The world is grappling with an ever-increasing waste management problem. Waste disposal methods, such as landfilling and incineration, contribute significantly to environmental pollution and climate change. There is an urgent need for innovative recycling technologies and strategies to address this issue. This article explores the latest advancements in recycling technologies, circular economy principles, zero waste strategies, and the role of government and consumer behavior in shaping the future of waste management.

The current state of waste management

Globally, around 2.01 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste is generated annually with only 13.5% being recycled (World Bank, 2018). The environmental consequences of waste disposal are alarming, with landfilling releasing harmful greenhouse gases, and incineration causing air pollution. Existing recycling methods have limitations, such as high operating costs, low efficiency, and limited material recovery. Additionally, in 2002, the World Health Organization (WHO) conducted a research study reviewing the medical waste disposal management methods of 22 countries, revealing that improper methods of biomedical waste management were used in 18% to 64% of the cases. Consequently, there is a pressing need for innovative recycling technologies and strategies to address the challenges of both municipal and medical waste management.

Advanced recycling technologies

Chemical recycling, a process that breaks down plastic waste into its basic components, has emerged as a promising solution. This technology allows for the recycling of previously unrecyclable plastics and can be used to produce high-quality raw materials for new products. Despite its potential, chemical recycling is not without challenges, such as high energy consumption and potential pollution risks (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2019).

Robotic waste sorting is another innovation that utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve waste separation efficiency. For example, the company ZenRobotics has developed a robotic waste sorting system capable of processing up to 70 metric tons of waste per hour (ZenRobotics, 2021).

Biodegradable and compostable materials are also being developed to reduce waste generation. Innovations in eco-friendly packaging, such as edible food containers and biodegradable plastics, are gaining traction. The use of biotechnology, such as the development of fungi-based packaging materials, is also on the rise (The Guardian, 2020).

Circular economy and waste management

The circular economy model emphasizes the importance of designing products and systems that minimize waste and resource use while maximizing value creation. By implementing circular economy principles in waste management, materials can be kept in use for longer periods, reducing waste generation and promoting resource efficiency.

The city of Amsterdam, for example, has committed to becoming a fully circular city by 2050, implementing strategies such as promoting recycling and waste reduction, supporting sharing economy initiatives, and fostering circular design (City of Amsterdam, 2020).

Zero waste strategies for communities and businesses

Zero waste strategies aim to minimize waste generation and resource use by designing waste out of products and systems. Several communities and businesses have successfully implemented zero waste strategies, such as Kamikatsu, a small Japanese town that has achieved an 80% recycling rate (CNN, 2016).

Key factors for implementing a successful zero waste strategy include setting clear targets, engaging stakeholders, providing incentives, and investing in infrastructure and education.

Policy and regulatory measures to promote recycling innovations

Governments play a crucial role in fostering innovation in waste management and recycling. Policies such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which holds manufacturers accountable for the end-of-life management of their products, can incentivize the development of recycling technologies and circular business models (OECD, 2021).

Best practices for future policy development include setting ambitious recycling targets, incentivizing research and development, and promoting cross-sector collaboration.

The role of consumer behavior in shaping the future of waste management

Consumer choices significantly impact waste generation, and promoting sustainable consumption is essential for reducing waste. Strategies to encourage sustainable consumption include providing information on product lifecycle impacts, offering incentives for eco-friendly products, and supporting education and awareness campaigns.

A study by McKinsey & Company (2020) revealed that consumers are increasingly prioritizing sustainability, with 57% of respondents stating they have made changes to their consumption habits to reduce their environmental impact. This shift in consumer behavior can drive businesses to adopt more sustainable practices and invest in innovative waste management solutions.

Conclusion

The future of waste management lies in the adoption of innovative recycling technologies, the implementation of circular economy principles, and the promotion of zero waste strategies. By embracing these approaches, we can reduce waste generation, minimize environmental pollution, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Collaboration among governments, businesses, and consumers is crucial to drive the adoption of innovative waste management practices. As we move forward, it is essential that we invest in research, develop supportive policies, and raise awareness to ensure that waste management and recycling innovations become an integral part of our global strategy to combat climate change and preserve our planet's resources.

