable material per capita. A national champion was then chosen from among the statewide winners to receive an additional grand prize of an another $1,000 and a $2,500 store credit from Busch Systems to purchase recycling bins, earning a total of $4,500 in prize money for Taylor Primary.

"Starting with preschool, our students are introduced to the importance of recycling. Through each grade level they take on more recycling responsibility, "said Teri Stokes, principal of Taylor Primary School, in a prepared statement. "Recycling comes naturally. It's just part of our everyday routine at school."

A separate national category featured schools that allow drop-off material from the surrounding community, offering a first-place $1,000 prize, a second-place $750 prize and a third-place $500 prize. First place in the national drop-off category went to Lynden Christian School in Lynden, Washington. Its per-capita rate was 550 pounds.

To see a full list of winners, visit [Recycle-Bowl.org](http://recycle-bowl.org/2012-recycle-bowl-winners/).

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

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URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3550

Resource Recycling Magazine: NewsBits

## NewsBits

_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

**High-ranking government officials from 193 countries dined on food that would have normally gone to waste** at a zero-waste reception for the Governing Council at the **United Nations Environment Programme**, reports _[Environment News Service](http://ens-newswire.com/2013/02/25/environment-ministers-feast-on-wasted-food/)_. The dinner was held in Nairobi, Kenya and was prepared from perfectly good food that would normally not be brought to market because it was deemed **cosmetically unappealing**.

**Publishers of unwanted phone books have a constitutional right** to toss their wares onto Seattle-area doorsteps. **Seattle** is finalizing an agreement to pay **$500,000** to settle its losing battle against two publishers of phone books after a judge ruled that **the city violated the First Amendment** by creating an opt-out registry for the unwanted directories and charging the companies printing them for **recycling costs**, reports [_The Seattle Times_](http://blogs.seattletimes.com/today/2013/02/seattle-will-pay-500000-to-settle-yellow-pages-lawsuit/).

**Buffalo, New York has failed** to meet its goal of **doubling the city's curbside recycling** rate a year after distributing new totes to residents, reports the [_Investigative Post_](http://www.investigativepost.org/2013/02/26/recycling-excuses/). Over the course of a year, the city's curbside recycling rate rose from **8 percent to 12.2 percent**, but still fell short of the **mayor's goal of 16 percent**.

[ ](https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3635301347725787392)

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Resource Recycling Magazine: One billion pounds plastic film recovered in 2011

## One billion pounds plastic film recovered in 2011

_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

The amount of plastic film collected for recycling has reached a new milestone, with 1 billion pounds of the material recovered in 2011, according to a new report.

The [report](http://plastics.americanchemistry.com/Education-Resources/Publications/2011-National-Post-Consumer-Recycled-Plastic-Bag-and-Film-Report.pdf), prepared by Moore Recycling Associates, Inc. for the American Chemistry Council, found that the amount of plastic film -- including plastic bags, product wraps and commercial shrink film -- recycled in 2011 rose by 4 percent from the 971 million pounds that was collected the previous year.

Domestic uses for plastic film have increased, according to the report. In 2011, about 58 percent of post-consumer film recovered in the U.S. was used domestically, a jump from the previous year's 53 percent. Much of this increase, according to the report, was driven by the composite lumber industry, which saw a 120-million-pound increase in consumption between 2010 and 2011, reaching 55 percent of the total market for recovered film.

Regarding plastic bags and sacks, often the subject of legislation aimed at curbing their use, the report had this to say:

> _"In 2011, the percentage of bags and sacks in mixed film bales, reported by reclaimers, was extremely varied (from a low of 12 percent to a high of 85 percent). Thus, there is great uncertainty in the total recovery of bags and sacks. But, by using the reported reclaimer average along with curbside and mixed film reported, our rough estimate is that 151 million pounds of bags and sacks were collected for recycling – representing a 19 percent increase from 2010."_

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

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Resource Recycling Magazine: Is the DTSC not doing enough?

## Is the DTSC not doing enough?

_By Jake Thomas, Resource Recycling_

In California, a report from a taxpayer and consumer advocacy organization is calling the enforcement culture at a large state regulatory agency "spineless" and is claiming it is "held captive by the industry it regulates." This same agency oversees many recycling industries in the Golden State.

The consumer protection and political reform group Consumer Watchdog has released a scathing [report](http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/goldenwasteland.pdf), claiming that the California Department of Toxic Substances Control is providing some of the weakest oversight in the nation of its otherwise very strong environmental laws.

Businesses seeking to skirt environmental regulations can play regulators off each other and can hire lobbyists to find ways around compliance, according to the report. Some companies regulated by the DTSC cut deals out of court and can negotiate fines down to a cost of doing business, according to the report. Consumer Watchdog is calling on top management at the DTSC to be replaced and for a full audit of the department's finances, along with other measures.

"Seven agencies have oversight over auto dismantlers and none of them know what the others are doing," said one unnamed environmental investigator in the report. "The chances of getting caught are such that half the auto recyclers in Los Angeles County aren't licensed."

The DTSC is heavily criticized in the report for its approach to Evergreen Oil, an oil recycling company in Newark, California.&nbsp_place_holder; The report argues that the department has gone easy on the company despite a history of chronic violations. The report also faults the department's handling of CleanTech, an oil recycling company in Irwindale, California.

The report also takes aim at metal shredding companies, presenting evidence that the DTSC takes a lax regulatory approach to them. It also targets the practice of sending "fluff," a residue leftover from auto shredding that often contains toxic metals, to landfills where it is used as a soil substitute to cover municipal waste.

According to the report, in the late 1980s and early 1990s the DTSC, under pressure from metal shredding companies, changed its rules to allow fluff to be sent to municipal landfills after giving it a special treatment. However, the report, citing former DTSC scientists, contends that this treatment wasn't working, and the fluff would leach or crumble and blow into the air.

"They essentially told the big guys if you sprinkle pixie dust on this stuff, you're golden," said one unnamed DTSC scientist in the report.

The report criticizes the DTSC for issuing a rule with no period for public comment that allows recycling companies to send plate glass from cathode ray tubes to landfills designed for hazardous waste, rather than requiring electronics makers to take back the material. The DTSC gave into pressure from recycling companies, according to the report, and should have instead goaded them into developing technology to recycle CRTs.

"This is knocking the legs out from under the industry that is developing the recycling technologies and making the capital investment," Jim Taggart, head of Stockton-based ECS Refining, is quoted as saying in the report. "It's done by just not encouraging landfill. You require recycling and the system takes care of it."

Currently, the DTSC is reviewing its permitting process and has acknowledged that 22 businesses are working with outdated permits.

"During the past several months, we have met with Consumer Watchdog representatives to understand their concerns," according to Debbie Raphael, director of the DTSC, in a statement sent to _Resource Recycling_. "Their report raises valid issues, issues that we have known about for some time. The report also contains inaccuracies."

