American Chemistry Council says polystyrene ban would be costly

The ban could cost businesses and consumers $91.3 million annually, the group says in a new study.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130320/NEWS02/130329996

Post offices recognized for recycling efforts in Ohio

Toledo's U.S. Postal Service was recently honored for its recycling efforts, according to The Toledo Blade.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130320/NEWS03/130329999

Kneiss: Plenty of opportunity in recycling

The president and CEO of EIA chats with WRN about the future of recycling.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130320/NEWS01/130329997

Columbus, Ohio, did major outreach before rolling out curbside

When the city switched to curbside collection, the recycling participation rate jumped from 5% to 98%.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130320/NEWS08/130319950

New York City to install 30 solar-powered recycling stations in Times Square

Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced the program as part of an effort to increase the city's recycling rate.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130319/NEWS02/130319937

EPA to fund project that will cut garbage truck emissions in Louisville

The EPA awarded Louisville with a $54,000 grant to reduce diesel emissions from its waste hauling fleet.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130319/NEWS01/130319936

Recycling of rigid plastics tops 930 million pounds annually

Rigid plastics recycling sees a 13% increase and 57% of consumers can now recycle them locally.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130319/NEWS02/130319938

Europe's recycling rate at 35%

Five countries top 50%; some near zero, according to new report

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130319/NEWS02/130319939

Montana county looking at landfill expansion options

With 50 years of disposal capacity, county officials are eying 100 years of capacity.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130319/NEWS01/130319940

RRC attempting to achieve zero waste

Starting today, the Residential Recycling Conference is going zero waste.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130319/NEWS02/130319954

Vet accuses Stericycle overcharging through automatic price increases

Stericycle again faces complaint that it overcharged customers, this time in the private sector.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130319/NEWS01/130319941

Perdue to purchase steam from WTE facility in Pennsylvania

Lancaster County agrees to sell steam from its WTE facility to Perdue AgriBusiness for use at soybean processing plant.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130318/NEWS03/130319953

Birdbath urn - yes, full of ashes - shows up at recycling center

Ceramic piece contained cremated remains of 3 family members; relatives finally tracked down.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130318/NEWS06/130319951

Body found at Waste Management facility in Philadelphia

Body of a 60-year-old man found under pile of paper.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130318/NEWS06/130319952

Personnel: On the move

Roundup of various personnel moves in the industry.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130318/NEWS04/130319955

Pennsylvania landfill fined for leachate discharges

Advanced Disposal's Lancaster Landfill hit with $108,686 fine.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130318/NEWS01/130319956

Capitol briefs: Bill would mandate recycling containers in NY

Roundup of legislative action includes proposal to expand bottle bill in Vermont

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130318/NEWS08/130319960

Business Notes: Roundup of awards, facilities news in the industry

Syntex Industries has begun recycling paper, cardboard, plastic, ink cartridges and wood pallets in addition to steel and aluminum from its manufacturing of roll tarps and roll tarp kits.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130318/NEWS04/130319957

Glass finds a secondary home in Rhode Island

After months of being landfilled, glass from Rhode Island's recycling bins is on track to once again being given a second life.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130318/NEWS02/130319959

Recycling worker killed in Brooklyn

18-year-old crushed by rear-loader's compaction blade

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130318/NEWS06/130319958

Chinese firm to build LNG stations in U.S.

ENN Group plans to build 50 natural-gas fuel stations along U.S. highways this year, Reuters reports

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130315/NEWS01/130319965

Workers strike against Waste Management in California

Hundreds stage 5-hour strike, saying company is targeting immigrant workers involved in union activities

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130315/NEWS01/130319964

Vermont shuts down Advanced Disposal's Moretown Landfill

State cites odor, groundwater problems as it denies re-certification of facility

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130315/NEWS01/130319966

California man leads cops on high-speed chase after stealing recyclables

Speeds reach 100 mph after homeowner spots suspect taking recyclables in Elk Grove.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130315/NEWS06/130319971

Waste-to-energy being discussed by Toronto officials

City officials have historically opposed waste-to-energy facilities, setting aggressive diversion goals instead.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130315/NEWS02/130319969

Industrial recycling company expands in South Carolina

ICE Recycling, which specializes in industrial recycling, has purchased a new facility in Florence County, a total investment of $1.05 million.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130315/NEWS02/130319972

EPA orders Enbridge to do additional dredging to remove oil from Michigan river

The EPA issued an administrative order requiring Enbridge to perform additional dredging in Michigan's Kalamazoo River to clean up oil from the company's 2010 pipeline spill.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130315/NEWS08/130319973

All in the family: Triplets follow in father's footsteps

Whoever said the key to success was keeping business and family separate surely hasn't met the Paglia family of Ocala, Fla.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130315/NEWS01/130319974

Man caught stealing batteries from trucks in Maryland landfill

Police in Anne Arundel County caught and arrested a man for stealing nine batteries from several trucks at the Anne Arundel County landfill.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130315/NEWS06/130319968

Resource Recycling Magazine: Less than one week until 2013 Plastics Recycling Conference!

## Less than one week until 2013 Plastics Recycling Conference!

Over 1,500 plastics recycling professionals will converge on New Orleans in less than a week for the annual Plastics Recycling Conference. Representing approximately 700 companies and organizations from over a dozen countries, PRC attendees are coming ready to learn about the latest trends, make new connections, and do business.

If you haven't signed up for the largest annual event in plastics recycling, visit [www.plasticsrecycling.com](http://www.plasticsrecycling.com/) to register online. Due to high demand, we are urging our attendees who have not yet reserved a hotel room to consult [hotels.com](http://www.hotels.com/) regarding availability in New Orleans.

The 2013 Plastics Recycling Conference will be held **March 19-20 at the Sheraton New Orleans**.

After the conference, stick around for the **Global Plastics Environmental Conference's (GPEC)**"[The Latest Need to Know: From Recycling to Sustainability of Plastics](http://www.sperecycling.org/)." 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-news031413.html). _**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3598

Resource Recycling Magazine: New and converted recycling mills to come on line

## New and converted recycling mills to come on line

_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

Demand for recovered paper, especially in the Northeastern U.S., is rising due to the pending start-up of two new machines.

Norampac is aiming for a July opening of its new containerboard mill in Niagara Falls, New York. The $430 million, 250,000-square-foot plant will employ more than 100 in making up to 550,000 tons annually of paperboard.

And in Whitby, Ontario Atlantic Packaging is hopeful of beginning to operate a 300,000-ton-per-year lightweight paper machine in the next few weeks. The machine was originally used to make recycled newsprint but was idled in March 2010.

[ ](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-news031413.html). _**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3604

Resource Recycling Magazine: Portland food scraps to again cross state lines

## Portland food scraps to again cross state lines

_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

The final destination for some of Portland, Oregon's food scraps, which have been the cause of much controversy, has been determined -- for now.

Portland has long sent its commercial and residential food scraps to a facility in the state operated by Nature's Needs. The composting operation had also been the source or ire from some residents of nearby North Plains, some of which formed an activist group called "Stop the Stink" and actively lobbied to have the facility shuttered.