Sources:

1. World Bank (2018). What a Waste 2.0: A GlobalSnapshot of Solid Waste Management to 2050. Retrieved from: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/infographic/2018/09/20/what-a-waste-an-updated-look-into-the-future-of-solid-waste-management
2. EllenMacArthur Foundation (2019). The New Plastics Economy: Rethinking thefuture of plastics & catalysing action. Retrieved from: https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/assets/downloads/publications/NPEC-Hybrid_English_22-11-17_Digital.pdf
3. ZenRobotics(2021). Robotic Waste Sorting. Retrieved from: https://zenrobotics.com/robotic-waste-sorting/
4. The Guardian(2020). The future of packaging: from fungi to pineapple leaves. Retrievedfrom: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/nov/29/the-future-of-packaging-from-fungi-to-pineapple-leaves
5. City ofAmsterdam (2020). Amsterdam Circular 2020-2025: Circular Economy Strategy.Retrieved from: https://www.amsterdam.nl/en/policy/sustainability/circular-economy/
6. CNN (2016).The Japanese town that's aiming for zero waste by 2020. Retrieved from: https://edition.cnn.com/2016/08/31/asia/japan-town-zero-waste-kamikatsu/index.html

Guest Bio: Wes Sonnier: President of BioMedical Waste Solutions. Specialist in OSHA Compliance, diseases, infection, and patient safety. Over 17 yearsexpertise at sustainable medical waste disposal management.

Earth Day is a global event celebrated annually on April 22nd. It's a day that is dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and encouraging people to take action to protect our planet. One way municipalities can get residents involved in an Earth Day clean-up event is by following these simple steps:

1. Start early

‍Begin promoting the event several weeks in advance. Use social media, flyers, and posters to spread the word. Encourage local businesses and organizations to promote the event as well. If your community uses Recycle Coach, you are able to send out notifications to residents through the Recycle Coach mobile app to let them know an event is coming up. Make sure to add your event to other websites that list clean-up events so that you reach a broader audience.

2. Identify target areas

‍Identify areas in your municipality that need the most attention. This could be a local park, beach, or even a street that needs litter clean-up. Use this event as a way to not only clean up litter, but teach residents about proper recycling in your program. Make sure to have clear signage at the event that teaches residents about proper recycling as they pick up litter.

3. Provide supplies

Make sure you have enough gloves, garbage bags, recycling bins, and other supplies for volunteers. You can ask local businesses to donate supplies in order to become sponsors of your event. Make sure to have plenty of water and snacks on hand for volunteers too. You can also use this event to promote the Recycle Coach App to your residents by making our QR code visible. This way you can encourage residents to utilize our year-round recycling education.

4. Make it fun

‍Encourage volunteers to bring friends and family members. Make it a fun event by providing music, competitions, and prizes. Consider having a photo booth or other fun activities to keep volunteers engaged. This is also a great opportunity to teach residents in your area about sustainability practices they can use all year long. Think incorporating games that can encourage people to switch to more sustainable practices by showing them how those new habits can help the environment.

5. Thank volunteers

‍Make sure to thank volunteers for their hard work. Consider hosting a post-clean-up event to celebrate their efforts. Provide certificates of appreciation or small gifts to show your gratitude. These are great ways to show them you appreciate their commitment to their community and that their efforts to better the environment are not going unnoticed.

Overall, getting residents involved in an Earth Day clean-up event is a great way to promote environmental awareness and encourage people to take action to protect our planet. By following these simple steps, municipalities can help make a positive impact in their communities.

Solar power is a relatively new technology‚ and solar panel recycling is an even newer addition to green technology. Solar panels are a valuable asset to society as a means for generating clean, renewable energy from the sun‚ and they also contain valuable materials that are worth recycling and reusing but are often lost to landfill. Though panels can be installed and left in place for up to 30 years, to harness truly green solar power, forethought must be given to the disposal of the solar panel once it reaches the end of its life.

