Latest news with #wasteReduction
Gizmodo
4 days ago
- General
- Gizmodo
This Town Started Charging for Trash by the Bag. Here's What Happened
Until a few years ago, the town of Plympton, Massachusetts, was quite literally throwing away money. People were producing so much trash that it was threatening to put the municipal transfer station out of business. Under the town's system, residents would buy a $240 sticker for their cars that allowed them yearlong access to the dump, where they could dispose of as much garbage as they wished. But the sheer volume, combined with climbing landfill fees, meant that this service was costing the local government nearly twice what it was taking in. One solution was to double the price of dump stickers, but that would hit Plympton's low-income population particularly hard and wouldn't have been fair to smaller households—like seniors—that produced minimal trash. So, the town of roughly 3,000 decided to try something that it had seen other municipalities do: charge per bag. 'It virtually cut waste in half,' Rob Firlotte, Plympton's highway superintendent, said of the results. In 2022, before the new system, the town threw away 640 tons of trash. Last year, that figure was 335 tons. 'It pushed people toward recycling more, because it saves them money,' Firlotte said. Stickers now sell for $65 each, and residents purchase specially marked garbage bags priced by the size ($1.25 for a 15-gallon bag, $2.50 for 33 gallons). That means a household producing one small bag of trash each week would spend $130 per year—$350 less than they would have if Plympton had decided to double its sticker prices instead. The town says it has cut its trash disposal bill roughly in half, saving about $65,000 a year. 'We went from a deficit to breaking even,' said Firlotte. Plympton isn't alone in its success. According to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, nearly half of the state's 351 municipalities have adopted a version of this 'pay-as-you-throw,' or PAYT, model. In 2023, places with PAYT collected roughly one-third less waste, or some 513 pounds per household. A 2018 study in New Hampshire detailed similarly stark differences. 'We found that demand for waste disposal was really responsive to price,' said John Halstead, an author of that research and a retired professor of environmental economics at the University of New Hampshire. 'If you raise the price of trash, people are going to find ways to not put as much out at the curb.' Many other countries have utilized pay-by-volume trash collection for decades. There are limited examples in the U.S. dating to the early 20th century, said Lisa Skumatz, president of Skumatz Economic Research Associates, an energy, recycling, and sustainability consultancy. But contemporary implementation in America really began to surge in the 1980s through the early 2000s, and has seen steady growth since then. While there's no recent national data on PAYT, Skumatz estimates that about a quarter of people in the United States have access to some sort of volume-based program. That includes not only branded-bag models like Plympton's, but programs with prices based on the size of the bins (as in Denver and Seattle), or in which people tag every bag of garbage (as is the case with at least one hauler in Burlington, Vermont). All Oregon communities have access to some iteration of PAYT, and the Natural Resources Defense Council has a model bill that others can use if they are considering giving it a try. One of the keys to success is making sure the alternatives to the landfill—like recycling and compost—are as robust as possible. 'You've really got to be able to make it easy for households to reduce their trash,' said Linda Breggin, a senior attorney at the nonprofit Environmental Law Institute. Aside from saving money, she also noted that producing less trash can mean fewer greenhouse gas emissions from landfills or incinerators and can boost the supply of recycled material, which then avoids virgin material being used. 'You get a lot of co-benefits,' she said. Still, change often meets resistance. Haulers, for example, often prefer the simplicity of bulk trash when making hundreds of curbside stops (they also frequently own the landfills that charge by the ton). For residents, a trash fee that may have been baked into their taxes could suddenly become visible. 'People have been used to all-you-can-eat trash for decades,' said Skumatz. '[But] all-you-can-eat buffets lead to a lot of waste and a lot of bad behaviors.' There are three major ways to produce less trash—reducing waste in the first place, and diverting it to recycling or compost instead of a landfill. Paying by the bag encourages all of those alternatives and also helps reach beyond the core cohort of diehards, or environmentalists, who already reduce, reuse, and recycle. 'You have to get the next group and the next group,' said Skumatz. 'A lot of those people respond to financial incentives.' A primary argument among pay-as-you-throw skeptics is that it could lead to illegal dumping. But Skumatz said that of the roughly 1,000 towns she surveyed, only a quarter saw any uptick in that and, even then, it only lasted about three months. Although it's harder to tell whether PAYT leads people to clutter the recycling stream with garbage, it's not a problem she's heard many complaints about. 'After six months, people tend to really prefer PAYT over the previous system,' she said. 'But it's really hard for a lot of communities to get through that.' Firlotte said that Plympton saw some grumbling at first, but not a ton given that the alternative was doubling the sticker price. Senior citizens have been particularly excited about the new approach, given how little trash they tend to produce. From the beginning, officials were also diligent about discouraging illegal dumping or dirtying the recycling stream, so Firlotte said cheating has been a virtual nonissue. 'For us,' he said, 'it worked out great.' This article originally appeared in Grist at Grist is a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future. Learn more at
Bloomberg
6 days ago
- Bloomberg
Chile Catches Thousands of Workers Holidaying at State's Expense
Using tactics that could have won her a prize for investigative journalism, Chile's unassuming comptroller general is shaking up the nation's sclerotic public sector in her war on waste. By cross-referencing travel records and medical leave certificates, Dorothy Perez discovered that more than 25,000 state employees had gone abroad in the past two years, while supposedly in their sick beds. Some took leave in order to work on their own businesses, others to travel around Europe, while others completed studies abroad.