In January, those activists got part of their wish when the [Washington County Board of Commissioners voted](http://resource-recycling.com/node/3442) to no longer allow the facility, owned and operated by Recology Oregon Recovery, to accept commercial food scraps, which some commissioners suspected was the source of the odors. The board still allowed the facility to accept residential food scraps and yard debris.

Now, [_The Oregonian_](http://www.oregonlive.com/washingtoncounty/index.ssf/2013/03/some_portland_food_waste_likel.html) reports that Portland's commercial food scraps will be sent 200 miles away to a facility in Stanwood, Washington operated by Lentz Enterprises. The newspaper reports that the facility is permitted to accept 45,000 tons of waste annually. It has been taking food scraps for about five years, a local official told the paper, and it's never had an odor complaint. _The Oregonian_ also reports that the Recology is looking into sending material to multiple sites.

This is not the first time Portland has sent its organic materials to Washington. During a pilot program several years ago, the city shipped its food scraps and yard debris to the Seattle-area Cedar Grove composting facility.

[ ](http://web.hammermills.com/the-e-cycler-/)

**_To return to the Resource Recycling newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/RRe-news031413.html). _**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3603

Resource Recycling Magazine: NewsBits

## NewsBits

_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

**The North Face**, the outdoor clothing maker, has launched **a recycling initiative meant to recover clothes and footwear**. Working with I:CO USA, the [Clothes The Loop initiative](http://www.thenorthface.com/en_US/clothes-the-loop/) will allow customers to earn points toward discounts by dropping used clothing, regardless of brand, into specially marked bins at 10 retail outlets. The recovered clothes will then either be reused or recycled.

**The New Mexico House of Representatives** has overwhelmingly passed a [measure](http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/_session.aspx?Chamber=H&LegType=M&LegNo=56&year=13) requesting that the state Environment Department put together a stakeholder group and provide a final report to the legislature by Dec. 1, 2013 that will examine the **benefits to communities, businesses and residents of product stewardship and extended producer responsibility**. The report will focus on hard-to-recycle or toxic items, such as electronics, mercury-containing devices, paint and carpet.

**Fort Collins is now Colorado's first community** to [bar residents and businesses from throwing out old corrugated containers (OCC)](http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20130306/NEWS01/303060039/Fort-Collins-City-Council-bans-cardboard-from-trash). The City Council took the action in early March as a way to boost fiber recovery. City officials estimate that just 35 percent of the 12,000 tons of OCC generated annually ends up in the recycling stream.

As part of its [Dream Machine Recycling Initiative](http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pepsico-dream-machine-recycling-initiative-presents-500000-to-the-entrepreneurship-bootcamp-for-veterans-with-disabilities-195869141.html), which has made thousands of new recycling kiosks and bins available in public places, **PepsiCo** has made a **$500,000** donation to the **Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities**, a national nonprofit organization founded at Syracuse University's Whitman School of Management and operated by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families, which offers career training, education and job creation for post-9/11 U.S. veterans with disabilities. The total donation amount from PepsiCo to the EBV totals **$1.5 million** over the past three years.

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

**_To return to the Resource Recycling newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/RRe-news031413.html). _**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3597

Resource Recycling Magazine: Federal e-scrap report makes waves

## Federal e-scrap report makes waves

_By Jake Thomas, Resource Recycling_

The U.S. International Trade Commission has released a study that offers an exhaustive examination of exports of used electronics, an issue that has been the source of chronic controversy in the e-scrap industry. Different groups in the debate over exports are now using parts of the landmark study to bolster their arguments, and one organization continues to question the entire effort.

The [study](http://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/pub4379.pdf) is an offshoot of the Obama administration's [National Strategy for Electronics Stewardship](http://resource-recycling.com/node/1923), which seeks to better manage the large quantities of used IT equipment generated by the federal government, while also supporting various initiatives meant to increase recycling of end-of-life electronics. The strategy also calls for getting more information on this burgeoning segment of the waste stream. The study was requested by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to get better data on trade flows of used electronics.

With little such information available, debate over the issue of exports has often been driven by conjecture. The study is the most comprehensive effort to date to characterize exports of used electronics, and researchers working on it had one tool at their disposal that others looking into the topic have lacked: the ability to legally require businesses involved in the e-scrap industry to fill out and return a survey detailing their export activities.

Last year, researchers at the USITC sent out 5,200 surveys to refurbishers, recycling companies, brokers, information technology asset managers and others. The survey asked these companies what they were doing with the used computer and computer accessories, printers and telecommunication parts, as well as audio and visual equipment they collected.

Here's what USITC researchers found:

* In 2011, 70 percent of exports, by value, were tested and working products sent for reuse.
* U.S. enterprises reported $20.6 billion in total sales of used electronics in 2011, with $19.2 billion in domestic sales and $1.45 billion in exports. The study concluded that selling functioning products suitable for reuse is more lucrative than selling scrap components.
* Over half of exports went to countries that are members of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which are generally more economically developed.
* The top five destinations for U.S. exports of e-scrap in 2011 were Mexico, India, Hong Kong, China and South Korea, accounting for 74 percent of exports.
* In 2011, the U.S. exported 757,721 tons of e-scrap.
* By weight, the largest end use of exported used electronics was "materials processing," with 323,772 tons of material sent to other countries for sorting, smelting, or refining. This category made up 43 percent of all end uses.
* Survey respondents were unable to account for the final destination of 18 percent (by weight) of U.S. exports of used electronics.
* The study concluded that laws in 25 states regulating the disposal of used electronics reduced exports. It found the same for certification programs.
* About one quarter of the e-scrap industry is directly engaged in exporting, and 27 percent of non-exporters are reasonably certain that at least some of their output is later exported by another organization.
* Non-exporters were much more likely to receive e-scrap from manufacturers or public collection events. Conversely, 65 percent of e-scrap from commercial collections and acquisitions (and also the most significant source in terms of volume) was collected by companies that exported.

&nbsp_place_holder;

For years, groups such as the Basel Action Network and the Electronics TakeBack Coalition have argued that the developing world has become the dumping ground for unwanted electronics from more affluent nations. They've claimed that up to 80 percent of used electronics are sent to poor countries, where they are dismantled in ways that poison workers and the environment. These groups have called for more regulations of used electronic exports.

Groups like the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries have contended that these concerns are overblown and that exports of e-scrap are largely positive actions for the both the sending and receiving country.

"At initial blush, the report confirmed what we have long believed, and what came out of the [report] we commissioned a couple of years ago," says Robin Weiner, president of ISRI in a conversation with _Resource Recycling_. In 2011, ISRI commissioned the International Data Corporation to look into how much e-scrap is exported from the U.S. [It found that the majority is processed domestically](http://resource-recycling.com/node/2146), which aligns with conclusions drawn by the USITC study.

Weiner points out the claim from BAN and the ETBC that up to 80 percent of electronics are exported (which they first made in a 2002 report) is found lacking by the USITC study.

"[BAN] estimates were not the result of a statistical analysis," reads a footnote in the USITC study referencing this claim. "Rather, the estimates came from a nonscientific survey of industry experts' opinions conducted over 10 years ago. As discussed in this report, there are strong reasons to believe that industry conditions have changed since that time, not least due to the efforts of the organizations that published the 2002 report."