How are solar panels recycled?

Although most of the construction materials used to make crystalline-silicon solar panels are recyclable, the current methods of recycling solar panels are not ideal. Solar panels are designed incredibly well to withstand climate, but because of this, they're also extremely difficult to deconstruct and recycle.

While about 75% of a crystalline-silicon solar panel is glass, a well-established recycling industry, other components are not as straightforward to recycle. Solar panels contain small amounts of many different valuable metal elements, such as aluminum, silver, tin, solar-grade silicon, and copper. The aluminum frame, copper wiring, silicon cells, and plastic junction box are all recyclable as well, but separating these materials is strenuous. Disassembling the panels is difficult and the ideal method to recycle solar panels is rather involved.

1. First, the aluminum frame and junction box must be removed. These aluminum frames are 100% recyclable and reusable.
2. Then, the glass and silicon wafers must be separated through a thermal, mechanical, or chemical process.
3. Next, the silicon cells and valuable metals such as tin, copper, silver, and tin are separated and purified. Usually this process is done using extreme heat (about 900 degrees fahrenheit) to evaporate the small plastic components so that the solar cells can be easily separated.

Only after the panel is completely deconstructed can the recycling process take place.

While processes for electronic waste such as glass and aluminum recycling are well-established industries, the infrastructure and high-tech machinery required for proper solar panel disposal is not yet commercialized. When solar panels are recycled in the same manner as electronic waste, valuable metals and silicon solar cells are often incinerated instead of being reused in new panels. Most recycling companies do not have the infrastructure required to recycle solar panels and there are not many existing facilities for solar panel recycling. According to the World Economic Forum, it may be time to ramp up initiatives in solar recycling.

The current issues with solar panel recycling

Although recycling is the most eco-friendly way to dispose of old solar panels, the process is still relatively new, tedious, and expensive. Recycling these panels requires advanced technology and machinery.

One of the major issues with solar panel recycling is simply that it is a new concept that has yet to be perfected. Though the solar panel recycling process is not streamlined in most places and can be extremely expensive, according to MIT Technology Review by 2050 the waste materials from decommissioned panels could be worth $2 billion‚ this may be worth saving to most companies.

For many people and even in industrial uses, it's much easier and cheaper to simply throw them away to end up in a landfill. In other cases, individuals and organizations could just be unfamiliar with how to recycle old solar panels.In some European nations, green technology initiatives were established in the 1990s, and their solar panel recycling procedures have just now begun to mature. In the U.S however, many of the solar panels in use today were installed in the last decade or two and are either not yet at, or just beginning to reach the end of their life. Because of this, the solar recycling industry in the U.S still has a way to go before it is commercialized and waste facilities are able to accept solar panels.

Though solar energy is a great alternative to fossil fuels, manufacturers in the solar industry need to create end of life recycling programs for these high value materials. Without a way to properly dispose of or salvage raw materials from solar panels for reuse in new panels, the solar waste problem will grow and could negate the eco-friendliness of solar panels.

Options to fix the problem

The benefits of harvesting solar energy far outweigh the potential solar waste problem we may run into as millions of panels begin to reach the end of their useful life. Because solar panel technology is relatively new and panels last 25-30 years, we haven't had to deal with mass solar waste yet, but we will soon as many of the current working solar panels reach the end of their useful life.

By 2030, about 8 million metric tons of decommissioned solar panels and their valuable materials will be piling up. Recovered materials from these old panels can be saved and reused in new panels to prevent the need for further mining of raw materials.

Solar panel reuse

One of the most straightforward ways to recycle solar panels, especially on a household level is to reuse panels that still have life left in them. While solar equipment does not have a large secondary market for used or refurbished panels in the U.S yet, consumers can live more sustainably by selling or giving away old solar panels to extend their life.

End-of-life photovoltaic panels were unfortunately not designed to be taken apart; the process is expensive, tedious, and has the potential to create hazardous waste. This is why it's important to get as much use as possible from solar panels before retiring them. Recycling solar panels can save up to 95% of their construction material to make more solar panels, but because the recycling process is not federally mandated, only 10% of solar panels are recycled in the U.S. Panels unable to be reused or that have reached their end of life will inevitably end up in a landfill and all of those valuable, recyclable materials will go to waste.