Consumer Watchdog is a non-profit organization founded in 1985 by consumer advocate Harvey Rosenfield, best known for drafting, and organizing the campaign for, a ballot proposal that cut automobile insurance rates in California.

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

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Resource Recycling Magazine: _Plastics Recycling 2013_: Recycling goes to the hospital

## _Plastics Recycling 2013_: Recycling goes to the hospital

The Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council (HPRC), in partnership with Stanford University Medical Center, conducted a six-month pilot study to develop a better understanding of plastic waste characterization within healthcare facilities. HPRC's director, Tod Christenson, will share the fascinating results from this study at the 2013 Plastics Recycling Conference. Don't miss this prime opportunity to gain valuable insight into the challenges and solutions to recycling mixed plastics in a patient care setting, process optimization and other compelling data from this vital study.

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/)

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

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Resource Recycling Magazine: Plastics Recycling Conference overflow hotel available!

## Plastics Recycling Conference overflow hotel available!

Due to unprecedented demand, we have opened a second room block for Plastics Recycling Conference attendees at the Marriott New Orleans, directly across Canal Street from the Sheraton New Orleans. You may book a room at the Marriott New Orleans at [this link](https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?mode=welcome_ei_new&eventID=10577582). Reservations must be made by March 8 to receive the discounted rate of $229 plus taxes and fees for single/double occupancy.

**If you are also attending GPEC, please book your hotel for GPEC dates of March 20-21** [here](https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/StarGroupsWeb/booking/reservation?id=1210175574&key=ED7D9). You will not need to move actual hotel rooms if staying for both conferences, but you may need to have two separate hotel reservations to get the group rate at both conferences.

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

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

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URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3549

Resource Recycling Magazine: Bottle bill updates, introductions

## Bottle bill updates, introductions

_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

Across the country, legislatures are in session and lawmakers are looking at either attempting to create beverage container deposit programs or trying to tinker with existing ones.

In **Michigan**, a Republican lawmaker has introduced legislation meant to crack down on people seeking to scam the state's beverage container deposit system, reports the [_South Bend Tribune_](http://www.southbendtribune.com/news/sbt-getting-tough-on-recycling-refund-abuse-20130226,0,1389851.story). Individuals attempting to import out-of-state cans into Michigan with the intent of cashing in on the state's 10-cent deposit, which is the premise of an oft-cited episode of "Seinfeld," could face up to 93 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. The paper reports that store managers like the idea, but some can collectors are concerned.

Currently, individuals can be punished after a fraudulent return is made. The proposed legislation would penalize anyone who tries it, the paper reports.

The paper also cites a report from the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association that found that the state loses $10 million to $13 million annually in fraudulent returns.

In **Iowa**, a solid majority of people support expanding the state's container deposit to bottles and cans containing juice or water, reports [_The Des Moines Register_](http://www.press-citizen.com/article/20130218/NEWS01/130218001/Iowa-Poll-Public-backs-broader-bottle-bill?gcheck=1&nclick_check=1) via the _Press-Citizen_. A poll conducted by the _Register_ found that 64 percent of respondents favored an expansion of the state's bottle bill. Twenty-six percent oppose doing so and 10 percent aren't sure.

There have been attempts by lawmakers of expanding the state's bottle bill, but these have run into opposition by the grocery industry.

In **Texas**, a pair of lawmakers has introduced legislation that would establish a beverage container deposit program that would attach a nickel or dime to many bottles or cans, reports [_StateImpact_](http://stateimpact.npr.org/texas/2013/02/22/drink-up-new-bill-would-give-you-cash-back-for-empties/). The report references a study by the Texas League of Conservation Voters that found that a bottle bill could help create 2,300 jobs and reduce litter by 80 percent.

A similar measure was introduced in 2011, but didn't pass. The report quotes one of the lawmakers behind the legislation saying that getting the bill passed will be difficult.

In **Massachusetts**, lawmakers are gearing up for another push to expand the state's bottle bill. According to a [press release](http://www.mysouthborough.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/pr_eldridge_20130217.pdf), 95 legislators, including half of the Massachusetts Senate, have signed on as co-sponsors to a measure that would expand the commonwealth's bottle bill.

Although the press release is skimpy on details of precisely what the measure would do, it does mention an increase in the bottle bill handling fee that is paid out to redemption centers, grocery stores and other business that that collect and transport bottles and cans for recycling.

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

**_To return to the Resource Recycling newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/RRe-news022813.html). _**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3555

Resource Recycling Magazine: Republic Services earnings dip slightly

## Republic Services earnings dip slightly

_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

Republic Services Inc. has released its annual report, revealing that the company made slightly less money in 2012 than the year before, in part, because of a drop in sales revenues from recyclables.

Describing itself as the "second largest provider of services in the domestic non-hazardous solid waste industry as measured by revenue," Republic, which has a presence in 38 states and Puerto Rico, owns or operates 195 transfer stations and 71 recycling centers. During 2012, Republic invested $76 million in five recycling centers.

In 2012, Republic had $8.11 billion in revenue, down slightly from the previous year's $8.19 billion. Net income was $571.8 million for Republic in 2012, or $1.55 per diluted share. In 2011, Republic saw $589.2 million in net income, or $1.55 per diluted share.

The sale of recyclable commodities made up $349 million of that revenue stream, down from $438.6 million in 2011.

"Changing market demand for recyclable materials causes volatility in commodity prices," reads the document. "At current volumes and mix of materials, we believe a 10 dollar per ton change in the price of recyclable materials will change annual revenue and operating income by approximately $29 million and $20 million, respectively, on an annual basis."

For 2013, Republic expects revenue from recyclable commodities to decrease by 0.2 percent, despite expecting overall revenue to increase by about 2.0 to 2.5 percent.

Republic includes its $7 billion debt as a factor that may limit the company's financial flexibility and ability to make additional capital expenditures and other investments.

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

**_To return to the Resource Recycling newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/RRe-news022813.html). _**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3553

Soil removal begins at Beede Waste Oil superfund site in New Hampshire

The site was used as a waste oil storage and recycling facility from the 1920s to 1994.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130228/NEWS01/130229907

California county eyeing landfill fund to help build jail, pay bills

Riverside County landfill enterprise fund has $154 million and the county wants $1 million annually.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130228/NEWS01/130229911

Best Buy expands e-waste collection program into Quebec

Residents can drop off old electronics at stores for free starting March 1.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130228/NEWS02/130229906

ReCommunity appoints new CEO

ReCommunity has appointed James Devlin as its chief effective officer, effective March 4.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130228/NEWS02/130229908

A text on trash day? Cities embrace new phone apps

A handful of tech-savvy innovators are aiming to put an end to the last-minute dashes for the garbage truck.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130228/NEWS01/130229915

City officials in Gary, Indiana, negotiating with waste-to-energy developer

Gary, Indiana, is in the process of establishing a partnership that would bring a waste-to-energy plant to the city, according to a local news report.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130228/NEWS01/130229910

Republic Services workers in Georgia authorize strike

Drivers and mechanics have not yet walked off the job, but the vote to strike was unanimous.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130228/NEWS01/130229912

Truck stolen from sanitation department in Ohio

Haul-All truck still not recovered in Canton; police asking community for assistance

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130228/NEWS06/130229909

Silver nanoparticles may adversely affect environment

In experiments mimicking a natural environment, researchers have demonstrated that the silver nanoparticles used in many consumer products can have an adverse effect on plants and microorganisms.