BAN and the ETBC have responded to the USITC study with a [statement](http://www.electronicstakeback.com/2013/03/13/statement-on-the-new-itc-report-on-exports-of-electronic-waste/) questioning its credibility. According to the statement, the survey methodology used in the study is flawed and doesn't answer key questions, such how much total e-scrap is exported to developing countries. It also claims that the data used in the study double or triple count the same equipment and overstate domestic sales while understating export sales. The statement from BAN and the ETBC asserts that respondents, worrying about revealing illegal or embarrassing activity, likely lied on the survey about their export activity.

Additionally, the groups point to passages in the study that note that the survey could not determine whether exports of used electronics bound for recycling or disposal were sent to facilities that had standards in place to protect worker health or the environment. The statement also points out that the study did not know the final destination of 18 percent of exports. The study presents much of its data in terms of value, not weight or volume, of material, an approach both groups say is problematic.

"Presenting data in terms of dollar values sold doesn't really shed much light on issues of actual volumes sold, and what types of equipment is sold, or its toxicity and subsequent environmental harm," reads the statement.

In Congress, legislation [referred to as the Responsible Electronics Recycling Act](http://resource-recycling.com/node/1863) (RERA) is likely to be re-introduced. The bill would prevent many used electronics from being sent to developing countries unless they were found to be in working condition. Shortly after the bill was introduced last session, a group called the Coalition for American Electronics Recycling (CAER) was formed to support its passage.

Neil Peters-Michaud, CEO of Cascade Asset Management and member of the (CAER) steering committee, says that while the study concludes that the majority of e-scrap is being processed domestically, it still highlights that there are large quantities of material being sent to the developing world that could be improperly handled. Passage of RERA, he says, would address this problem.

He points out that the study found that in 2011, 58,000 tons of e-scrap is sent to other countries for further processing and another 85,000 tons is sent for recycling or disassembly. He says that this material may be recycled in poor conditions that endanger worker health and the environment. Additionally, nearly 6,000 tons of e-scrap is sent abroad for "final disposal," which he also says is problematic.

"You don't want to trivialize the amount of equipment that's being exported because it's not just a little bit of clean up," he says. "These are significant volumes."

Additionally, he points out the study contains a section that describes some positive effects of passing RERA. The study states that if the bill were passed, it would decrease U.S. exports of used electronics to developing countries and exports that continued to these countries would be more tested and refurbished products and not obsolete products. Additionally, more recycling would take place in the U.S., and the commodity-grade materials recovered would be exported, according to the study.

Weiner says she found one part of the study where she sees opportunity for collaboration between both sides. The study found that most electronics collected for recycling come from businesses, not from individuals who might be hording old devices.

"Here's the largest untapped reservoir of electronics," she says.

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

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

[ ](http://Ousei.jp)

**_To return to the Resource Recycling newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/RRe-news031413.html). _**

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URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3605

Resource Recycling Magazine: Owens-Illinois and eCullet are going "Glass to Glass"

## Owens-Illinois and eCullet are going "Glass to Glass"

_By Jake Thomas, Resource Recycling_

Owens-Illinois and eCullet are launching a new joint venture called Glass to Glass that will build new cullet sortation facilities in the U.S. As part of the venture, eCullet, a glass processing company, will supply O-I, a glass container manufacturer, with a new source of recycled material.

According to O-I spokesperson Beth Peery, the companies are currently looking at [establishing the first facility](http://www.o-i.com/Newsroom/O-I-forms-Glass-to-Glass-joint-venture-with-eCullet/) as part of the venture in the Portland, Oregon area.

Peery says that O-I was attracted to Portland because the company already has a glass manufacturing facility in the city and because the state's container deposit program already provides the venture with a steady stream of recyclable glass.

"The majority of the recycled glass O-I uses is from the 10 bottle bill states," she says.

According to Peery, eCullet has been a long-time supplier to O-I. The new joint venture, says Peery, is expected to provide O-I with more high-quality recycled glass from eCullet's proprietary sortation technology. Peery says that the joint venture will also supply O-I with glass collected through single-stream curbside recycling. She says that eCullet has the technology that will effectively sort and clean this material so that it can be used to make new glass bottles and jars.

"The benefit of the eCullet system is that they have color sorting technology that allows us to use some curbside glass," she says. "And that's a big benefit, because were not able to use that glass today."

Meg Lynch, recycling and waste prevention manager for the regional Metro government and a former editor at this publication, says that currently much of the glass recovered through curbside collection in the area is used as cover in landfills or to make fiberglass. Recycling the glass into new products would be a better use of the material, she says.

"We want materials to go into new bottles," she says. "For us, that's the highest and best use. Local, of course, is better."

Bruce Walker, solid waste and recycling manager at the City of Portland, says that much of the glass recovered in the city is shipped to California. He expects that, if a local glass recycling facility was built, it would likely make sense economically for haulers to send the material there.

Peery says that there are no other facilities planned under the joint venture at this time.

"One at a time, and we'll just see how this goes and make further decisions from there," she says.

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

**_To return to the Resource Recycling newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/RRe-news031413.html). _**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3606

Plastics Recycling Update 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.

* **Affordable Shred** of Springfield, Illinois; **Alliance Document Shredding** of Sulphur Springs, Texas; **A Shred 2 Pieces** of Irving, Texas; **Best Shredding** of Langley, British Columbia; **DeCycleIt! Inc.** of St. Louis, Missouri; **Infoshred, Inc.** of Bedford Heights, Ohio; **IROW** of Mosinee, Wisconsin; **Land Shark Shredding LLC** of Bowling Green, Kentucky; **LeMay Mobile Shredding** of Lacey, Washington; **Pioneer SecureShred** of Minneapolis; **Royal Document Destruction, Inc.** of Gahanna, Ohio; **Security Shredding** of Lufkin, Texas; **Shred Ace** of Durham, North Carolina; **ShredYourDocs.com** of Apple Valley, California; and **Sound Shredding & Recycling** of Bellingham, Washington have either achieved or renewed their NAID Certification for Physical Destruction of Hard Drives.
* Also, **Dynamic Recycling** of La Crosse, Wisconsin has achieved NAID Certification for Computer Hard Drive Sanitization.

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-news031413.html)_**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3610

Resource Recycling Magazine: Houston awarded $1 million for dirty MRF

## Houston awarded $1 million for dirty MRF

_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

Houston will get $1 million from the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge, a competition that awards cash prizes to ideas aimed at solving urban problems, to fund its controversial project to recover and process recycling in the city.

As part of its "One Bin for All" initiative, the nation's fourth largest city intends to build a large dirty materials recovery facility, which sorts recyclables out of garbage. Residents of the city, which has struggled to raise its recycling rate, would be able to put all recyclables (including e-scrap) and waste in one bin. However, the idea has [drawn opposition from a Texas environmental group](http://resource-recycling.com/node/3571) which argues that this is the wrong approach.

The winners were announced on _MSNBC_'s "[Morning Joe](http://tv.msnbc.com/2013/03/13/bloomberg-mayors-challenge-celebrates-and-funds-local-reform/)." Providence took the $5 million grand prize, with Houston, Chicago, Philadelphia and Santa Monica, California taking $1 million runner-up prizes.