In the future, manufacturers may consider changing the design of solar panels to allow for easier deconstruction and recycling, but this change would take several decades.Reusing solar panels can give them a second life and maximize their potential for generating clean energy.

Government help

As with most environmental initiatives, the responsibility does not fall solely on the individuals or organizations. In order for solar panel use to continue to expand and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, government regulations need to be created to aid in the recycling of solar modules.

If government agencies took on some of the responsibility of creating PV recycling infrastructure, the streamlining of the process would expand more rapidly. Without worrying about what we're going to do with all these panels once they reach the end of their lifecycle, we could confidently utilize solar energy by creating more solar farms.

In lieu of governments building the recycling infrastructure themselves, they might instead provide subsidies or incentives for companies that take action towards providing solar panel recycling facilities. Solar power energy is one of the most sustainable forms of electricity and supporting the solar industry through programs that ensure we don't face a future waste crisis is key to a greener future.

‍Author Bio: Bill Widmer is an outdoor enthusiast who loves to explore off the beaten path. After seeing the negative impacts of waste on natural landscapes across the United States, he became an advocate for sustainability and spreading awareness about how we can be more eco-conscious. He talks about sustainability and renewable energy on his blog Adventures On The Rock.

Recycle Coach survey shows evidence that more localized recycling education is needed across US municipalities.

Recycle Coach, a digital recycling education platform used in over 1,400 municipalities in North America, announced the results of their survey administered to residents across the US through the duration of September 2022. The survey ranged in scope from commonly recycled items such as plastic bottles, to more challenging items such as light bulbs. The survey was customized for each municipality, according to what is accepted in their program. Participants were shown the correct results for the recyclability of each item based on where they live, with the aim to motivate behavior change, where necessary. In addition to the survey being its own educational content for residents, Recycle Coach aimed to track trends and monitor changes in understanding year over year to help municipalities administer targeted recycling education on materials in which their residents lack understanding.

‍Recycling contamination issues

Contamination refers to the things people put in recycling that don't belong. The national average for recycling contamination is estimated to be 17%, although contamination in some areas can reach 40% or more. The overall correct answer rate on this survey for residents in the US was 74%, which correlates closely with these contamination rate statistics. To auto combat recycling contamination, we need to learn what people do and do not understand about their local recycling programs, said Jeff Galad, Chief Revenue Officer at Recycle Coach. People want to recycle more, and they want to recycle correctly, so we need to see where the disconnect is in their understanding to make sure they get the information they need to be successful recyclers.

‍Loss of material recovery

Enhanced recycling education is the key to lowering contamination rates and increasing material recovery. The EPA has set out to increase the recycling rate from 32.1% to 50% by 2030. With so many residents across the country misunderstanding what is accepted in their local programs, loss of recoverable materials is another prevalent issue. Materials such as plastic bottles, jugs, and jars are a commonly accepted item in nearly every location, yet across the nation, only 72% of participants knew to recycle these items. This means around 28% of residents may not be recycling these accepted plastic items, and they are lost to landfills instead of recovered for recycling. The survey data shows that more localized recycling education is needed for residents to understand their program, lower contamination rates, and increase recovered recyclable materials.

About Recycle Coach

Recycle Coach is dedicated to providing municipalities with the tools to make local waste and recycling program rules and regulations accessible to residents on every platform and every device. The Recycle Coach mobile app allows residents to view their personal recycling schedules, get pick-up reminders, search the "What Goes Where" tool, and engage in additional recycling education activities.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Sonoco.

‍The issue of mixed material recyclables has been a constant headache for many municipal recycling programs. Mixed materials are items that contain more than one material, traditionally making them difficult to recycle. For example, if a mixed paper recycling item is part paper and part plastic, but ends up being separated into the sorted paper, the plastic will contaminate the paper load.

