Recycling in the USA: closed doors, rPEt surge & organics ban

United States – Here’s a look at recent developments in North American recycling, courtesy of our content partner Resource Recycling…

A controversial mixed-waste materials recovery facility has shut down in Montgomery, Alabama. The MRF, operated by a company called IREP, had plans to sort out recyclable materials from garbage and eliminate the need for sorting by residents. It’s unclear if the facility will re-open.

The state of California is considering a ban on disposal of organic materials, a step that would make the Golden State the first to enact such a measure. The idea is discussed in a plan issued by a state-appointed board that develops recommendations for lifting air quality.

Soft drink behemoth Pepsi says it increased its use of post-consumer recycled PET plastic by 23 percent last year. The recycled plastic made up 8 percent of total PET usage by the company.