"Recycling has often been treated as an individual responsibility, like paying taxes. But Mayor Parker's innovative One Bin For All idea turns that notion on its head," New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said in a statement, reported by the [_Houston Business Journal_](http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2013/03/13/houston-named-a-bloomberg.html). "Achieving a 75 percent recycling recovery rate in Houston would represent a huge leap forward in urban sustainability practices."

According to the _Business Journal_, Houston was named the "fan favorite" based on voting on _The Huffington Post_. The project will get another $50,000 in-kind grant from IBM and be featured on _The Huffington Post_.

Winners were selected based on vision, ability to implement, potential for impact and potential for replication.

[ ](http://www.republicmachine.com/videos)

**_To return to the Resource Recycling newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/RRe-news031413.html). _**

&nbsp_place_holder;

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3608

Resource Recycling Magazine: Finalists chosen for 2013 Recycling Innovators Forum

## Finalists chosen for 2013 Recycling Innovators Forum

Out of almost 50 proposals submitted, 10 finalists have been selected to compete in the 2013 Recycling Innovators Forum.

The Recycling Innovators Forum seeks to recognize and reward original and actionable innovations that have the potential to transform the recycling industry. Though only in its first year, the Forum has long-term goals of fostering invention, originality and measurable improvement in recycling customer experiences, processes, technology and markets. The 10 finalists offer promising and innovative ideas covering a broad range of topics including plastics sortation and processing, new opportunities for recycled glass, multi-family recycling, social-local-mobile technology and more.

Finalists will present will their ideas to a panel of judges and an audience of recycling professionals, venture capitalists and clean-tech investors on August 26 at the Louisville Convention Center in Louisville, Kentucky. The judges, recognized leaders in recycling and market development, will choose three top finalists who will receive honorariums of $20,000 (first place), $5,000 (second place) and $2,000 (third place). Anyone can attend the Recycling Innovators Forum to learn more about these ten innovations.

The Forum is generously sponsored by Alcoa, the American Chemistry Council's Plastics Division, Coca-Cola Recycling, eCullet and Waste Management. For more information, please contact [info@recyclinginnovators.com](mailto:info@recyclinginnovators.com).

[ ](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-news031413.html). _**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3607

E-Scrap News Magazine: Resources for global electronics

## Resources for global electronics


_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

Mining operations around the world generate the metals used in today's computers, smartphones and tablets. _Americas Quarterly_ recently [portrayed](http://www.americasquarterly.org/charticles/natural-resource-extraction-chile-peru-colombia/) the global depth of mineral output.

Neighboring Mexico leads in the production of silver, with a 19 percent share of output in 2010, followed by Peru (15 percent). Mexico's Fresnillio silver complex is the world's largest. The U.S. market share, by comparison, is 5 percent.

For copper, South America accounts for nearly half of global output, led by Chile with a 33 percent share. U.S. mines account for 7 percent of the market.

However, the U.S. is the leading producer of gold with a 9 percent share. Newmont's Carlin-Nevada complex is the largest gold producer in the world.

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

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URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3611

Resource Recycling Magazine: The wide world of recycling

## The wide world of recycling

_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

In Europe, two companies have come up with novel plastics recycling applications, and China's new clampdown on imports of questionable recyclables could have significant bearing on markets for recycled commodities.

The Invicta Group, a Leicestershire, U.K.-based company that makes a range of household plastic goods, has become the first company to develop food-safe cups, plates and tableware made from 100-percent recycled PET and HDPE, reports [_GreenWise_](http://www.greenwisebusiness.co.uk/news/british-manufacturer-creates-worlds-first-fully-recycled-plastic-cup-3839.aspx).

Currently, the company is working with Coca-Cola to see if the cups can be adopted as standard on store shelves. Invicta is also open to working with smaller companies, reports _GreenWise_.

Invicta made the breakthrough after four years of research and investing millions of pounds. The company now has two patented processes called "rPETable" and "RNEWable."

Ecover, a Belgian maker of environmentally-conscious cleaning products, has launched a new brand of packaging that will incorporate plastics recovered from the ocean.

"We are trying to set an example by using packaging itself to help solve a problem partly created by packaging waste, and we hope that many other brand owners will follow our lead," said Philip Malmberg, CEO of Ecover, in a [post](http://www.packagingeurope.com/Packaging-Europe-News/52210/Ecover-Unveils-Plans-for-Fully-Recyclable-PCR-Plastic-.html) on the website of the trade association Packaging Europe.

Ecover will work with Waste Free Oceans, a group that works on the problem of marine debris, to send out a dedicated vessel to recover plastic waste from European coastal waters. The project will also set up collection points for the marine debris picked up by European fishing trawlers.

Boats outfitted with the customized equipment are expected to collect between two to eight tons of plastic scrap per trawl. The collected material will be sent to a facility in the U.K. run by Closed Loop Recycling for processing.

Malmberg expects the bottles containing the unique feedstock to be on the shelves by early 2014. Eighty to 90 percent of Ecover's product range will contain the feedstock, which will be mixed with a plastic made in part from sugar cane.

[_The Guardian_](http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/mar/07/ecover-sea-plastic-bottles-recycling) reports that the company did not give details as to how much of the plastic would be retrieved from the sea or what percentage of it would be used in the new bottles.

"We won't have a definitive figure on the amount we will retrieve but we are just hoping to get as much as is possible and give fishermen an incentive to join the initiative and help clean the seas," Malmberg told the paper. "We want to get the sea waste in as much of our packaging as possible -- it will always depend on the amount and quality of the plastic they have managed to capture."

As **China** cracks down on the import of poor-quality recyclables into the country, more volatility could be introduced into commodities markets, reports [_letsrecycle.com_](http://www.letsrecycle.com/news/latest-news/plastics/china-waste-crackdown-sparks-export-2018volatility2019).

According to a letter seen by letsrecycle.com from the Chinese central government to port customs officials, authorities are going to take action to reduce waste being imported from overseas, which could affect industries that rely on exporting recyclables to the country.

As Western countries export poor-quality recyclables to the East, Chinese officials have shown signs that they will be less willing to accept contaminated commodities. In August 2012, [China began rejecting recycled paper bales](http://resource-recycling.com/node/2978) due to their high contamination levels. The British plastics industry has also [become increasingly concerned](http://resource-recycling.com/node/3259) that it will lose a significant market for its recovered plastics.

According to _letsrecycle.com_, the situation could result in markets becoming less stable.

"We see markets becoming more volatile," Yaya Cao, marketing executive at the Environment Exchange, which provides a trading platform for recovered paper, told _letsrecycle.com_. "For those involved the certainty of traded forward contracts becomes increasingly desirable."

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

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URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3599

E-Scrap News Magazine: IDC numbers suggest tablets replacing PCs

## IDC numbers suggest tablets replacing PCs


_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

Just as many tablets as PCs will be shipped in 2013, according to revised projections from market research firm IDC.

Worldwide, the company [expects](http://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS24002213#.UUCfORzrz40) tablet shipments to be approximately 350 million units this year, with 191 million of those utilizing screen sizes of less than eight inches. To put this in [context](http://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS23958513#.UUC0zhzrz42), a total of 128.1 million tablets shipped worldwide in 2012. Year-over-year, PC shipments are expected to fall from 350 million units in 2012, to an expected 345 million units this year.