In most locations, mixed material recyclables are on the "not accepted" list because many MRFs (Material Recover Facilities) don't have the equipment needed to deal with them. The recycling of mixed materials is long overdue for some industry improvements. Luckily, right now there is a renaissance of new recycling technologies being developed that could help your MRF accept more items.

After the 2018 China ban on accepting many foreign recycling imports, and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been many changes to the waste and recycling industry in recent years. One effect that's been seen is the increase in producer responsibility and attempts at product sustainability. As manufacturers attempt to improve the recyclability of their products, recycling facilities have been adopting new technologies to include more accepted materials in their sorting processes.

With the push to recover more materials, mixed material recyclables need to be the next wave of accepted materials in your sorting facilities. Let's explore these three highly used mixed materials you should start accepting in your program.

Coffee cups

Paper coffee cups are a commonly unaccepted paper item at MRFs because they're lined with plastic, but more and more facilities are accepting them, as there is more understanding of the recycling process for this mixed material item. Some facilities use new high-consistency rotors, some shred the paper to remove the plastic more easily, and some turn the paper into pulp to skim the plastic off the top.

‍Reasons your facility should start accepting coffee cups:

• Both the paper and the plastic lining can be recycled once separated, leaving no waste for your facility to deal with.
• There are funding opportunities available for you to increase your acceptance of paper coffee cups.
• In the US alone, 50 billion paper coffee cups are disposed of per year, meaning this is an area that needs to be addressed in order to combat vast amounts of wasted paper and space taken up in landfills.

Cardboard spiral cans

Companies like Sonoco, who produces these types of paper containers with steel bottoms, have designed this packaging with a closed loop system in mind. Unfortunately, many MRFs still do not accept this material for recycling since it is a mixed material.

This type of mixed paper recyclable material includes items such as potato chip cans, dough containers, frozen juice canisters, and some household cleansers. To recycle these items properly, residents should remove the plastic lid, as well as any film or other removable lidding that the package has. The remainder of the container can be placed in in the recycling bin to be sorted with steel.

‍Reasons your facility should start accepting Cardboard Spiral Cans cartons:

• These containers will be easily sorted on your existing line by magnets, along with other steel and metal recyclables, meaning no additional investment is needed in your equipment.
• The non-steel components are consumed and recovered as energy during the steel recycling process, causing no disruptions or contamination concerns (the paper portion of the container makes up less than 1.5% of the overall steel bale weight).
• There is a 46% decrease in greenhouse gasses when you recycle the paper container with steel ends instead of sending these items to landfills.
• In an effort to increase sustainability, Sonoco Products Company has ensured that they have support from several of the largest end markets in the North American steel industry that accept this mixed material recyclable.
• The capture rate of these cardboard spiral cans with steel bottoms is equal to the capture rate of steel cans, adding to the volume of your steel stream.

Tetra Pak cartons

Aseptic and gable top cartons can consist of plastic, aluminum, and paper in order to keep liquid foods fresh. This includes many milk, juice, stock, and wine cartons. Recycling this type of mixed material packaging may seem daunting, but with 75% of the contents made from paperboard, it is a valuable source of paper that your MRF could be recovering.

‍Reasons your facility should start accepting aseptic and gable top cartons:

• When turned to paper pulp, the resulting fibers can be used in new tissue, toilet paper, and office paper products at a paper mill.
• These cartons can either be recycled with a hydrapulper to extract the paper, or the contents could be shredded and pressed into durable building materials.
• Aseptic and Gable Top Cartons can utilize innovations such as robotic and AI sorting technologies in MRFs to increase recyclability.

Make an impact

In the wake of so many industry changes and advancements, it is time to start improving MRF capabilities. Recycling programs are potentially missing out on the opportunity to incorporate more recoverable materials just because they are commonly misunderstood.

With the increase in extended producer responsibilities, recycling centers have ample opportunity to accept more materials since manufactures are creating products and packaging in more sustainable ways to be recycled and close the loop for their products. By adding these three mixed material recyclables to the accepted list at your recycling facility, you will be helping to improve your program and increase the viability of the circular economy.