URL: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/earth_climate/recycling_and_waste/~3/EctQTz5Sylw/130227183528.htm

Virginia plastics recycler announces expansion

Blue Bird will expand into 100,000 square-foot facility.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130227/NEWS02/130229917

Body found at California transfer station

Officials working to identify man found at Pleasanton facility and his cause of death.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130227/NEWS06/130229916

Odor-troubled landfill to get more testing in Missouri

Missouri is looking for a contractor to conduct additional air quality testing at a landfill that is the source of odor problems.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130227/NEWS01/130229919

Dallas considers new trash plan to expand recycling

Absent from the plan is flow control and a plastic bag ban, which were part of previous measures.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130227/NEWS08/130229918

Ford aims to cut waste 40% by 2016

Ford Motor Company announced it plans to reduce waste per vehicle built by 40% between 2011 and 2016.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130227/NEWS03/130229920

Sewage sludge turns a profit for Kansas City

The fields of corn and soybeans at Birmingham Farm, owned by Kansas City, Missouri, look like the crops at any other farm, but are fertilized with biosolids produced by the city's wastewater treatment process.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130227/NEWS02/130229925

Trash worker's lost wallet returned -- 3 years later

Delaware worker's $800 in cash was still inside, too.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130227/NEWS01/130229922

San Jose moves forward on possible polystyrene ban

The American Chemistry Council argues for increased recycling as an alternative to the ban.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130227/NEWS02/130229923

Michigan lawmakers look to curb bottle deposit abuse

The state is losing $8 million annually on bogus returns.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130227/NEWS08/130229926

Why have white storks stopped migrating?

A new project to find out why storks are changing their migratory patterns has been launched. In folklore, storks' strong white wings would carry babies to parents around the world. But since the mid 1980s increasing numbers of storks have stopped their annual migration from Northern Europe to Africa for the winter. Instead, many are living in Spain and Portugal the whole year round – feeding on 'junk food' from rubbish dumps.

URL: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/earth_climate/recycling_and_waste/~3/I5RDUx19FTE/130227085845.htm

Purchasing Harrisburg's incinerator could drop authority's credit rating, Moody's warns

LCSWMA's CEO Jim Warner said he was surprised by the negativity toward the deal that isn't done yet.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130227/NEWS04/130229927

Protecting fish from antidepressants by using new wastewater treatment technique

Researchers have developed a new technique to prevent pharmaceutical residues from entering waterways and harming wildlife.

URL: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/earth_climate/recycling_and_waste/~3/fs6za3HLe-8/130226081157.htm

Curtis Bay Energy acquires transfer station from National Waste Management Inc.

Curtis Bay Energy, a Baltimore, Md.-based medical waste-to-energy company, has acquired a transfer station that National Waste Management Inc. owned, in an effort to expand its New England presence, the company announced Feb. 25.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130226/NEWS04/130229940

One of last U.S. tire incinerators to close under EPA agreement

As part of an agreement with the U.S. EPA, the owners of a tire incinerator located in a suburb of Chicago will close the facility permanently.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130226/NEWS02/130229941

Injured landfill bald eagle making progress in recovery

A bald eagle found shot at a Rhode Island landfill continues "to make decent progress in her condition," according to the wildlife group caring for the bird.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130226/NEWS01/130229944

Wisconsin company plans to convert dairy waste to electricity

A company in Turtle Lake, Wis., is building a new facility that will convert food and dairy waste to energy.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130226/NEWS02/130229943

California appeals court rules in favor of 10-cent bag fee

Lawyers for plastic bag manufacturer Hilex Poly Co. say they plan to appeal the ruling.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130226/NEWS02/130229949

City Council votes down switch to Allied Waste in Batavia, New York

The proposal to switch from Batavia, N.Y.'s, current trash hauler to Allied Waste Services was recently rejected in a 7-2 council vote.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130226/NEWS01/130229947

Partnership formed to provide solid waste, recycling asset management services

Cascade Engineering and Numerex form partnership that the companies say will provide asset management services for the solid waste and recycling industries.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130226/NEWS01/130229946

Privatization plan in jeopardy in Fresno

Nearly two months after the City Council voted to privatize residential waste and recycling collections in Fresno, Calif., the plan is still up in the air.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130226/NEWS01/130229948

Maryland university surpasses 50% recycling landmark

Salisbury University, located on the eastern shore of Maryland, recycled more than 50% of its campus waste last year.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130226/NEWS03/130229945

Billion pounds of plastic film recycled in 2011

Recycled materials staying closer to home as well, according to new report from American Chemistry Council

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130226/NEWS02/130229950

Cleaning oil spills with paper mill sludge?

Eco-innovation is at its best when the waste of one industry becomes the raw material of another. This is precisely what a new research project CAPS, is attempting to do with waste sludge from the paper industry. Its objective is to convert it into a highly absorbent material capable of cleaning up oil and chemical spills. 

URL: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/earth_climate/recycling_and_waste/~3/AC84-pd5-LQ/130225112350.htm

New law will require landlords to provide recycling to tenants in Maryland

Owners of apartment buildings or condominiums in Maryland that have 10 or more units will be required to provide recycling to their tenants by Oct. 1, 2014.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130225/NEWS02/130229954

Deadline looming for Mascot Madness office pool entries

Completed brackets are due by tomorrow morning.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130225/NEWS01/130229951

Waste turf war heats up over solid waste disposal in Florida

Sun Bergeron is going toe-to-toe with Waste Management's Wheelabrator Technologies, who has dominated the Broward County market for years.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130225/NEWS01/130229956

Ohio EPA may allow use of sewage ash as fertilizer

Ohio EPA officials are considering a proposal to change state rules on ash produced by municipal sewage incinerators, allowing it to be used as lawn fertilizer.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130225/NEWS02/130229953

Philadelphia garbage man makes surprising, dangerous discovery in trash truck hopper

Quick-thinking garbage men averted a potentially loud and dangerous crisis while on their Philadelphia collection route, according to a local news report.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130225/NEWS01/130229955

Investigators say fireworks caused fire at Florida recycling plant

Investigators determined that the fire that burned for more than 12 hours on Feb. 18 at a recycling plant in Tampa, Fla., was caused by a container of fireworks, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130225/NEWS06/130229952

Lyne opening second recycling plant

Recycler Lyne Plastics LLC soon will be opening a 50,000-square-foot facility in Sedalia, Mo., and starting a new production line, according to company officials. The plant will be Lyne's second.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130225/NEWS02/130229958

The lifetime journeys of manure-based microbes

Studies at the U.S. Department of Agriculture are shedding some light on the microbes that dwell in cattle manure -- what they are, where they thrive, where they struggle, and where they can end up.

