This Week in Waste: Top Stories March 7 - March 10

The value of recycled materials captured Waste360 readers' interest this week.

1. Episode 4: Finding the Value in Metal Recycling
Liz Bothwell

In our latest episode of Unpacking Recycling with Charlotte, we cover all things metal. From what to do with those little tabs on metal cans and K-cup lids, to whether it is better to buy metal vs. plastic packaging, Charlotte answers your most pressing questions and offers helpful tips.

Watch it here.

2. Global Company Ranpak Expands its Sustainable Packaging Portfolio
Arlene Karidis

Concord, OH-based Ranpak is bringing drain-safe, plant-based cool gel packs to the U.S. with the acquisition of European company Recycold. Through the years it expanded its portfolio of sustainable packaging mainly for e-commerce and manufacturers, with offerings like curbside-recyclable paper cushioning to protect products during shipping and paper pads that insulate perishables.

Read the story here.

3. How Some Food Companies Lean on Artificial Intelligence to Address Supply Chain Bottlenecks
Arlene Karidis

How can technology that leverages artificial intelligence help companies reduce operational wastes? Software developer ThroughPut’s COO Seth Page answers this question, looking specifically at enterprises in the food space –companies and their upstream suppliers, their downstream shippers, and retailers. 

Read the story here.

4. What the UNEA Plastics Treaty Could Mean for Waste and Recycling
Stefanie Valentic

While innovations and advancements in the waste and recycling industry are redirecting resources and molding supply chains into circular models, nations around the world are working together on a unified solution to marine plastic pollution.

Read the story here.

5. What Does the Future Hold for Solid Waste Management and Innovation?
EREF Staff

Landfill emissions are an area of prime current interest given many landfill owners are being scrutinized for their impact on greenhouse gas emissions and that they are being woven into the fabric of corporate ESG goals. While this topic involves many facets, the primary point of discussion revolved around how to model and directly measure landfill emissions. Emissions are also closely linked to odor, which is another key issue the waste industry continuously navigates. How odor is measured, what strategies can be used to mitigate odor, and how to engage surrounding communities proactively were discussed.

Read the story here.