For years, coffee pods have suffered a bad rap for being environmentally unfriendly, creating more unnecessary trash in overburdened landfills. In this post we explore how these pods can be recycled, so that you can enjoy guilt-free coffee.

62% of the entire population drinks at least one cup of coffee a day, with 70% consuming it once week, according to the National Coffee Association. It's easy to see how 10 billion coffee pods are sold every year, with much of them consumed at work. There's no denying that many of these pods, especially the plastic kind, are causing a serious waste issue all over the country. It's up to your team to choose recyclable coffee pod options.

That's why we're going to give you a step-by-step outline on how to recycle Nespresso pods. By far one of the most popular coffee pod brands, this model will show you how to recycle eco-friendly pods when you're using them at the office.

Step 1: Choose a recyclable coffee pod

Coffee pods are usually attached to a specific machine that is left in the break room at work. So, if you and your green team want to switch to a recyclable pod, you will need to assess the current impact of your company coffee pod usage to motivate the new machine purchase.

Many businesses use plastic pods. These are the ones you should replace with eco-friendly alternatives, like aluminum Nespresso pods or compostable pods from niche brands like Co-Op pods or Grind House Coffee Blend pods for bulk purchase.

• Aluminum is uniquely recyclable so it's a great choice
• If you have a composting program, biodegradable pods will work too

Step 2: Create your Nespresso pod recycling program

Once you've invested in the new machine and employees are using the coffee pods, you need to set up a pod recycling program. This is because coffee pods can't be recycled along with other general workplace recycling.

Make sure you have a separate bin or bag that lives close to your Nespresso coffee machine. Put up posters or brief your employees on where they should toss their empty coffee pods after use. Some pods can be used a couple times before they are recycled so include that as a hot tip.

• Put a separate recycling bin near the coffee machine for the pods
• Educate your employees on the change and what they should do

Step 3: Collect and store your coffee pods for recycling

Depending on the size of your company, your green team (or waste team) will need to collect the Nespresso coffee pods during the week. Keep them separate from your other waste streams and curbside programs; they need to be sent somewhere special.

• Stockpile your used and recyclable Nespresso coffee pods

Step 4: Get the Nespresso recycling bag and find a location

Once you have collected your Nespresso coffee pods, you'll need to go to the Nespresso website and order their special recycling bags. Fill these bags with your pods and they're ready to be dropped off at one of 122,287 locations all over the world.

You can find your closest Nespresso recycling drop-off point here.

If you can't get to a drop-off point, Nespresso has a partnership agreement with UPS, so you can take them to any UPS branch for recycling. It's important that you get the official Nespresso recycling bag because it's the only way pods are accepted.

The bag itself is also aluminum so it's part of their recycling process. Bags are free at any Nespresso store but the easiest way to keep them coming is to order them for delivery online.

• Order Nespresso recycling bags for your pods
• Take them to a local drop-off point or UPS store

Step 5: Simplify your Nespresso coffee pod recycling process

Streamlining your recycling process is easy once you've done it a few times. Your green team will have a better idea of how many bags your office needs and can order them along with the pods.

The average aluminum recycling bag holds around 200 regular pods. The bags are all one size, and they were never meant for commercial recycling so it can be a labor of love to do the weekly transfer. With 80% of pods ending up in the ocean, however, it's more than worth it!

• Simplify your recycling bag ordering process
• Make time to drop off your weekly (or monthly) bags at the nearest point

Nespresso pod recycling is an amazing program that will drastically reduce the negative impact of plastic pods on our world. If you currently have plastic coffee pods in your office, consider implementing a high impact Nespresso coffee pod recycling program.

At the end of the year, after 320,000 tons pods have been used, share with your employees how many pods you've recycled to boost office morale. People want to do good; they just need the means to do it.

Conscious companies that recycle clothes are on the frontlines of the battle against fast fashion. Today we explore the clothing recycling programs adopted by these green brands and shed some light on the important work that they're doing for our world.