URL: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/earth_climate/recycling_and_waste/~3/qfSF_hrZ_QU/130222143227.htm

Resource Recycling Magazine: Improving conditions for recycling jobs

## Improving conditions for recycling jobs

_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

Jobs in the lower rungs of the recycling industry can be low-paying, monotonous and potentially hazardous. In the Bay Area, a group of activists is seeking to change that.

Hoping to improve conditions in lower-level recycling jobs, a group of recycling workers and individuals from environmental and community organizations launched a coalition earlier this month called the Campaign for Sustainable Recycling, reports the [_East Bay Express_](http://www.eastbayexpress.com/oakland/recycling-workers-fight-back/Content?oid=3462217). The report includes complaints from recycling workers of intimidation, dangerous conditions and poor pay and how they want to fix it.

"The best [paying] job is driving a truck to the landfill, the worst is sorting recycling," Ruth Abbe, Zero Waste Coordinator for the Sierra Club, told the paper. "As those high-paying [landfill] jobs go away, we don't want to replace them with poverty jobs."

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

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URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3530

E-Scrap News Magazine: Consumers sitting on $34 billion in used cell phones

## Consumers sitting on $34 billion in used cell phones


_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

Consumers across the country are hording $9 billion worth of old iPhones, according to new data from mobile phone refurbishment company SellCell.

Over half of all U.S. consumers [surveyed](http://www.marketwatch.com/story/consumers-hoard-9-billion-in-old-iphones-2013-02-15?cid=djem_sm_dailyviews_t) by the company have two or more unused cell phones in their homes, which equates to an estimated trade-in value of $33.8 billion. Apple's iPhone models account for approximately a quarter of the stockpile.

While only 20 percent of consumers responding to the survey trade in or recycle their old mobile phones, Apple products tend to be refurbished and resold at higher rates. Of the top 10 types of mobile phones recycled last month, variants of the Apple iPhone took the top four spots. The high resale value of Apple products, versus those from other OEMs, contributes to both the high trade-in and resale rate.

[ ](http://e-stewards.org/)

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URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3538

Resource Recycling Magazine: NewsBits

## NewsBits

_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

[Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced this week](http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-02-20/news/chi-recycling-service-added-to-131000-city-homes-20130220_1_city-homes-greenest-mayors-smaller-residential-buildings) that the city was **expanding its residential recycling program to include 130,000 more households** this March and April. The additional households served by the Windy City's recycling program are part of a greater expansion of 340,000 households, to be completed later this year.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors and Novelis, the giant aluminum producer, have decided to end the **Cash for Cans City Recycling Challenge**. The joint aluminum can collection project issued about $450,000 in contest prizes over nearly a decade. The two parties cited waning interest in the contest among local governments over the past three years, due in part to budget constraints at many cities.

**The Beer Store**, the primary alcohol retailer in **Ontario** that also collects the packaging for beer and spirits, has launched a plot project where consumers can **drop off electronics, batteries and paint**. Called "[Recycling Plus](http://www.thestar.com/news/queenspark/2013/02/15/beer_stores_new_recycling_service_launches_in_toronto.html)," the program will debut in Ontario's west end and is being done in cooperation with **Stewardship Ontario** through its **Orange Drop Program** and **Sims Recycling Solutions Canada** will handle the recycling.

In **Oregon**, lawmakers are considering a measure that would allow **winemakers** to fill up **reusable containers** that customers bring in or buy, not unlike what the state currently allows with microbrews, reports [_The Oregonian_](http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/02/oregon_wine_like_beer_could_st.html#cmpid=9547239). "It puts us at the leading edge of sustainability," Dan Jarman, a lobbyist for the Oregon Winegrowers Association, said of the idea, citing how it could **cut down on the need to haul around glass**.

**PGA, Inc. **, a processor of recycled plastics, [will relocate its operations to an existing facility in White Haven, Pennsylvania](http://www.newpa.com/newsroom/governor-corbett-plastics-recycler-expand-and-create-28-jobs-luzerne-county), creating 28 jobs. The company will invest more than **$600,000** in land and building acquisitions and development, building renovations, equipment purchases and employee training.

The **U.S. Composting Council** has launched a new website, [Buy-compost.com](http://buy-compost.com/), that's meant to help consumers purchase compost from members of the trade organization. It also will answer **purchasing questions** and serves as a portal for **community gardens looking for compost donations**.

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

**_To return to the Resource Recycling newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/RRe-news022213.html). _**

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URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3526

E-Scrap News Magazine: SWANA policy favors export ban to developing countries

## SWANA policy favors export ban to developing countries

_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) has [announced](http://swana.org/Home/PressRoom/tabid/101/newsid536/183/SWANA-Issues-Policy-on-Safe-Recycling-of-Electronic-Waste/Default.aspx) new positions on the handling of e-scrap – including a stance on the controversial issue of exporting used electronics.

SWANA's officially adopted policy states that material should not be sent to "facilities that do not comply with standards for worker safety and public health and the environment, and to countries that do not have regulatory programs to enforce such standards" – a position seemingly in line with that of the Coalition for American Electronics Recycling, which seeks to prohibit the export of electronic scrap to non-OECD countries.

The association, whose membership is primarily local government solid waste managers, also calls for governments at the local and federal level to make recycling options more available to households and businesses. The policy also calls on the federal government to ensure that options are available at all departments and agencies. Additionally, it states that collection and recycling infrastructure must be in place before bans or restrictions on the disposal of e-scrap are enacted.

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

[ ](http://Ousei.jp)

**_To return to the E-Scrap News newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/ESNe-news022213.html)_**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3541

E-Scrap News Magazine: Sims releases financial data

## Sims releases financial data


_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

Sims Metal Management has [announced](http://www.simsmm.com/Investors) financial results for the first half of its 2013 fiscal year, which ended Dec. 31, and now reflect the inventory write down as result of an investigation of two U.K. scrap facilities.

