This Week in Waste: Top Stories February 21-25

1. Episode 142: The Science of Sustainability
Liz Bothwell

This episode of Waste360’s NothingWasted!, we bring you a dynamic session called “The Science of Sustainability.” This session features speaker Bryan Staley, president & CEO, Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF).

Listen to the podcast here.

2. City of Orlando Marches Up the Food Recovery Hierarchy
Stefanie Valentic

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has been collaborating with several agencies and stakeholders across the United States to "drive dramatic, system-wide waste reduction," with efforts in Baltimore, Denver, Nashville and New York City. The city of Orlando recently partnered with the group via a technical assistance grant to drive food recovery efforts.

Read the article here.

3. EREF Study Shows Average MSW Tip Fee Increase Slowed in 2021
EREF Staff

Results from the 2021 EREF analysis of MSW landfill tip fees indicate a 0.6 percent increase in the unweighted national average to $54.03 per ton since 2020 and a decrease of 1.0 percent in the ton-weighted national average to $54.17.

Read the article here.

4. Could PHA Bioplastics Market Gain on Petroleum-based Plastics?
Arlene Karidis

California-based Full Cycle Bioplastics has developed a patent pending biotechnology that uses food waste, and co-founders and brothers Jeff and Dane Anderson say they can make product at a cost that’s competitive with virgin plastic derived from fossil fuel. At the same time, they can turn carbon into a circular commodity.

Read the article here.

5. Episode 2: Let's Talk Plastic

In our latest episode of Unpacking Recycling with Charlotte, we cover all things plastic. From what to do with plastic caps and bottles with different types of labels, to clamshell packaging, HDPE and more, Charlotte breaks it all down.

Watch the episode here.