Fast fashion is a recent phenomenon. Thanks to massive clothing retailers like H&M, Gap, and Zara, clothing production doubled from 50 to 100 billion garments between the years 2000 and 2015. Collections and trends are being churned out at twice the rate, causing twice the amount of waste.

Clothing has shifted to becoming a fast-moving consumer good in recent years. This fast-moving consumer fashion (FMCF), as it has been dubbed, describes the cheap, trend-orientated clothing that flies off the shelves and quickly ends up as textile waste at the local landfill.

Recycling clothing is more important than ever! Here are 8 ethical companies that recycle clothes and other fashion-related items.

#1: Patagonia

• Committed to the circular economy
• Clothing made from recycled materials
• All items bought at Patagonia are accepted at stores for recycling

Patagonia is one of those uncommonly conscious brands that is really trying to build sustainability into their company (even though they don't like to call it that!)

From allowing customers to return every Patagonia clothing item for recycling to making new items from polyester, recycled nylon, down, and wool, this company advocates for the earth at every turn.

Read about their struggles with clothing recycling here.

#2: Alternative Apparel

• Committed to sustainable manufacturing
• Uses eco-friendly materials
• Advocates for environmental responsibility

Alternative Apparel, a clothing brand under Hanes Brands‚ has dedicated itself to sustainable clothing production and recycling. The group owns 70% of its production and focuses on global environmental management as a governing force.

They are also active in initiatives like the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and manage to divert 92% of facility waste from landfills around the world. That means they're recycling 100 million pounds of textile waste every year.

#3: Levi Strauss

• Committed to circular sustainable fashion
• Care Tag for our Planet Program
• Blue Jeans Go Green partnership

It's not surprising that Levi Strauss makes the list of ethical brands that support textile sustainability. Through product design and innovation, they're creating jeans that are 100% recyclable. At the same time, they've launched educational initiatives to help customers extend garment lifespan.

Their ongoing partnership with the Blue Jeans Go Green initiative proves they care. It's a clothing recycling program that takes jeans and recycles them into new items. To date, they've diverted 2100 tons of denim from local landfills.

#4: Vetta

• Sustainable clothing manufacturing
• Recycled clothing packaging
• Recycled clothing programs

Taking ethical business to the next level is Vetta, a clothing company with excellent sustainability practices. This California-based brand encourages customers to buy lean from a timeless collection. Their factories are committed to solar powered operations (70%) and packaging is fully recyclable.

All fabrics are sustainable and recyclable, and Vetta actively creates content encouraging customers to sell, donate, or recycle their clothing.

#5: Universal Standard

• Innovative clothing recycling program

Universal Standard has a rewarding process for customers who want to recycle their clothing. Order a paper bag from their store and fill it with wardrobe items that you want to recycle. Send it in and get $25.00 for every recyclable item, up to $100.00.

The credit can be spent in store on new items‚ and items sent in don't have to be from Universal Standard. The brand rewards the act of recycling clothing, making this a green initiative instead of a loyalty program, while encouraging people to shop in a more sustainable way.

#6: Girlfriend Collective

• Dedicated to recycling clothing and fashion items

Girlfriend Collective is a popular athleisure brand that makes leggings, bras, and other active wear. They have an amazing clothing recycling program that encourages customers to send in their worn items so that they can be recycled into new ones. For your trouble, you'll get $15.00 store credit.

#7: Reformation

• Commitment to recycling old clothing
• Creation of new clothing out of old clothing
• Climate neutral certified company
• Ethical supply chain and materials

At Reformation, clothing sustainability is at the heart of their entire business. Their clothing recycling practice is efficient, and they've partnered with SuperCircle to make sure every item sent in becomes something new. Recyclable items do have to be from Ref though.

While some recycling programs involving textile waste end up downcycling materials, Reformation is adamant that the items they accept eventually become clothing of equal or similar value.

#8: Urban Outfitters

• Ethical business model

With Urban Outfitters, you get a company that has been focused on sustainability since before it was front and center on the internet. From upcycling and remaking clothing, to having a fully recycled line of clothes‚ these vintage items are reaching to be a part of the circular economy.