Growth in tablet shipments is expected to slow over the next several years, with IDC estimating a compound annual growth rate for tablet shipments of just over 16 percent through 2017. Also, the company predicts that shipments of tablets running Google's Android operating system will edge out the iPad this year, finishing 2013 with an expected 49 percent market share versus 46 percent for Apple's tablet.

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

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URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3612

Resource Recycling Magazine: NY looks to expand "bigger better bottle bill"

## NY looks to expand "bigger better bottle bill"

_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

Lawmakers in New York are considering an expansion of the Empire State's "bigger better bottle bill" to make it bigger and better.

According to [_WYSR-TV_](http://www.9wsyr.com/news/local/story/Expanded-Bottle-Bill-to-include-sports-drinks/6mO52cglg0GTaVNKL3LUjQ.cspx), the legislation being considered would expand the state's container deposit law to include all flavored water, as well as iced teas, energy drinks, sports beverages and any juice drinks containing up to 70 percent juice. New York's original bottle bill, first implemented in 1983, covered beer, wine coolers and soda. In 2009, it was expanded to encompass water bottles.

The news station cites Laura Haight, senior environmental associate with the New York Public Interest Research Group, stating that the proposed expansion could increase the number of returnable bottles by 15 percent.

According to [_The Buffalo News_](http://blogs.buffalonews.com/politics_now/2013/03/assembly-wants-to-expand-bottle-bill.html), the expansion provision is contained in a budget in the New York State Assembly. The expansion, according to the paper, would generate $5 million annually for the state's Environmental Protection Fund.

On March 11, the state Assembly passed a budget that contained the expansion.

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

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URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3602

E-Scrap News Magazine: NAID to focus on data security education

## NAID to focus on data security education


_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

The National Association for Information Destruction has embarked on a new campaign to move public perceptions of data security away from just shredding and wiping of devices.

The organization hopes to educate people that proper data security also involves developing comprehensive policies, training, auditing and identifying end-of-life service vendors. The new "[NAID 'em](http://www.naidem.org/)" campaign will use print, social marketing and Web videos to get businesses and consumers to adopt these best-practices in data security and destruction. The website for the campaign also includes a glossary of common data security terms and a directory of NAID member companies.

"I see this as an endless process," said NAID CEO Bob Johnson. "Obviously, there are many consumers who already understand that proper destruction is more than the simple act of shredding or wiping. On the other hand, there are others for whom it will take many years to reshape their thinking."

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

**_To return to the E-Scrap News newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/ESNe-news031413.html)_**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3613

E-Scrap News Magazine: NewsBits

## NewsBits


The **New Mexico House of Representatives** has overwhelmingly passed a [measure](http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/_session.aspx?Chamber=H&LegType=M&LegNo=56&year=13) requesting that the state Environment Department report to the legislature on the **benefits of extended producer responsibility** to communities, businesses and residents. The report will focus on hard-to-recycle or toxic items, such as electronics, mercury-containing devices, paint and carpet and will be completed by Dec. 1, 2013.

Patent Application No. 20130056679 has filed by the Industrial Technology Research Institute of Taiwan. The application describes **methods of recycling liquid crystal displays**.

**The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources is seeking proposals on how to manage e-scrap**. Qualified professionals are invited to submit proposals regarding the Vermont E-Cycles State Standard Plan when bidding opens May 2. More information is available [here](http://www.vermontbidsystem.com/BidPreview.aspx?BidID=9697).

Despite a law banning electronics from being disposed of in landfills or incinerators, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says **some residents have resorted to illegally dumping materials**, according to the [_Superior Telegram_](http://www.superiortelegram.com/event/article/id/75188/group/News/).

[ ](http://web.hammermills.com/the-e-cycler-/)

**_To return to the E-Scrap News newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/ESNe-news031413.html)_**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3609

Resource Recycling Magazine: Big bin on campus

## Big bin on campus

_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

The philanthropic arm of aluminum titan Alcoa is partnering with two other organizations to improve the recycling infrastructure at college campuses.

The Alcoa Foundation will be working with national beautification organization Keep America Beautiful (KAB) and the College & University Recycling Coalition (CURC), an organization that facilitates the exchange of technical information and best practices for waste reduction at institutions of higher learning, to provide more than 11,500 recycling bins to 35 college and universities throughout the U.S. These recycling bins will help to expand on-campus recycling programs and raise awareness about the environmental impact of recycling.

The Alcoa Foundation Recycling Bin Grant Program was created to help schools boost their recycling results during the eight-week RecycleMania tournament, a competition among colleges and universities to see which can recycle the most, while also strengthening their recycling efforts by reaching more than 300,000 students, staff, faculty and campus visitors throughout the year.

The grantees will each receive between 100 and 1,500 recycling bins in different on-campus settings – student housing and academic buildings, athletic facilities, administrative offices and in outdoor public spaces. This year's variety of recycling bins has enabled selected schools to install additional recycling infrastructure where they need it most in an effort to divert recyclables from the waste stream.

Additionally, the CURC will be hosting a series of [webinars](http://www.curc3r.org/) on sustainable materials management.

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

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URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3601

Resource Recycling Magazine: Certifying zero waste

## Certifying zero waste

_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

Businesses committed to generating zero waste now have a way to prove it with a new certification program.

The U.S. Zero Waste Business Council, the nonprofit organization that encourages and assists businesses seeking to divert 90 percent of their waste from landfills and incinerators, has launched the first zero waste business certification program in the country. The announcement comes with the issuance of certifications to three Whole Food Market stores in San Diego County, California. The three stores earned the certification after being audited by the council, proving that they successfully reduce, reuse, recycle and compost.

The trio of stores achieved the bronze level of certification and can earn the platinum level by increasing diversion, implementing upstream policies and getting total participation from team members, vendors and customers.

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

**_To return to the Resource Recycling newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/RRe-news031413.html). _**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3600

California appeals court upholds injunction against biosolids ban

A California appeals court upheld a preliminary injunction in a case pitting Los Angeles against Kern County over biosolids.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130314/NEWS08/130319980

Ohio city earns $121,000 through recycling increase

For the first time Dayton has increased its yearly recycling while decreasing its trash tonnage.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130314/NEWS02/130319978

He's a recycling entrepreneur -- and 4th-grader

California's Vanis Buckholz, 10, picks up recycling on his bicycle

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130314/NEWS02/130319975

Group urges NYC to stop crooked waste brokers, halt cardboard theft

NSWMA wants New York's Business Integrity Commission to revise regulations 'to level playing field'; cardboard theft costing millions

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130314/NEWS06/130319977

Trade organization team up to oppose $2.3 million landfill odor verdict

NSWMA, SWANA and ISRI file a brief opposing the 2012 jury award in South Carolina.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130314/NEWS01/130319981

Florida trash worker hospitalized after inhaling toxic fumes

Worker in stable condition after muriatic acid in truck causes reaction

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130313/NEWS06/130319982

Biochemical engineering: Waste not, want not

A simple fermentation treatment can convert a by-product of biofuel production into a valuable chemical feedstock for a wide range of biomedical products.