The inventory adjustment was undertaken on the recommendation of a committee formed by the board of directors to investigate discrepancies and possible fraud at the company's U.K. e-scrap businesses in Long Marston, England and Newport, Wales. The result was a $78 million write down of the firm's U.K. inventory, with $17 million of that total reflected on the 1H FY2013 results. The remainder was reflected in restatements of Sims' FY2010, FY2011 and FY2012 filings, since the inventory discrepancies mostly affected those periods. In the wake of the investigation, the company says it will be simplifying its Sims Recycling Solutions and U.K. Metals operations with an emphasis on discipline and enhanced inventory controls.

Total revenue for the first half of FY2013 was down 25 percent, versus the same period in FY2012, to $3.4 billion, with a net loss after tax of $295.5 million. Net profit after tax was $10 million. The company mostly attributed this to a reduction of intake and shipments in North America.

Interestingly enough, Sims Recycling Solutions, the company's electronics recycling division, was the only one of Sims' six businesses to see positive growth compared to the same period last year. SRS had sales revenue of $522.2 million in the first half of FY 2013 -- up 5.1 percent over the same period in FY 2012. Overall, SRS represents 15.2 percent of Sims' sales revenue.

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

**_To return to the E-Scrap News newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/ESNe-news022213.html)_**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3537

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/).

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/)

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

**_To return to the Resource Recycling newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/RRe-news022213.html). _**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3533

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.

* **Minnesota Computers for Schools** of Bayport, Minnesota, and **ICT Asset Recovery** of Malden, Massachusetts are now certified to ISO 14001 and R2.
* **Norris Technology's** facility in Carrollton, Texas is ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified.
* **Cintas Document Management** of Bridgewater, New Jersey; **Cintas Document Management** of Jackson, Mississippi; **Cross-Cut Shredding, Inc.** of Melbourne, Florida; **First-Shred LLC** of Carrollton, Texas; **Goodwill So CA**, **Secure Shredding** of Los Angeles; **Paper Pig Shredding** of Wichita Falls, Texas; **Phoenix Recycling, Inc.** of Winnipeg, Manitoba; **Shred Defense/No Trace, Inc.** of Richmond, California; and **Shred Doc Destr dba Balcones Shred** of Dallas 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://173.203.200.22/)

**_To return to the E-Scrap News newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/ESNe-news022213.html)_**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3536

Resource Recycling Magazine: Plastics Recycling Conference overflow hotel available!

## Plastics Recycling Conference overflow hotel available!

Due to unprecedented demand, we have opened a second room block for Plastics Recycling Conference attendees at the Marriott New Orleans, directly across Canal Street from the Sheraton New Orleans. You may book a room at the Marriott New Orleans at [this link](https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?mode=welcome_ei_new&eventID=10577582). Reservations must be made by March 8 to receive the discounted rate of $229 plus taxes and fees for single/double occupancy.

**If you are also attending GPEC, please book your hotel for GPEC dates of March 20-21** [here](https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/StarGroupsWeb/booking/reservation?id=1210175574&key=ED7D9). You will not need to move actual hotel rooms if staying for both conferences, but you may need to have two separate hotel reservations to get the group rate at both conferences.

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

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

**_To return to the Resource Recycling newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/RRe-news022213.html). _**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3527

E-Scrap News Magazine: NewsBits

## NewsBits


Move over Apple, **Microsoft's Surface Pro is now the most unrepairable tablet to date**, according to the repair and refurbishment site [iFixit](http://ifixit.org/4240/microsoft-surface-pro-teardown/). The display is attached to the rest of the tablet using "the most adhesive we've ever seen on a device," according to a disassembly report from iFixit, and while individual components inside the tablet are technically upgradable, it took iFixit's experienced technicians over an hour to get the Surface Pro open.

In **Europe**, several trade associations have published a guidance document on all **WEEE flows and treatment standards** that helps companies ensure proper recording of collection rates.

The electronics recycling industry is expected to grow **3.4 percent in 2013 alone**, according to a [report](http://www.ibisworld.com/industry/electronic-goods-recycling.html?partnerid=prweb) from **IBISWorld**, which attributes the rise to **increased consumer demand for products made from recycled commodities**. The report also identified industry consolidation as a trend.

Heraeus Precious Metals GmbH & Co. KG has received Patent No. 8,377,382, which describes a **method of processing potentially explosive precious metal containing scrap**.

**The Beer Store**, Ontario's largest alcohol retailer that also collects the packaging for beer and spirits, has launched a plot project where consumers can **drop off electronics, batteries and paint**. Called "[Recycling Plus](http://www.thestar.com/news/queenspark/2013/02/15/beer_stores_new_recycling_service_launches_in_toronto.html)," the program will debut in Ontario's west end and is being done in cooperation with Stewardship Ontario through its Orange Drop Program and the Sims Recycling Solutions Canada will handle the recycling.

[ ](https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3635301347725787392)

**_To return to the E-Scrap News newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/ESNe-news022213.html)_**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3535

Resource Recycling Magazine: What are the hopes for a Maryland bottle bill?

## What are the hopes for a Maryland bottle bill?

_By Jake Thomas, Resource Recycling_

Prospects for a bottle bill in Maryland are getting cloudier, as two key associations are expressing concerns about legislation that would create a beverage container deposit system in the state.

The [legislation, unveiled last month, has elements similar to bottle bills in other states](http://resource-recycling.com/node/3414), attaching a nickel deposit to many common beverage containers. However, it is very different in other regards, containing a provision that makes counties responsible for redemption centers, which they can operate directly or contract out.

[Recycle for Real](http://www.recycleforreal.com/cri-statement-in-support-of-marylands-proposed-container-deposit-law-recycling-for-real/), the website set up to support the legislation, argues that counties will benefit from being able to keep unredeemed deposits. However, this measure hasn't earned the support of the state's county governments.

"There are so many unanswered questions for us," says Robin Clark, policy analyst for the Maryland Association of Counties (MAC), which represents the state's 23 county governments, who adds that the legislation would put the state's counties in a whole new line of business of running redemption centers.

Michael Sanderson, the executive director of MAC, says that Maryland has enacted a "sizable" number of recycling mandates, and counties have made significant investments in programs aimed at recovering recyclables. He says counties have made big investments in single-stream collection systems in particular, and a bottle bill would remove valuable material from them, weakening their economic viability.

Although state lawmakers reached out to MAC early on, Sanderson says there are enough problems with the bill that prevent his organization from supporting it.

"We have invested a great deal of taxpayer money to make [existing programs work]," he says. "Something like a bottle bill would really undermine everything we've done on that front."

Sanderson says that the big problem MAC has with the proposed bottle bill is its requirement that counties operate redemption centers, which will require finding a building, hiring and paying staff, getting insurance and then hoping the business model works out. He says that some more "sparse" areas of the state might not generate enough volume of material to be viable. Although the legislation gives counties the option to contract a private company to run the redemption center, Sanderson says that if the business model isn't workable, it will attract few takers.

When asked if there any changes to the legislation that would cause MAC to shift its stance, Sanderson says that it's too speculative to say if it would ever support a bottle bill.