The companies that recycle clothes are helping reduce the negative impact of fast fashion on our environment. By being conscious businesses, they are taking a bold step away from the damaging fashion waste that is contributing to so many environmental problems in our world.

Food waste statistics like the ones we're looking at today can be a shock to the system. We're taking a pragmatic look at the state of food scraps and waste in North America with a view to make things better. According to the EPA, municipal food waste is generated by the residential, commercial, and institutional sectors. Nearly 60% of food scraps are landfilled, while less than 5% is composted. The remaining 35% is dealt with through other means, such as controlled combustion, going through the sewer, donation, and animal feed.

Let's investigate what else is happening to wasted food in the U.S. and spot opportunities for improvement in your city along the way. Here are 13 food waste statistics and facts to inspire change in your municipality.

1. 103 million tons of food waste is created in the U.S. every year

To give you context on how large that is, it's the equivalent of about 116 Golden Gate Bridges stacked side by side in one enormous pile.

2. Half of all food in the U.S. is discarded, making it the world leader in organic waste

Approximately 17% of food is thrown away simply because it's ugly. According to a report from The Guardian, Americans won't buy imperfect looking food, which means that about $160 billion in food is wasted each year because it's not picture-perfect. Does your municipality have an "ugly food" program?

3. 39.82% of discarded food in the U.S. is from the industrial sector

The industrial sector includes agriculture and food processing, so it's no wonder this segment tends to create the most waste; it's where most of the food is grown.

4. 24.95% of food scraps and waste in the U.S. comes from residential sectors

Unsurprisingly, the second largest portion of waste comes from residential areas. Municipalities should take action to promote green waste composting and greater educational programs for the community to encourage proper food utilization, waste reduction and correct disposal.

5. 33.81% of food-related waste in the U.S. comes from commercial sectors

Commercial sectors include restaurants and food service companies, supermarkets and grocery centers, office buildings, and food wholesalers.

6. 4.69% of food waste in the U.S. comes from institutional sectors

Leading the pack are K-12 schools with 1.24%; hotels with 1.22%; and colleges and universities with 0.61%. Other institutions like nursing homes, correctional facilities, hospitals, and food banks are also included in this sector.

7. 6.3% of food waste was diverted from landfills to become compost

Your municipal community may be composting, but more people need to be doing it to lower the landfill burden in your area. Only a tiny percentage is diverted, which is why most of the waste in any given landfill site is food.

8. 24.14% of all landfilled material is food-related waste

According to the EPA, of the 146.1 million tons of material found in U.S. landfills, the overwhelming majority is food waste. It's greater than plastic (18.46%) and paper (11.78%).

9. 100% of food scraps at a landfill take years to decompose

Most people believe that because food waste is organic, it will decompose at the landfill. The problem is that landfills were created for storage and not composting. With so many mixed varieties of trash, food scraps rot and release harmful greenhouses gasses for years. Educate your community about food waste and what happens when it's thrown in the trash.

10. 85% of greenhouse gasses that are ruining our planet come from discarded food items

When your municipality commits to programs that help community members compost, reduce food waste, and recycle better, you are actively helping to lower gas emissions coming from your local landfill.

11. 40% of U.S. customers throw food away too early

There is widespread confusion about the meaning of food expiration dates printed on consumer items these days. This has led to people throwing away food that is still safe to eat, contributing to the massive amount of food waste issue in the country.

12. Money is a primary motivator to get consumers to reduce their food waste

In a recent study, respondents were found to be more concerned about saving money than saving the environment. Consider this when developing food waste programs for your municipality.

13. 30% of global livestock feed comes from food-related waste

One way to divert food waste from landfills is to use it as animal feed. Right now, there's enormous demand for animal feed and plenty of room for program growth.

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It's clear that without intervention, waste will continue to be created and end up in our landfills. Take a moment to consider how you could help reduce or solve the food waste crisis.

Use these 13 food waste statistics to inform your next recycling or composting program. Sit down with your recycling co-ordination team to come up with a plan to educate your community, and reduce the overall impact of food waste in your municipality.Which food waste statistic surprised you? Tell us below.