This Week in Waste: Top Stories from February 28 - March 4

From environmental justice to plastics, Waste360 readers were hungry to know about industry news this week. Here are the top stories that generated discussion.

1. Practical Justice: Preparing to Comply with N.J.’s Environmental Justice Law

In our latest episode of NothingWasted!, we bring you a dynamic session from WasteExpo Together Online 2021, “Practical Justice: Preparing to Comply with NJ’s Environmental Justice Law.” You will hear from Matt Karmel, attorney at Riker Danzig Scherer Hyland & Perretti LLP, a firm that focuses on sustainability, waste management and recycling.

Listen to Matt Karmel here.

2. Q&A with Glass Packaging Institute’s DeFife: Is There a Circular Future for Glass?

The Glass Packaging Institute has set a national goal to reach glass recycling rates above 50%. GPI President Scott DeFife talked to Waste360 about challenges unique to each region, how the industry is working to address them and what yet has to happen. He also had words about the debate on whether single stream and glass recycling can work together.

Read more here.

3. Let’s Talk Glass Recycling

In this episode of Unpacking Recycling with Charlotte, we cover all things glass. From trends in glass production and recycling and tips on proper recycling of various containers – to how local communities are getting creative in recycling glass —Charlotte tells it like it is.

Read more here.

4. Driving Innovation to Advance Plastics Circularity

Last week, I attended the “Driving Innovation to Advance Plastics Circularity” webinar. The discussion covered practical solutions to address gaps in the plastics value chain, and how collaboration, innovation and investment can help to power the transition.

Read more here.

5. Measuring and Reducing Methane Emissions from MSW Landfills

Most of the reductions in MSW landfill methane emissions occurred between 1990 and 2005 where MSW landfills methane emissions dropped by nearly 30%. In that same time period, MSW landfill methane generation actually increased by 32%. In order to accomplish such a significant drop while increasing methane generation, the amount of methane controlled by MSW landfills more than tripled.

Read more here.