Sustainability Times
23-06-2025
- Health
- Sustainability Times
'We Turned Poop Into Soil': Revolutionary Diaper Breaks Down Waste and Plastic Into Rich Earth in Under 12 Months
IN A NUTSHELL 🌱 MycoDigestible Diapers by Hiro Technologies use fungi to break down plastic waste into nutrient-rich soil. by Hiro Technologies use fungi to break down plastic waste into nutrient-rich soil. 🔬 Fungi, known as nature's decomposers, release enzymes that target carbon bonds in plastics, promoting rapid decomposition. 🌍 Made from sustainable materials, these diapers decompose in nine months, reducing landfill waste and microplastic pollution. 💡 Future prospects include expanding fungi applications to other products, with ongoing research to optimize real-world effectiveness. In the modern world where environmental concerns are at an all-time high, the issue of disposable diaper waste is more pressing than ever. Each year, billions of disposable diapers end up in landfills, where they can take up to 500 years to decompose. The introduction of MycoDigestible Diapers by Hiro Technologies presents a groundbreaking solution to this pervasive problem. By harnessing the power of fungi, these innovative diapers aim to transform waste into fertile soil in less than a year. This article delves into the revolutionary technology behind this product and its potential impact on reducing environmental pollution. Diaper Paired with Fungi The team at Hiro Technologies has drawn inspiration from nature's ability to break down complex organic materials. Fungi, which have evolved over millions of years, are renowned for their decomposing capabilities, particularly when it comes to complex carbon structures like plastics. The specialized fungi used in MycoDigestible Diapers release enzymes that target the carbon bonds in plastic, effectively breaking them down. Research has shown that certain fungi, such as those identified in Hawaiian marine environments or discovered by Yale University, can degrade plastics even in oxygen-poor settings like landfills. By embedding a packet of these fungi in each diaper, Hiro Technologies ensures that after use, the fungi become active with moisture, beginning the decomposition process. This innovative approach not only reduces landfill waste but also recycles it into nutrient-rich soil. Silent Killer in Your Home: This Common Plastic Chemical Linked to Staggering 356,000 Heart Disease Deaths in 2018, Study Reveals Sustainable Diapers Most traditional diapers are made using petroleum-based plastics, which contribute to microplastic pollution. In contrast, MycoDigestible Diapers are made from unbleached cotton and softwood fluff pulp, sourced from sustainably managed forests. This makes them gentle on a baby's skin and environmentally friendly. The effectiveness of these diapers has been visually confirmed in laboratory settings, where treated diapers decompose into black soil within nine months. Currently, Hiro Technologies sells these eco-friendly diaper bundles online for $35 per week. While the product demonstrates remarkable potential, the company acknowledges the need for further research to assess decomposition in various real-world climates. Besides diapers, Hiro Technologies is exploring the application of plastic-eating fungi in other products like adult incontinence items and feminine care products. Breakthrough air-powered tech claims to recycle 94% of plastic in just 4 hours using moisture Innovation in Waste Management Hiro Technologies is at the forefront of a new wave of innovation that combines traditional ecological knowledge with modern science. The use of fungi in waste management is not entirely new, but its application in consumer products like diapers represents a significant leap forward. By turning waste into something valuable, the technology not only mitigates environmental harm but also contributes positively to the ecosystem. The broader implications of this technology are vast. If adopted on a large scale, MycoDigestible Diapers could significantly reduce the volume of waste in landfills and the associated environmental hazards. This aligns with global sustainability goals and offers a viable path forward in the quest to reduce human ecological footprints. 'Living Mushrooms Could Power Your Phone': This Stunning Breakthrough Might Replace Plastic and Rechargeable Batteries Forever Future Prospects and Challenges While the MycoDigestible Diapers present a promising solution, there are challenges and questions that remain. The first peer-reviewed study on this innovation is expected in 2026, which will provide critical data on its long-term efficacy and environmental impact. Moreover, the scalability of this solution and its acceptance in the market are important factors that will determine its success. Hiro Technologies is optimistic about expanding their research to include other consumer products. However, they recognize the importance of understanding how these fungi operate in diverse climates and conditions. The potential of fungi to revolutionize waste management and create a more sustainable future is immense. Could this be the beginning of a new era in eco-friendly consumer products? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (29)
Irish Times
16-06-2025
- General
- Irish Times
What exactly is in our bins? A new survey hopes to find out
