Alliance for Mission-Based Recycling

You've probably heard that black plastic packaging is BAD NEWS due to its toxicity. But did you know it's also extremely difficult to recycle? Because the coloring in plastic cannot be removed, all colored plastics—including black—have a much lower value than clear or natural plastics. While some reclaimers accept black plastic #2 HDPE or #5 PP, not all have the technology to properly sort it or the demand for a darker material. Another major challenge is sorting. Optical sorters, which recycling facilities use to separate plastics by resin type, do not work with black plastic because the dark dye prevents the infrared light from detecting the resin. Some facilities resort to hand-sorting, which increases costs. However, because all black plastics look alike, workers struggle to distinguish between resin types. Proper sorting is essential since different resins melt at different temperatures, and contamination can cause issues during reprocessing. The likelihood that recycled black plastic contains a mix of resins makes reclaimers hesitant to purchase it. So why are we still using black plastic for food packaging? The AMBR answer: stop using black plastic for food packaging. Our new short fact sheet outlines why, and how you can get involved. ? https://lnkd.in/ejQN_iAJ

Every few months, another news outlet—most recently?The New York Times—publishes a “gotcha” headline claiming that recycling doesn’t work. That assertion is simply false. Yes, recycling needs investment and improvement. But misleading claims that undermine the system only set us back. The solution to the waste crisis isn’t to give up on recycling—it’s to strengthen it. That means strategic policies, infrastructure investment, and global action, including strong limits on plastic production through a meaningful global plastics treaty. Recycling works. Let’s focus on making it even better. Our blog below details how. https://lnkd.in/ef-y2FXH #RecyclingWorks #CircularEconomy #PlasticsTreaty #Sustainability

The clock is ticking. AMBR is urging?California Governor Gavin Newsom?to publish the long-awaited?SB-54 regulations by March 8—without delay. SB-54, signed into law in 2022, is a?landmark policy?designed to tackle plastic pollution and expand recycling infrastructure. It sets critical targets, including: ???100% recyclable or compostable packaging by 2032 ???25% reduction in plastic packaging within a decade ???65% recycling rate for single-use plastics Industry stakeholders are now pushing to?delay?these essential regulations. But the?plastics crisis cannot wait!?AMBR urges Gov. Newsom to uphold the deadline and prevent unnecessary setbacks. SB-54 isn’t just a California issue—it’s?setting the nationwide stage for extended producer responsibility policies to hold companies accountable for sustainable packaging. Read our full letter here:??? https://lnkd.in/ecgu6pnq #SB54 #PlasticPollution #Recycling #CircularEconomy #Sustainability #EPR

Recycling, like any business, depends on balanced economics to remain viable. AMBR executive Miriam Holsinger, Co-President & COO of Eureka Recycling, recently spoke with Resource Recycling about how Trump’s aluminum and steel tariffs are impacting recycling markets. While these tariffs may create short-term gains by increasing domestic demand, the long-term effects could be harmful. If manufacturing slows, the value of recycled materials could plummet, driving up local costs for recycling operations. Miriam stressed the need for policy protections—such as minimum recycled content standards—to ensure recyclables remain viable, even when markets fluctuate. Otherwise, we risk a system where recycling becomes financially unsustainable, and virgin materials are favored simply because they are cheaper (largely due to subsidies). Read more about how tariffs shape recycling markets:?https://lnkd.in/eSjUAvPS

AMBR’s national coordinator Katie Drews, MBA was recently highlighted by Women in Circularity, spotlighting women advancing the circular economy. Katie is also the CEO and co-director of Eureka Recycling. In her interview with the publication, Katie notes: “As a society, we are currently operating at “peak stuff,” so I don’t think we can just keep reusing and recycling at the same rate while continuing to create new materials at such a fast pace. We need to prioritize reduction and finding ways to cut back on material use so we’re not constantly going back to the ground or the well for virgin resources to keep fueling our production. This means designing for durability, repairability and reuse from the very beginning, while also changing consumption patterns across industries.” Read the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/eCcG9KnE

At the end of February, AMBR gathered in Colorado for our annual strategy session to discuss the blueprint for furthering our vision of recycling to keep natural resources in the ground. Like many of us working towards restoring a balanced relationship with the natural world, the abrupt shift in federal policies caused by the Trump administration has created much uncertainty within our work.?But as some of the original recycling operators in the United States, AMBR’s founding organizations have, for decades, unwaveringly worked towards a shared vision of recycling to support zero waste communities, never bending in response to turbulent political conditions. In 2025, we will keep working towards the elimination of waste, toxics, and pollution, and building a society where all products are reused, refilled, recycled, or composted. We will continue to hold the line, remaining steadfast in our efforts to move forward zero waste policies where we can at the local and state level. We're glad to have you all alongside us on the journey! With Eureka Recycling, Eco-Cycle, Ecology Center, Recycle Ann Arbor, and the Ecology Center (Berkeley).

If you missed our webinar last week, INC-5 Unpacked, here's a link to the recording. Here’s a quick recap of what we discussed: ?? The global plastics treaty?offers an unprecedented opportunity to establish legally binding limits on plastic production, supported by many countries, frontline communities, Indigenous peoples, environmental advocates, and AMBR. ?? However, the fossil fuel/petrochemical industry and countries with economies tied to oil and gas production are aggressively pushing back against these limits. ?? The next negotiating session (INC-5.2) is planned for this year, and we hope it ends with strong treaty language to address the plastics crisis. AMBR will remain engaged throughout the process, and continue to share our expertise. View the webinar & share with colleagues and friends! ?? ?? https://lnkd.in/eDmS4xpG

Join us tomorrow, 1/14, at 2 pm PST/5 pm EST for a deep dive on INC-5. ?? Register at tinyurl.com/INC5unpacked

Hi folks, if this isn't on your calendar yet, add it! We hope you can join us for a casual conversation on what we heard and learned at INC-5, the fifth round of negotiations in developing a global plastics treaty. Three of AMBR's team members were in attendance, and to our knowledge, we were the only curbside recycling operators present at the negotiations! Tune in next Tuesday, January 14, at 5 pm EST/2 pm PST. Register at tinyurl.com/INC5unpacked

Only a week away! Register to hear AMBR unpack what we heard at INC-5. To our knowledge, we were the only curbside recycling operators present at INC-5 (mission-based or otherwise). Considering recycling is often the industry scapegoat for plastic pollution, as recycling operators, we have a lot to say. Tune in!