Media Information.

Closed Loop Partners, with support from RRS, released a best practices guide to help U.S. MRFs optimize recycling operations and prepare for expanding EPR programs.

The Poly Coated Paper Alliance (PCPA) — managed by RRS — has launched a renewed national strategy to make poly-coated paper products like cups and ice cream tubs a routine part of curbside recycling.

As part of UB’s Zero Waste Plan, RRS helped design strategies for campus-wide organics capture—now realized through student apartment composting.

Colorado Springs is expanding recycling access with support from the state’s producer responsibility law and a waste study led by RRS and Colorado Circular Communities, revealing only 17% of recyclables are currently diverted.

A report from Suppliers Partnership for the Environment, developed with RRS and Fisher Packaging, offers strategies and a playbook to improve recycling of automotive plastic packaging and advance a circular economy.

New research from RRS, commissioned by the Aluminum Association and Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI), confirms that aluminum beverage cans move from recycling bin to newly formed can in less than 60 days. With 97% of recycled aluminum beverage cans becoming new cans, this study highlights aluminum’s role as one of the most efficient and sustainable packaging materials.

Learn how aluminum’s closed-loop recycling system reduces waste, saves energy, and strengthens the circular economy.

The NextCycle Sustainable Packaging Accelerator and NextCycle Michigan are now accepting applications through March 31. These programs provide business and technical support to projects that help divert materials from landfills and strengthen circular economy initiatives. The Sustainable Packaging Accelerator focuses on improving packaging recyclability and efficiency in Michigan and Ohio, while NextCycle Michigan supports public and private sector projects aimed at expanding recycling infrastructure and supply chain solutions within the state. Both programs offer expert coaching, funding pathways, and a final showcase event to connect participants with investors and industry leaders.

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has formed the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance (PSRA) to increase the availability and effectiveness of polystyrene recycling in the U.S. The initiative brings together various stakeholders, from manufacturers to recyclers, with the shared goal of achieving widespread recyclability for polystyrene by 2030. RRS is playing a role in helping guide the strategy through a detailed plan that focuses on expanding recycling systems and raising awareness about sustainable practices.

The growing waste challenge in Summit County and Park City, Utah, is attributed to the influx of visitors and the success of local ski resorts. Recycle Utah has proposed a new $25 million recycling facility to address these challenges, diverting waste and reducing pressure on the county's rapidly filling landfill. The plan includes working with RRS to analyze current waste management practices and improve diversion efforts for a more sustainable future.

Effective recycling education requires strategic planning to overcome barriers like language differences, accessibility issues, and confusion about messaging. RRS consultants shared insights at the Resource Recycling Conference on how to design impactful communication campaigns, highlighting the importance of audience understanding, avoiding jargon, and utilizing multiple channels to reinforce messages and boost recycling participation.

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has launched the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance (PSRA) to advance polystyrene recycling across the U.S. Collaborating with brands, recyclers, and other stakeholders, the initiative aims for “widely recyclable status” by 2030. RRS is playing a key role in developing a comprehensive roadmap to guide this effort, focusing on expanding infrastructure and educational initiatives.

Anne Johnson, Vice President of Global Corporate Sustainability, discusses key trends in packaging recycling, including technological advancements, standardized recycling practices, and the rise of extended producer responsibility (EPR). She stresses the importance of industry collaboration to address challenges such as contamination and gaps in infrastructure, while also emphasizing the crucial role of consumer education in improving recycling outcomes.

The recycling industry is evolving rapidly, with materials recovery facilities (MRFs) facing challenges like stricter regulations, new technologies, and shifting market dynamics. Recycling veteran Michael Timpane shares insights on how MRF operators can adapt to these changes, manage risks, and seize opportunities to ensure long-term stability and growth.