Are you sick of the amount of plastic and packaging coming into your home? Milk cartons, cereal boxes, food packaging, junk mail, takeaway boxes – it can feel like we are locked in a cycle of creating a never-ending stream of rubbish. A new survey is looking for your help in stopping the flow. A national recycling bin survey, running for the next two weeks, aims to find out what exactly is in our bins and who else must shoulder responsibility for it. 'For too long, the blame for waste reduction has been on consumer behaviour, but maybe we need to look further upstream,' says environmental charity Voice Ireland, which is running the survey. READ MORE Plastic made up 50 per cent of the average Irish recycling bin, according to the same survey carried out in 2023. Doing a deep dive into their recycling bins, participating householders in Ireland catalogued more than 10,000 individual items. Supermarkets were responsible for two-thirds of all packaging waste, according to the citizen research group. 'This means the problem isn't just individual behaviour – it's what's being put on our shelves in the first place,' Voice Ireland concluded. 'The survey aims to flip the script and look at the source of packaging waste – retailers and producers – so we can push for changes that actually reduce waste at the design and distribution stages,' it says. Beginning on June 15th, households are invited to collect two full weeks of data, ending on June 30th. This entails counting and recording the packing in your household recycling bin, and noting where the items came from, for example the supermarket or takeaways. [ Ireland's recycling rate has not improved for a decade, while waste continues to grow Opens in new window ] There are two ways to take part. Simply use your recycling bin as usual for the next two weeks, then you can either spill out your recycling the day before collection and take a user-friendly online survey on your phone to record the items in it. Alternatively, you can use the special 'tally as you go' sheet to record the items you are recycling in real time. Collecting information like this is not just helping to shift all the blame from consumers, the data can also inform better policymaking. Some things have changed since the last survey. The deposit return scheme means some plastic bottles and cans are being recycled differently. The European Union Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will require actual reductions in packaging, not just changes in how we recycle it. By 2030, certain types of single-use plastic packaging – such as those for unprocessed fruit and vegetables – will be banned. These changes are a step in the right direction – but without independent, citizen-led data, it's hard to measure their real impact or make the case for going further, says Voice Ireland. Even though in Ireland we're recycling more than ever by weight, our overall recycling rate isn't improving – because our packaging consumption is growing 2½ times faster. That's why it's so important to track what's really happening on the ground, the charity says. Participating in this survey over the next two weeks is a small commitment, but it can have a big impact. People who are willing to look in their bins are helping to ask tough questions and build pressure for real change. Oh, and those who complete the survey will be in with a chance to win one of five €100 One4All gift vouchers. You can sign up at
CTV News
11-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Waste program in Waterloo recycles used chopsticks into furniture
Furniture and accessories… made from old chopsticks? CTV's Karis Mapp finds out how it works. A waste reduction program in Waterloo is giving used chopsticks new life. The initiative, ChopValue, transforms the utensils into a variety of furnishings, including shelves and desks. 'Around one-third of the world uses chopsticks everyday, with 80 billion being produced in China alone,' explained Monique Chan, ChopValue's community builder. 'We're only using them for 20 to 30 minutes and throwing them straight to the landfill,' she said. With the program spanning largely across the Greater Toronto Area, a student housing building in Waterloo is one of the latest locations to install collection bins. Two receptacles can be found in the food court of 203 Lester Street, a building owned by Asset Maintenance Pros (AMP). 'I didn't think it would take off as much as this has, but our residents are really engaging with the sustainability program,' said Roxane Bernhard, AMP's senior property manager. Organizers said the building was a perfect fit because the program resonates with the consumer's culinary elements. 'There are a lot of international students. There's a growing East Asian population, and with that comes a lot of demand for more cuisine that uses chopsticks as a utensil.' Since launching in Waterloo during fall 2024, 13,852 chopsticks have been recycled. That's lead to 42 kg of waste repurposed and up to 674 kg of CO2 emissions reduced. How it works Once someone has finished eating their meal, they can toss their used chopsticks into one of the bins. From there, the utensils are transported to a manufacturing facility in Niagara Falls. That's where they're made food-safe, dried and molded into uniform tiles to be used for future projects. 'We have a system of micro-factories across the world,' said Chan. 'Any orders that are put through our system are then shipped directly from the closest micro-factory to your address. That way, we're able to cut emissions.' Anyone can purchase a variety of home and office furnishings on the ChopValue website. They also accommodate custom orders. 'They already are a study material, bamboo in general. It's really easy for them to reprocess, remanufacture and make them into sustainable furnishings,' said Bernhard.