URL: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/earth_climate/recycling_and_waste/~3/yQPDyWy-K8k/130313111705.htm

Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District awards more than $200, 000 in recycling grants

The Cuyahoga County (Ohio) Solid Waste District awarded $221,338 in grants to local communities, schools and non-profit organizations to help them establish, expand and promote recycling programs.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130313/NEWS02/130319983

WRN wins coveted Neal Award

Weekly online news show 'Curbside Live' honored as Best Webcast by American Business Media

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130313/NEWS01/130319984

Houston wins $1 million for dirty MRF project

Project also wins $50,000 fan favorite prize through Bloomberg Philanthropies.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130313/NEWS08/130319986

Plastics Recycling Update Magazine: Europe seeks ways to boost plastic recovery

## Europe seeks ways to boost plastic recovery


_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

Member states need to favor plastic waste prevention and recycling over disposal, according to a new green paper from European Union Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik.

This latest call for more and better plastic recycling in the EU coincides with new numbers from the Environment Commission that indicate the annual output of European plastic recycling firms is the equivalent of just two weeks of demand for plastics from European businesses.

"Managing plastic waste is a major challenge in terms of environmental protection, but it's also a huge opportunity for resource efficiency," said Potocnik, in a prepared statement. "In a circular economy where high recycling rates offer solutions to material scarcity, I believe plastic has a future. I invite all stakeholders to participate in this process of reflection on how to make plastic part of the solution rather than the problem."

The green paper offers some suggestions to boost recycling in the EU, such as landfill bans, landfill taxes and pay-as-you-throw programs, but it is primarily designed to [seek input](http://ec.europa.eu/environment/consultations/plastic_waste_en.htm) from stakeholders in the various member states. The paper includes 26 questions seeking input on the effectiveness of various collection, processing and regulatory issues, as well as on matters relating to plastic product design.

The consultation period will last through June of this year, with policy recommendations scheduled for 2014.

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

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URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3594

Worker run over, killed by garbage truck in California

44-year-old man allegedly tripped in front of truck.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130313/NEWS06/130319985

Plastics Recycling Update Magazine: New packaging to contain marine plastic scrap

## New packaging to contain marine plastic scrap


_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

Ecover, a Belgian maker of environmentally conscious cleaning products, has launched a new brand of packaging that will incorporate plastics recovered from the ocean.

"We are trying to set an example by using packaging itself to help solve a problem partly created by packaging waste, and we hope that many other brand owners will follow our lead," said Philip Malmberg, CEO of Ecover, in a [post](http://www.packagingeurope.com/Packaging-Europe-News/52210/Ecover-Unveils-Plans-for-Fully-Recyclable-PCR-Plastic-.html) on the website of the trade association Packaging Europe.

Ecover will work with Waste Free Oceans, a group that works on the problem of marine debris, to send out a dedicated vessel to recover plastic waste from European coastal waters. The project will also set up collection points for the marine debris picked up by European fishing trawlers. Boats outfitted with the customized equipment are expected to collect between two to eight tons of plastic scrap per trawl. The collected material will be sent to a facility in the U.K. run by Closed Loop Recycling for processing.

Malmberg expects the bottles containing the unique feedstock to be on the shelves by early 2014. Eighty to 90 percent of Ecover's product range will contain the feedstock, which will be mixed with a plastic made in part from sugar cane.

[_The Guardian_](http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/mar/07/ecover-sea-plastic-bottles-recycling) reports that the company did not give details as to how much of the plastic would be retrieved from the sea or what percentage of it would be used in the new bottles.

"We won't have a definitive figure on the amount we will retrieve but we are just hoping to get as much as is possible and give fishermen an incentive to join the initiative and help clean the seas," Malmberg told the paper. "We want to get the sea waste in as much of our packaging as possible -- it will always depend on the amount and quality of the plastic they have managed to capture."

[ ](http://youtu.be/ddm0-z6WibM)

**_To return to the Plastics Recycling Update newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/PRUe-news031313.html)_**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3593

Teacher invents dual purpose can

The BinBisa was designed to replace a garbage bin normally found in a bathroom, bedroom, dorm room, office or any other small space that lacks a recycling bin.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130313/NEWS02/130319987

Plastics Recycling Update Magazine: PetroChem Wire: Recycled HDPE pellet prices firm in February

## PetroChem Wire: Recycled HDPE pellet prices firm in February


_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

Prices for HDPE film pellet rose 1-3 cents per pound in late February on higher prime PE prices in January.

Natural pellet sold at a high of 61 cents per pound and black sold at 58-60 cents per pound, at parity or a penny over mixed colored pellets. HDPE fractional melt dairy pellets consolidated at 60-63 cents per pound, up 2-3 cents per pound from January. At the same time, for regrind, HDPE HMW film prices declined 2-3 cents per pound as demand fell in late February, but still ended February slightly higher than end-January.

Natural HMW film regrind sold at a high of 55 cents per pound in late February, off 3 cents per pound from mid-February's high but still up around a penny from end-January. HDPE frac melt pipe regrind sold at 43 cents per pound, steady on mid-February. LDPE injection mixed color regrind was quoted at 36-38 cents per pound, with natural quoted at 41-43 cents per pound, up from January's price spreads of 34-36 cents per pound and 39-41 cents per pound respectively. In the prime HDPE market, generic spot blow mold was stable in February at 64.5 cents per pound.

For more information about _PetroChem Wire's_ twice-monthly _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)

**_To return to the Plastics Recycling Update newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/PRUe-news031313.html)_**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3595

Plastics Recycling Update Magazine: New York considering bottle bill expansion

## New York considering bottle bill expansion


_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

Lawmakers in New York are considering an expansion of the Empire State's "bigger better bottle bill" to make it bigger and better.

According to [_WYSR-TV_](http://www.9wsyr.com/news/local/story/Expanded-Bottle-Bill-to-include-sports-drinks/6mO52cglg0GTaVNKL3LUjQ.cspx), the legislation being considered would expand the state's container deposit law to include all flavored water, as well as iced teas, energy drinks, sports beverages and any juice drinks containing up to 70 percent juice. New York's original bottle bill, first implemented in 1983, covered beer, wine coolers and soda. In 2009, it was expanded to encompass water bottles.

The news station cites Laura Haight, senior environmental associate with the New York Public Interest Research Group, stating that the proposed expansion could increase the number of returnable bottles by 15 percent.

According to [_The Buffalo News_](http://blogs.buffalonews.com/politics_now/2013/03/assembly-wants-to-expand-bottle-bill.html), the expansion provision is contained in a budget in the New York State Assembly. The expansion, according to the paper, would generate $5 million annually for the state's Environmental Protection Fund.

On March 11, the state Assembly passed a budget that contained the expansion.

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

**_To return to the Plastics Recycling Update newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/PRUe-news031313.html)_**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3596

Plastics Recycling Update Magazine: Patent watch

## Patent watch


German firm CVP Clean Value Plastics GmbH has received Patent No. 8,388,873, which describes **a method of recycling mixed plastic waste.**

Krones AG has been awarded Patent No. 8,394,866, which describes **a heating method for decontaminating PET flakes.**

Gregory Dunstan of Bakersfield, California has successfully patented **a new type of plastic shredder**, outlined in Patent No. 8,393,562.