"There's only so much imagination you can have about how the bill would be written differently," he says.

Peter Houstle, the executive director of the Maryland Recycling Network (MRN), says that while his group is in favor of initiatives intended to improve recycling, it is leaning against this bill.

"We think there are some aspects of this bill that in terms or the goal are very admirable, but there are other aspects of the bill that are problematic," he says. "And the way the bill is structured is it will cannibalize other parts of the recycling infrastructure."

Houstle says that single-stream collection is a big part of Maryland's recycling infrastructure, and MRN shares MAC's concern that a bottle bill would undercut these programs by removing valuable material, such as aluminum, from them. MRN, says Houstle, wants a robust examination of this potential problem before the bill moves forward. Houstle also adds that each county has their own recycling collection programs in place, so it's difficult to tell how a bottle bill will affect each.

With Maryland bordering states that don't have container deposit programs, the issue of fraud needs to be accounted for, says Houstle. He also says that setting up the redemption centers will require a significant initial investment, which is a challenge in times of lean budgets.

Despite his concerns with the legislation, Houstle stressed that he wants to work with lawmakers.

"When everyone says you're either for or against it, it pushes people into a corner," he says.

Calls to the sponsor of the bill -- House Delegate Maggie McIntosh, D-Baltimore -- were not returned by press time.

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

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

**_To return to the Resource Recycling newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/RRe-news022213.html). _**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3534

Resource Recycling Magazine: Waste Management reports mixed results for 2012

## Waste Management reports mixed results for 2012

_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

The nation's largest garbage and recycling firm saw revenues rise last year, while net income fell, due in part to weaker recycling commodity markets.

Waste Management, which employs 43,500 in 49 states (only Montana lacks a company facility), had revenues of $13.65 billion last year, up 2 percent. However, net income of $817 million in 2012 was down 15 percent.

One cause of lower income was a 14 percent decline in recycling revenues, to $1.36 billion. Waste Management operated 114 materials recovery facilities in 2012, up seven from the previous year. The slump in commodity prices in 2012 resulted in a negative impact of 25 cents per diluted share in the firm.

Company officials expect better times in 2013. For example, executives predict that the negative hit on company shares from recycling commodity prices will be only 2 cents per share this year.

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

**_To return to the Resource Recycling newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/RRe-news022213.html). _**

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URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3532

E-Scrap News Magazine: Australia, New Zealand implement new e-scrap standard

## Australia, New Zealand implement new e-scrap standard


_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

New guidelines have been [introduced](http://www.itwire.com/it-policy-news/regulation/58742-new-standards-impose-rigorous-process-for-e-waste-disposal) in Australia and New Zealand that covers the collection, storage and recycling of e-scrap.

The best-practices metrics were developed by Standards Australia, a non-government industry-standards organization, and it outlines the minimum requirements for the safe handling of e-scrap. "[AS/NZS 5377:2013 Collection, storage, transport and treatment of end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment](http://infostore.saiglobal.com/store/details.aspx?ProductID=1612190)," seeks to maximize reuse of electronics, reduce the amount of electronics going to landfill, while protecting workers and the environment. Additionally, the new standard is meant to help companies conform with existing laws and regulations as well as international agreements governing the management of hazardous wastes.

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

**_To return to the E-Scrap News newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/ESNe-news022213.html)_**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3539

E-Scrap News Magazine: Ontario e-scrap system undergoes changes

## Ontario e-scrap system undergoes changes


_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

The electronics recycling program in Canada's most populous province is being updated.

The province's environmental ministry has approved a change in the program to provide for the recovery of operational costs from producers based on the actual costs of recycling, not on estimated costs.

In addition, Waste Diversion Ontario, the overseer of the program, has hired a consulting company to undertake a review of the electronics recycling system. A meeting with all stakeholders will be held in early March to discuss key issues and to solicit advice on developing new program options.

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

**_To return to the E-Scrap News newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/ESNe-news022213.html)_**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3540

Resource Recycling Magazine: Exports of recyclable materials down in 2012

## Exports of recyclable materials down in 2012

_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

At 4.43 billion pounds, the volume of recovered plastics exported in 2012 was down 5.4 percent over the 4.69 billion pounds exported in 2011. At 21.05 cents per pound, the weighted average price for exported plastics in 2012 was down, as well, by 5.7 percent from the full-year 2011 standing of 22.32.

The picture was rosier if simply looking at the last month of the year, however. The volume of plastic scrap exported in December, at 374.40 million pounds, rose by 1.8 percent from its November figure. When matched against its December 2011 position the volume of exports was also up, by 8.6 percent.

The weighted price of recovered plastic exports in December, at 19.40 cents per pound, was down 4.4 percent from its November 2012 standing. And when compared to its year-over-year (YOY) level, the price was down by 10.3 percent.

As for other exported materials, recovered paper exports for 2012 were 20.13 million metric tons, a 4.3 percent YOY decrease from the 21.03 million metric tons of recovered paper exported in 2011. At $168 per metric ton, the weighted average price of exported recovered paper in December was down 6.2 percent when compared to its December 2011 mark.

Regarding ferrous scrap, the 21.39 million metric tons exported for 2012 resulted in a 12.1 percent YOY decrease. At $441 per metric ton the weighted average price of exported ferrous scrap was also down, by 5.6 percent.

Lastly, the 4.49 billion pounds of aluminum scrap exported through 2012 equated to a 4.9 percent YOY decrease from the 4.73 billion pounds exported in 2011. And, at 78 cents per pound, the average price of exported aluminum scrap in December was down 9.3 percent when compared to its December 2011 standing.

[ ](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-news022213.html). _**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3529

Resource Recycling Magazine: The wide world of recycling

## The wide world of recycling

_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

Across the Eastern pond, a government agency is taking steps to improve the quality of recycled material, and a North African nation is getting a big investment to help it increase recycling.

Hoping to boost the market for post-consumer materials, the **U.K.**'s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs is working on plans to improve the quality of recycled paper, cardboard, metals, plastic and glass by establishing a new code of practice for recycling facilities.

The [proposal](http://www.defra.gov.uk/publications/files/pb13875-qap-recycling.pdf) will require all materials recovery facilities of certain sizes to measure the quality of their input and outputs. The results would then be made available to businesses that buy recycled material as well as to local authorities and other entities that supply materials to the MRFs.

"The recycling industry contributes [annually] around 3 billion pounds sterling [$4.5 billion] to our economy," said Resource Management Minister Lord de Mauley in a statement. "Having sufficient quantity of recyclable material is of course important for the markets. The quality of that material is equally important but often overlooked. I want that to change. While some MRFs already provide quality material, I want to see this happening more consistently across the industry."

