News
EPA reassessing emissions rules for “chemical recycling” of plastics
A 2020 EPA proposal would have exempted key processes for recycling plastics from the monitoring and emissions requirements applied to solid waste incinerators.
Connecticut’s ambitious waste management bill ready for Governor’s signature after multiple amendments
Amendments to Connecticut’s HB6664 eliminated provisions for extended producer responsibility for packaging and municipal food scrap collection.
Plastics Reduction Act among multitude of Massachusetts bills addressing plastic waste in current biennium
A recent forum in Boston featured a comprehensive bill that combines provisions in a number of the many stand-alone bills proposed to address various aspects of plastic waste.
Will York Pennsylvania be the first American city to be free of plastic waste?
York, PA is partnering with a local company to eliminate the city’s plastic waste.
Model executive order on municipal food waste reduction now available
The Environmental Law Institute and Natural Resources Defense Council have developed a model Executive Order on Municipal Leadership on Food Waste Reduction to help cities lead by example in efforts to reduce the amount of food waste disposed of in landfills.
Vermont’s Bottle Bill update on hold
The Vermont Legislature adjourned without holding a concurrence vote on amendments to a bill updating the State’s 1972 Bottle Bill.
Vermont passes Extended Producer Responsibility law
Household hazardous waste (HHW) requires special handling to protect human health and the environment. Special drop-off locations and local HHW collection days are typical strategies for keeping hazardous substances such as pesticides and lead paint out of landfills. The Vermont legislature recently passed a bill that will require manufacturers of hazardous household products to participate in planning for the management of their hazardous products.
Maine increases bottle bill handling fees
After rising costs triggered closure of more than 15% of Maine’s bottle bill redemption centers in less than three years, Governor Janet Mills recently signed emergency legislation to increase handling fees.
Call for bans on high-risk single-use plastic items
The World Wildlife Fund has released companion technical reports that identify plastic products most damaging to the environment and propose global control measures for these items.
Renewable energy is creating a new waste stream
Ramping up conversions to renewable energy systems is critical to curbing climate change, but what is to be done with old solar panels, wind turbines, and lithium-ion batteries? Learn about evolving efforts to keep these materials out of landfills.
Northeast Recycling Council Webinars
Informative webinar recordings available for viewing from the Northeast Recycling Council.
Updates on other state’s solid waste legislation
Interested in what other state legislatures are considering in the current session to address solid waste? Waste Dive provides recent updates.
“Landfill legislation – if we’re going to kick the can down the road, let’s at least do it right”
Landfill legislation – If we’re going to kick the can down the road, let’s at least do it right. By Eliot Wessler, reprinted from the Concord Monitor, April 21, 2023.
“Great savings in a circular economy”
Circular Economy Commentary by Ann Podlipny – great savings in a circular economy…
Extended Producer Responsibility effort moves forward in Maryland
Extended Producer Responsibility effort moves forward in Maryland. Recently signed legislation requires the Maryland Department of the Environment to approve a producer responsibility organization by October 1, 2003 and authorizes an independent needs assessment to be completed by the end of July 2024.
EPA 2021 emissions report released
The Environmental Protection Agency has released its 2021 report on air pollution emissions.
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