A team of Taiwanese inventors have filed Patent Application No. 20130059968, which describes **a method of creating a composite material from blending Nylon and PET.**

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.herboldusa.net/pru)

**_To return to the Plastics Recycling Update newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/PRUe-news031313.html)_**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3592

Biodegradable diapers from recycled cardboard

Biodegradable nonwovens can be manufactured cost-effectively using a new method. Scientists have developed a process that enables recycled paper and cardboard to be used as a raw material for nonwovens. Hygiene and home care products, such as diapers, sanitary napkins and cleaning cloths, are among the many items that can be manufactured from the biodegradable nonwovens.

URL: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/earth_climate/recycling_and_waste/~3/wPPgXA2bKhk/130313095424.htm

Plastics Recycling Update Magazine: NewsBits

## NewsBits


The Invicta Group, a Leicestershire, U.K.-based company that makes a range of household plastic goods, has become the first company to develop **food-safe cups, plates and tableware made from 100-percent recycled PET and HDPE**, reports [_GreenWise_](http://www.greenwisebusiness.co.uk/news/british-manufacturer-creates-worlds-first-fully-recycled-plastic-cup-3839.aspx). Currently, the company is working with Coca-Cola, and other companies, to see if the cups can be adopted for use on store shelves.

Residents in **54 Connecticut towns can now recycle large rigid plastic items** in their recycling bins, such as toys, beverage crates, storage containers or laundry baskets, through a [Connecticut Resource Recovery Authority](http://www.crra.org/) program.

A [new zero-energy home](http://www.gizmag.com/tvzeb-zero-energy-home-in-italy/26583/) constructed by the Italian architectural firm Traverso-Vighy and the University of Padua is **insulated using 40,000 recovered plastic bottles**, processed into polyester fiber.

**Pakistan has imported over 121,000 tons of plastic scrap over the past three years without proper compliance documents.** Under Pakistani law, plastic scrap imports must be [accompanied](http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/pakistan-afghanistan/228313-plastic-scrap-imported-without-recycling-units.html) by a certificate from the exporting country detailing the composition of the scrap and stating that it is not hazardous.

[ ](http://www.plasticsrecycling.org/news/news-archives/58-press-release/172-caps-on-bottles-for-recycling)

**_To return to the Plastics Recycling Update newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/PRUe-news031313.html)_**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3591

Homeless Navy veteran ticketed for looking through trash for food

Incident in Houston is receiving national attention.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130312/NEWS06/130319992

Casella Waste pushing into oil and gas field wastes market in Pa.

Casella Waste Systems is looking to expand its traditional business model.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130312/NEWS01/130319993

Phoenix set goals to divert 40% of waste from landfills by 2020

Phoenix is launching a solid waste sustainability program that will focus on diverting 40% of waste from landfills by 2020.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130312/NEWS01/130319991

Waste consultant finds hole in market

Wisconsin, a state known for its aggressive recycling agenda, is getting its first full-service mattress recycler.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130312/NEWS02/130319990

Casella Waste using bond proceeds to repay certain debt

A bond offering guaranteed by Casella Waste Systems will go toward repayment of borrowings under the company's revolving credit facility for assets purchased in Vermont.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130312/NEWS01/130319994

White Castle composts food, paper waste

Fast food chain White Castle has launched a pilot composting program at six of its Ohio restaurants.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130312/NEWS03/130319989

City waste hauler begins food waste pilot program in California

Hauler in Ukiah launched a pilot food waste composting program for local businesses, according to The Ukiah Daily Journal.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130312/NEWS01/130319988

Pittsburgh's leaky faucet: How aging sewers are impacting urban watersheds

Aging sewer systems are spilling a considerable amount of nitrogen into urban watersheds, diminishing both the quality of water and ecosystems' habitats. However, many studies documenting the impacts of nitrogen on urban environs have not properly estimated the contribution of leaky sewer systems -- until now.

URL: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/earth_climate/recycling_and_waste/~3/ZcdsESjqCk0/130311124203.htm

Fraud, lower scrap generation reduces revenue for Sims

Sims Metal Management Ltd. reported fiscal half-year revenues of $3.49 billion (3.4 billion Australian dollars) and a net loss after tax of $303.4 million, or $1.48 per diluted share, amid inventory valuation issues and allegations of fraud at its U.K.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130311/NEWS04/130309921

Probe of New Orleans landfill abruptly ends with no charges

A four-year federal investigation into a New Orleans-area landfill has come to an abrupt end with prosecutors saying they were throwing out indictments and no longer pursuing charges, according to a local news report.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130311/NEWS01/130319995

Portland commercial food waste likely headed to Washington facility

Commercial food waste from the city of Portland, Ore., is expected to be accepted at Lenz Enterprises, an "earth materials," business located in Stanwood, Wash.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130311/NEWS02/130319996

Study finds that 25% of all e-waste handlers directly engage in exporting

Exports make up only 7% of total sales in the $20.6 billion market.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130311/NEWS08/130309920

WM looks to make unprofitable recycling customers profitable

The company will give customers the option to take a price increase or walk away.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130311/NEWS01/130319998

Toronto trash truck strikes, kills 5-year-old girl

Two other children suffer minor injuries; driver collapses in shock.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130311/NEWS06/130309929

North Carolina county looking to construct regional landfill

Randolph County, N.C., is moving forward with plans to construct a new regional landfill, according to a local news report.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130311/NEWS01/130319997

E-Scrap News Magazine: New EPA chief has e-scrap background

## New EPA chief has e-scrap background

_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

President Barack Obama has nominated Gina McCarthy to head the Environmental Protection Agency. Although McCarthy is best known for her work on air quality, she has occupied state-level positions where she sought to increase recycling rates and helped launched a new e-scrap program. During her career, she has also shown openness to producer responsibility measures.

Currently an assistant administrator at the EPA overseeing air quality, McCarthy has held positions at nearly every layer government. She served as the commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection before coming to Washington in 2009. Before that she served as deputy secretary of operations for the Massachusetts Office of Commonwealth Development, a position that coordinates environmental policies and programs in the state. McCarthy has served under both Democrats and Republicans, including failed presidential candidates Mitt Romney and Michael Dukakis. She is known for her Boston accent, sense of humor and willingness to work with business.

Although climate change is likely to consume much of McCarthy's work should she be confirmed, she has a record of supporting recycling initiatives and has been described as a [friend of the industry](http://resource-recycling.com/node/3494). She helped found the Product Stewardship Institute, an organization that seeks to reduce the environmental impact of consumer products, and served on its board during its early years.

According to past media accounts in Connecticut and Massachusetts, McCarthy helped oversee recycling initiatives in roles she occupied in both states.

In 2004, she became commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), a position she would occupy until 2009, when she was nominated to serve in the Obama EPA. While at the DEP, she called for a doubling of the state's recycling rate from 30 percent to 58 percent.