The quality of recycled materials is becoming an increasingly prominent issue in Britain, with Scotland already considering a similar measure. Earlier this month, the [_MailOnline_](http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2275963/Recycling-Millions-tons-end-landfill-officials-admit-success-exaggerated.html) published an article that found that millions of tons of recovered material are sent to landfill and that recycling rates in the U.K. are likely exaggerated.

The Packaging and Film Association has welcomed the move to increase quality of recyclables.

"The Minister and his team are to be congratulated on recognizing that it is not just the quantity of materials in the recycling stream that is important but equally critical is the quality of material which, at best, has so far been variable," said Barry Turner, chief executive of the association, in a prepared statement.

The World Bank has approved a $130 million loan to **Morocco** to help the North African nation improve its solid waste and recycling sectors, while also [creating an anticipated 70,000 jobs](http://moroccoonthemove.wordpress.com/2013/02/19/morocco-receives-us130-million-world-bank-loan-to-improve-solid-waste-services/). The loan includes mechanisms to gain citizen feedback on services provided by the loan and bring transparency to how contracts are awarded.

The growth of waste in Morocco is putting significant environmental strains on the country, and the loan will be used to improve waste management, specifically at the municipal level. Morocco has a goal of recycling 20 percent of its waste by 2022 while ensuring that all municipal solid waste is collected and disposed in sanitary landfills.

[ ](https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3635301347725787392)

**_To return to the Resource Recycling newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/RRe-news022213.html). _**

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URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3528

Resource Recycling Magazine: Tell us about your single-stream MRF

## Tell us about your single-stream MRF

_Resource Recycling_ has developed a database on nearly 250 single-stream materials recovery facilities (MRFs) in the U.S. and Canada. We use this database to provide better and more current information to our readers. We know there are more facilities in operation than just those on our list. And we want all of our data to be accurate. If you operate a single-stream MRF or supply materials to one, can you let us know about the facility? Where's it located and who runs it? What is the MRF's processing capacity? How many people work at the plant? Who supplied the processing equipment? What was the cost of the facility? How big is the building? Please provide details to [jpowell@resource-recycling.com](mailto:jpowell@resource-recycling.com). And thanks!

[ ](http://solid-waste.org/)

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URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3531

Gruesome discovery at Rumpke facility in Dayton

Dismembered body of 60-year-old man found inside recycling facility

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130222/NEWS06/130229962

Ohio man sues gardening store for selling organic compost that contained solid waste

An organic farm owner near Cincinnati is suing a gardening store for selling him organic compost that state officials said contained solid waste.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130222/NEWS01/130229964

Pennsylvania man charged in theft from metal recycling business

Police in Erie, Pa., charged a 21-year-old man with stealing scrap copper from a local metal recycling business, according to the Erie Times-News.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130222/NEWS06/130229963

Heritage-Crystal Clean sees revenues jump for the year on higher used oil, environmental services work

Heritage-Crystal Clean saw revenues jump by more than 40% during the fourth quarter and more than 65% for all of 2012.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130222/NEWS04/130229968

Sims Metal Management announces half-year results, retirement of group CEO

CEO Daniel W. Dienst will retire when his contract expires June 30, the company announced.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130222/NEWS04/130229966

Hurricane Sandy, metal prices lower Covanta's earnings

Covanta Holding Corporation held its revenue flat in the fourth quarter despite a drop in metal pricing and the impact of Hurricane Sandy.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130222/NEWS04/130229965

Vets discover injured bald eagle found at landfill has pellet in brain as well

Eagle was found last week at the Central landfill in Johnston, Rhode Island.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130222/NEWS01/130229967

Report exposes Pakistani e-waste recycling workers' plight

A 6-year-old girl in a remote Pakistani village sits quietly in the family's kitchen, breathing toxic fumes that drift from across the table where her father is burning a computer circuit board. The scene is one of scores documented by researcher Shakila Umair, whose has compiled the first known evidence of horrifying conditions in the country's secretive e-waste recycling cottage industry.

URL: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/earth_climate/recycling_and_waste/~3/Kc29vAK0RO4/130221104214.htm

Update: New service helps Stericycle surpass expectations

Moving a new regulated waste service from the pilot stage to a nationwide launch helped push Stericycle to higher than expected earnings, senior company officials said.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130222/NEWS01/130229982

Recycler PGA Inc. moving to larger location

Pennsylvania-based company spending more than $600k on expansion

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130221/NEWS02/130229970

Exec says recycling can make plastics 'cool'

Plastics are too valuable to throw away, says MBA Polymers' Mike Biddle

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130221/NEWS02/130229975

New recycling company to build $40 million facility in South Carolina

Recleim, a new appliance and electronic waste recycler, will build its first facility in Aiken County, S.C.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130221/NEWS02/130229976

The North Face launches clothing recycling program

The North Face, an outdoor and sports apparel retailer, has launched a textile recycling program at 10 of its stores.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130221/NEWS03/130229973

Navistar completes acquisition of E-Z Pack

E-Z Pack bodies will continue to be made for all chassis; Kentucky plant to remain

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130221/NEWS04/130229971

Chicago expanding residential recycling program to 131,000 more households

Total expansion to the entire city will be completed by the fall, city officials said.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130221/NEWS02/130229978

Sims Metal Management finds UK inventory overstated by $78 million

Sims Metal Management, an international metals and electronics recycler, has determined that inventory in its U.K. business was overvalued by $78 million.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130221/NEWS02/130229980

Minneapolis sees 63% recycling increase with switch to single-stream

Minneapolis has reported a surge in recycling after four collection routes switched to single-stream recycling last fall.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130221/NEWS02/130229977

Clean Harbors beats estimates with Q4 earnings

Company reports earnings per share of $1.11 for quarter; says 2013 revenue will top $3.7 billion

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130221/NEWS04/130229979

Advanced recycling fee for electronics proposed in West Virginia

A proposal in West Virginia would force consumers to pay an advanced recycling fee for electronics, similar to a law in California.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130221/NEWS08/130229981

New York City to end Hurricane Sandy debris collections in March

The New York City Department of Sanitation announced that special storm debris collections in the neighborhoods hit hard by Hurricane Sandy will end March 18.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130221/NEWS08/130229983

Update: Bloomberg gives thumbs up to food waste collection

Pilot program for residential food waste collection is set for this spring.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130221/NEWS02/130229984

Business notes: Landfills honored for renewable energy projects

Hickory Ridge in Georgia and Watauga County in North Carolina were recently honored for renewable energy projects on their sites, while protecting the climate, providing energy savings and strengthening the economy.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130221/NEWS01/130229986

Republic heated up acquisitions in '12

Republic Services Inc. hit a four-year high in acquisition activity last year and this year is lining up to hold more of the same.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130221/NEWS04/130229985

Plastic water bottle recycling rate jumps almost 20%

Rate has more than doubled in the last seven years, according to International Bottled Water Association report.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130220/NEWS02/130229987

Waste Connections sees Q4 revenue jump 18.2%

Company beats analysts' estimates on revenue, falls just short on earnings per share

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130220/NEWS01/130229988

Turning pine sap into 'ever-green' plastics

Scientists are developing new plastics that are "green" from the cradle to the grave. Given that the new polymers they are working on often come from pine trees, firs and other conifers, they are giving the word "evergreen" added resonance.

