recycling
Coverage of recycling in the Nexus archive.
- America's untapped rare earth source: Its trash
The article highlights recycling existing materials as an untapped source of rare earth elements to meet increasing demand. It suggests that America's trash could be a valuable resource for these critical minerals.
- Recycling makes you feel good about the planet. That's the problem
The article highlights that while recycling provides a positive feeling, its environmental benefits are less impactful compared to waste prevention. It notes significant investment in AI-powered sorting technologies, but emphasizes that preventing waste offers greater environmental gains.
- Your old phone is hard to recycle. America has 25 laws to blame
Half of the United States has no e-waste recycling laws, while the other half struggles to agree on definitions of e-waste and who should cover recycling costs. America's 25 existing laws create inconsistency in managing electronic waste.
- Plastic in our water isn’t going away
Plastics are pervasive in the environment, persisting for up to 1,000 years and being consumed by all living organisms. Examples include contamination from a former Teflon plant in Bennington and the Georgia carpet industry, with concerns about detergent pods and recycling processes releasing microplastics into water sources.
- Opinion: New Colorado law to recycle EV batteries is a model for rest of nation to follow
Colorado's new Senate Bill 3 establishes a comprehensive framework for the reuse and recycling of electric vehicle batteries, positioning it as a potential model for other states.
- Almost 4 in 10 Americans have a ‘junk drawer’ full of their old electronics. It’s because of a very specific anxiety
A survey of 4,000 American consumers found that 39% store old electronics in drawers due to data security concerns and lack of recycling knowledge. Recycling and reselling accounted for only 10% of devices each, with solutions like Best Buy and online platforms suggested for proper disposal.
- For nearly 40 years this couple has been making rural Michigan eco-friendly
Ellen and Terry Link have operated the Greater Laingsburg Recyclers in Michigan since 1988, processing over 100 tons of recyclable materials annually through a volunteer-run facility. Their program, active for nearly four decades, focuses on community-driven recycling efforts, including electronics and hard-to-dispose items like TVs.
- For nearly 40 years this couple has been making rural Michigan eco-friendly
Ellen and Terry Link have operated the Greater Laingsburg Recyclers program in Shiawassee County, Michigan, for nearly 40 years, processing over 100 tons of recyclable materials annually through a volunteer-run, community-driven initiative. Their facility, operating four days a month, accepts items like electronics and cardboard, emphasizing eco-friendly practices and community collaboration.
- Fast fashion fills California’s landfills. Thankfully a recycling fix is in sight
California landfills receive 1.2 million tons of textiles annually, costing $99 million in disposal costs. Senate Bill 707, the Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024, aims to shift textile waste management costs to producers and expand clothing collection systems to reduce landfill waste and create green jobs.
- Palestinians use recycling as Israel's restrictions trigger a trash crisis
Palestinians in the West Bank face a trash crisis due to Israeli restrictions, prompting two entrepreneurs to launch recycling initiatives. The situation highlights environmental challenges exacerbated by political constraints.
- Palestinians use recycling as Israel's restrictions trigger a trash crisis
Palestinians in the West Bank face a trash crisis due to Israeli restrictions, prompting two entrepreneurs to launch recycling efforts. The situation highlights both the environmental challenges and innovative responses in the region.
- Starbucks does not recycle plastic cups it claims are ‘widely recyclable’, report says
Environmental watchdog Beyond Plastics reports that Starbucks plastic cups labeled as 'widely recyclable' are not actually being recycled, despite the company's claims. The group tracked 53 cups across nine states using GPS trackers and found none reached recycling facilities. Starbucks had announced the recyclable status earlier this year in partnership with How2Recycle.
- Mining dirt cheap with dead forklift batteries and busted solar panels
The article discusses using discarded forklift batteries and broken solar panels for cost-effective mining operations, highlighting innovative repurposing of waste materials to reduce expenses. It emphasizes the potential for recycling electronic waste in resource extraction processes.
- These advanced solar cells have an antique source: old bullets
Lead recycled from centuries-old ammunition is being used as raw material for perovskite solar cells. This innovative approach repurposes historical lead sources into advanced renewable energy technology.
- H&M-backed Syre's Vietnam plant offers recycling alternative to China
H&M-backed Syre's Vietnam plant offers a recycling alternative to China. The initiative aims to shift recycling operations from China to Vietnam.