"We all need to be aware of the ramifications of our actions and decisions and take more responsibility for the waste we produce," McCarthy is quoted as saying in a column that appeared in a 2007 edition of the Norwich Bulletin. "We need to shift away from a 'throwaway society' toward a system that promotes a reduction in the generation and toxicity of the trash we produce and dispose of through increased source reduction, reuse and recycle."

Part of Connecticut's new recycling goals would require recovering material from new waste streams, particularly electronics, newspapers quote McCarthy as saying. Her comments from the time show that she was willing to hold electronics manufacturers responsible for their end-of-life products.

"Our challenge to manufacturers will be for them to support recycling and take responsibility for the materials they are placing in the waste chain," said McCarthy in a 2007 Courant article. "That way we're leading a world where we're all intelligently managing the problems our success creates."

In 2008 the (DEP), joined the Northeast States Electronics Challenge. The program is meant to reduce the environmental impact of electronics products purchased by participating organizations. Organizations participating in the program must dispose of their end-of-life electronics in an environmentally responsible way.

Under McCarthy, the DEP developed an e-scrap program that created a network of drop-off locations for unwanted computers, monitors and televisions.

The Obama administration [has taken an interest](http://resource-recycling.com/node/1923) in electronics recycling, launching efforts to provide better stewardship of the large volume of computers and IT assets the federal government uses and discards every year.

[ ](http://web.hammermills.com/the-e-cycler-/)

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

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&nbsp_place_holder;

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3579

Study finds that 25% of all e-waste handlers directly engage in exporting

Exports make up only 7% of total sales in the $20.6 billion market.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130308/NEWS08/130309920

Heating with powder and plastic wastes

Disposing of waste – whether it is coating powder or swarf – is expensive. In the future, a combustor for powdery residues will enable companies to cut disposal costs and heating costs at the same time.

URL: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/earth_climate/recycling_and_waste/~3/wWkcJVYQp3A/130307145143.htm

City Council discontinues municipal trash service in Batavia, New York

Residents will have to contract with waste haulers individually.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130308/NEWS01/130309927

Alcoa, Keep America Beautiful team up to help college students recycle

The duo will to provide more than 11,500 recycling bins to 35 colleges and universities throughout the country.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130308/NEWS02/130309925

Toronto trash truck strikes, kills 5-year-old girl

Two other children suffer minor injuries; driver collapses in shock.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130308/NEWS06/130309929

Covanta increases quarterly cash dividend 10%

The quarterly dividend is now 16.5 cents per share, or 66 cents per share annually.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130308/NEWS04/130309926

Advance Disposal continues to add to staff

Company appoints John Spegal as vice president of business development.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130308/NEWS01/130309928

New app puts players behind the controls of a WTE crane

Getting tired of Angry Birds and Words With Friends? Do you shake your fist at the lack of waste-themed games available on your smartphone or tablet? Shake your fist no more.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130308/NEWS02/130309932

Tire monitoring system expanding to waste industry

Technology allows trucks to drive over sensor for tire wear and pressure readings.

URL: http://wasteandrecyclingnews.com/article/20130308/NEWS01/130309966

Plastics Recycling Update Magazine: PetroChem Wire: Recycled PS prices nudged higher in February

## _PetroChem Wire_: Recycled PS prices nudged higher in February


_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

Recycled HIPS and GPPS pellet prices moved higher in February, following January prime PS price trends.

HIPS mixed color pellets sold as high as 74 cents per pound, while GPPS black pellets sold as high as 56 cents per pound. HIPS and GPPS flake material were up an average of a penny per pound, on a similar dynamic. In the prime polystyrene market, generic HIPS rose 2.5 cents per pound in January and stood at $1.04 per pound at the end of January, but fell in February to end the month at 99.5 cents 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.weimaamerica.com/)

**_To return to the Plastics Recycling Update newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/PRUe-news030713.html)_**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3584

Plastics Recycling Update Magazine: NewsBits

## NewsBits


**Legislation introduced in California** would create a plan to identify products that contribute the most to **plastic ocean pollution** and then require the companies that make them to collect more of them for recycling, reports the [_San Diego Union-Tribune_](http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/feb/25/marine-plastic-trash-pacific-gyre-assembly/). The bill would require the state to develop a plan to **reduce marine plastic pollution by at least 75 percent**.

The fate of Los Angeles County's **bag ban may be decided by the California Supreme Court**. Despite the state appeals court upholding the ban on the free distribution of plastic bags in L.A. County, lawyers representing those opposed to the 10-cent bag fee [say they will](http://waste360.com/court-cases/los-angeles-bag-ban-opponents-plan-supreme-court-appeal-after-ruling) take the matter to the state's highest court, arguing that it violates a law requiring voter approval for new taxes and fees.

_The Atlantic_ has a piece on the [history of beverage container recycling](http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2013/02/a-pocket-history-of-bottle-recycling/273575/) and how **race, economic class and empty containers have intersected** throughout U.S. history. "Bottles were once valuable objects, not to be easily discarded," reads the article.

**GreenBiz** has an exit [interview](http://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2013/03/04/exit-interview-kim-jeffrey-nestle-water?page=0%2C0&mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRonvanPZKXonjHpfsX56u0rWaezlMI%2F0ER3fOvrPUfGjI4ASctkI%2BSLDwEYGJlv6SgFSLHEMa5qw7gMXRQ%3D) with **Kim Jeffery, the outgoing CEO of Nestle Waters** that explains how he became an unlikely advocate of legislation that would establish a framework for extended producer responsibility for many types of consumer packaging. "I've waded into that discussion in the recycling area where, initially, when I started proposing extended producer responsibility-type legislation to deal with all of the recyclable materials that we have, people initially thought, 'Well, he's just trying to get out of a bottle bill,'" he says in the interview.

The **United Arab Emirates'** Ministry of the Environment has issued a decree **banning all non-biodegradable plastic containers** from the country. Lightweight plastic litter is a leading cause of camel deaths in the country, according to [_Albawaba_](http://www.albawaba.com/business/uae-plastic-ban-474666).

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

**_To return to the Plastics Recycling Update newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/PRUe-news030713.html)_**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3581

Plastics Recycling Update Magazine: Oregon to study plastic recycling improvements

## Oregon to study plastic recycling improvements


_By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling_

Oregon is on the verge of launching a major study on new ways to increase the recovery of scrap plastics.

Developed through a partnership between the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and the Metro regional government, which includes Portland and other local governments in the surrounding tri-county area, the initiative will convene an advisory group of stakeholders who will then work with a contractor to assess possible methods to improve plastics recycling in the state.

The contractor's work will likely include identifying types and volumes of plastics that are currently collected for processing, as well as those that could potentially be collected; identifying and evaluating sorting, purifying and processing technologies; evaluating potential end-markets; conducting a life-cycle assessment for each type of plastic material stream; and finally, developing policy and technical recommendations for the increased recovery of plastics.

Those interested in the project should contact Peter Spendelow at ODEQ, [here](mailto:SPENDELOW.Peter@deq.state.or.us).

[ ](http://youtu.be/ddm0-z6WibM)

**_To return to the Plastics Recycling Update newsletter, click [here](http://www.resource-recycling.com/images/e-newsletterimages/PRUe-news030713.html)_**

URL: http://resource-recycling.com/node/3585