URL: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/earth_climate/recycling_and_waste/~3/xOkzQKngtPs/130220170631.htm

Clean Harbors names new president of oil, gas field business

Laura Schwinn appointed to newly created position.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130220/NEWS01/130229990

EPA Reaches $1.6 Million Settlement at Operating Industries superfund site

The EPA has reached a $1.62 million settlement with 47 parties for hazardous waste contamination at the Operating Industries superfund site in Monterey Park, Calif., according to an EPA press release.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130220/NEWS08/130229989

Fire at Florida recycling plant still under investigation

The cause of a large scrap metal fire at a recycling facility in Tampa, Fla., on Monday is still under investigation by the local Fire Rescue, according to a Tampa Bay Times report.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130220/NEWS06/130229992

Michigan county recycling center closes amid money crunch

The recycling center in Wexford County, Mich., will be shut down and recycling operations could be taken over by a private business.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130220/NEWS02/130229994

Students push for measure to look at food waste disposal in Iowa

Three boys, between 11 and 13 years old, want the state to identify wastes being discarded more clearly and recommend a strategy on reducing waste.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130220/NEWS08/130229993

EPA official resigns amidst email probe

The EPA administrator for several western states has resigned amid a probe of staff members using personal email address to conduct official business, the Washington Post reported.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130220/NEWS08/130229997

Judge pushes back deadline in Dallas flow-control case

This is the second time Reed O'Connor has extended the deadline for NSWMA and haulers to reply to Dallas' request for a new trial.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130220/NEWS08/130229996

EPEAT rating expands to include printers, copiers

The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT), a rating that helps identify "greener" electronics, has been expanded to include printers, copiers and other imaging equipment.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130220/NEWS02/130229995

Captial Briefs: Oyster shell recycling program proposed

Senate Bill 484 in Maryland would allow an individual or corporation a $1 credit against the state income tax for each bushel of oyster shells recycled during the taxable year.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130220/NEWS08/130229998

Waste Management not planning to close Greenstar locations

Waste Management not keeping Greenstar's sponsorship of the Houston Dynamo, a Major League Soccer team.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130220/NEWS01/130229999

US Composting Council launches new website

The U.S. Composting Council, which works to promote organics recycling and compost use, has launched a new website created in part to make it easier for consumers to purchase compost from USCC members.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130219/NEWS02/130219928

GM hosts forum to encourage recycling network in southern U.S.

General Motors is hosting a forum today focused on how automakers and their suppliers can reduce waste to landfill and improve materials efficiency in southern U.S.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130219/NEWS03/130219926

Four scholarships to be awarded by Paper Stock Industries, applications available

Four $1,500 scholarships to be awarded this year by Paper Stock Industries, a chapter of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries and the institute's Recycling Research Foundation.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130219/NEWS02/130219927

The Beer Store unveils one stop shop for recycling in Toronto

The Beer Store in Toronto will collect obsolete electronics, batteries and paint for recycling, and empty beer bottles and cans for a deposit.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130219/NEWS02/130219929

Golf tournament tops 97% waste diversion mark

The 2013 Waste Management Phoenix Open golf tournament has surpassed the 97% waste diversion record set at the 2012 event.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130219/NEWS03/130219930

Voting has started for the WRN 2013 Mascot Madness tournament

Readers can enter the WRN office pool.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130219/NEWS01/130219937

New Yorkers react to proposed ban on foam containers

Food vendors, industry groups are wary of Bloomberg's plan.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130219/NEWS02/130219932

Plastic bag bans get mixed reviews in Brazil

While São Paulo has held firm on its plastic bag ban, other communities have rejected similar measures.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130219/NEWS08/130219933

On the streets: The bi-monthly roundup of accidents

Workers killed in Texas and New York

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130219/NEWS06/130219934

Native American tribe invests in sustainable plastic company

After visiting a sustainable plastic company to purchase products, one tribe ended up buying part of the company.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130219/NEWS03/130219944

Fish become bolder and more gluttonous from mood-altering drug residue in water

Anxiety-moderating drugs that reach waterways via wastewater create fearless and asocial fish that eat more quickly than normal. These behavioral changes can have serious ecological consequences.

URL: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/earth_climate/recycling_and_waste/~3/4UTWRjK8fJo/130214141750.htm

Scientists explore new technologies that remove atmospheric carbon dioxide

Reducing carbon dioxide emissions may not be enough to curb global warming, say scientists. The solution could require carbon-negative technologies that actually remove large amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere.

URL: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/earth_climate/recycling_and_waste/~3/SkA_YDlJZac/130217084214.htm

Key to cleaner environment may be right beneath our feet

While many people recognize that clean water and air are signs of a healthy ecosystem, most do not realize that a critical part of the environment is right beneath their feet, according to a hydrologist.

URL: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/earth_climate/recycling_and_waste/~3/69STxazgbCE/130217134323.htm

E-Scrap News Magazine: NewsBits

## NewsBits


In **Romania**, one of the European Union's poorest nations, a social enterprise called **Workshops Without Borders** has found a way to help some of the country's most destitute people: recycling computers, reports the [_Times of Oman_](http://www.timesofoman.com/News/Article-8440.aspx).

Patent No. 8,366,874 has been awarded to Empire Technology Development LLC, for a **method of removing and sorting components on a printed circuit board**.

**The amount of unwanted electronics is only getting bigger** and the issues surrounding how to handle them are only becoming more complicated. But an [infographic](http://www.govtech.com/infographics/E-Waste-and-Us-17000-Tons-Trashed-Each-Year-Infographic.html) from [Fonebank.com](http://www.fonebank.com/) seems to cover just about every facet of this growing industry.

The **U.K.'s Environment Agency is auditing 20 local WEEE collection sites** over concerns that they are not following regulations and are diverting material to other facilities, reports [_letsrecycle.com_](http://www.letsrecycle.com/news/latest-news/weee/agency-investigates-dcf-weee-leakage).

Designer Sean Miles has created four lines of "[Walkie Talkies](http://news.o2.co.uk/?press-release=recycling-becomes-a-walk-in-the-park)," **shoes that have fully functional handsets recycled into them**. The project was sponsored by O2 Recycle, a U.K. electronics buy-back company, and each Walkie Talkie performs exactly as a normal phone would with the keypad being incorporated into the sole of each shoe.

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

**_To return to the E-Scrap News newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/ESNe-news021413.html)_**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3518