Waste Reduction/Recycling / Public News Service

Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources encourages visitors to "leave no trace" when visiting parks and forests in the Commonwealth. (Adobe Stock)

PA Parks Make Switch to Paper, Compostables at Concession Stands

Pennsylvania state parks are making a move to go plastic-free and reduce waste, starting with their concession stands, to help meet the …

In a recent survey of 500 Pennsylvanians, 76% said they believe litter reduces property values, increases taxes with cleanup costs, and is an environmental issue. (Adobe Stock)

November Cleanup Campaign Targets Trash in PA Waterways

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Pennsylvania has seen a lot more litter generated during the pandemic, and environmental advocates have launched a cleanup campaign …

Of the Massachusetts users who consulted the website 'iFixit.com' last year, 23% of searches were for cellphone repair guides, and 17% were for laptops. (NorGal/Adobe Stock)

Report: People Face Barriers to Repairing Their Own Electronic Devices

ROSLINDALE, Mass. - A new report finds Massachusetts residents would rather repair electronic devices than send them to landfills, but manufacturers …

A bill in Congress aims to reduce microplastics in the ocean by incentivizing companies to produce more sustainable products and packaging. (Ignacio/Adobe stock)

Groups Promote Bill to Reduce Plastic Pollution

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Conservation groups are calling for passage of a bill to phase out single-use plastics. The Break Free From Plastic Pollution …

Water bottles and other plastic pollution along Lake Michigan can break down into tiny particles that hurt wildlife. (daveynin/Flickr)

Seven Great Lakes Communities Collaborate on Cleanup Effort

LANSING, Mich. -- Some Michiganders are part of a multi-state effort this week to clean up and protect the Great Lakes. The volunteer campaign …

According to the Connecticut River Conservancy, beverage cans and bottles are the top trash items found in the Connecticut River. A new bottle-return bill hopes to change that, by incentivizing people to redeem more bottles. (Adobe Stock)

On Earth Day, CT Environmentalists Rally to Modernize Bottle-Deposit Bill

HARTFORD, Conn. -- A coalition of Connecticut groups and lawmakers in support of new state bottle-deposit legislation are rallying in honor of Earth …

Just 9% of plastics ever created have been recycled. (AdobeStock)

An Earth Day Look at Plastic Pollution in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- With Ohioans around the state taking part in Earth Day cleanup events, conservationists said there's no better time to discuss the …

Baltimore's newest trash wheel, "Gwynnda, the Good Wheel of the West," could collect 300 tons of garbage and debris per year from the harbor, doubling the volume of the other three trash wheels. (Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore)

Baltimore to Double Harbor Cleanup with Fourth Trash Wheel

BALTIMORE -- Groups working to clean up the Baltimore Harbor are expediting their efforts by installing a fourth Trash Wheel next month. Dubbed …

This map shows the part of the Inglewood oil field that lies within Culver City, close to several neighborhoods. (Baker & O'Brien, Inc.)

As CA Considers Fracking Ban, Culver City is One Step Ahead

CULVER CITY, Calif. -- State lawmakers proposed a bill, Senate Bill 467, to ban fracking last week, but one city, Culver City, has already taken a …

When China stopped taking certain recycled imports from Oregon, the state decided to rethink its recycling system. (Rick Obst/Flickr)

OR Bill Would Update State's Recycling System

SALEM, Ore. -- Oregon lawmakers are considering legislation to clean up the state's recycling system. House Bill 2065 would require more …

Unlike prior years, the 2021 environmental summit will he held online. (Connecticut League of Conservation Voters)

21st Annual Environmental Summit Starts Today, Goes Virtual

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Legislators, advocates and experts are gathering today, virtually, to brainstorm solutions for the myriad threats facing …

People could reduce their carbon footprint by keeping their cell phones longer, rather than replacing them regularly with the "latest" model. (BillionPhotos.com/Adobe Stock)

A Guide to Make Used Electronic Gifts Like New

PORTLAND, Ore. -- For holiday gift-seekers this season, one consumer group contends what's old can be new again. The Oregon State Public Interest …

A new poll finds fewer than four in 10 Caucasian adults are aware that both Latino and Black communities face more pollution than does the general population. (Adobe stock)

Poll: Many Caucasians Unaware of Unequal Burden of Pollution

RICHMOND, Va. -- While high pollution often is found in Black and Brown communities, a new poll shows many white Americans aren't aware of this gap…

Allowing leaves to decompose naturally produces leaf mold, which improves soil structure and water retention. (maxbelchenko/Adobe Stock)

For a Better Garden, Leave the Leaves

ALBANY, N.Y. - Conservation groups say one task most homeowners can take off their autumn to-do list is getting rid of all those leaves. Autumn …

An estimated $4 million in tax dollars are spent annually to clean up litter alongside Ohio's highways. (AdobeStock)

Groups: COVID No Reason to Ax Plastic-Bag Bans

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Opponents of a bill that would thwart local plastic-bag bans are making an eleventh-hour plea to Gov. Mike DeWine to veto the …

Ten of the 112 wastewater facilities in Idaho accounted for nearly half of all discharge violations. (MarekPhotoDesign.com/Adobe Stock)

Something Smells: ID Wastewater Treatment Violations Widespread

BOISE, Idaho - Wastewater facilities in Idaho are flush with pollution violations. The Idaho Conservation League's fourth annual wastewater …

New guidelines for mining projects would allocate a portion of revenues generated from mineral development on public lands to offset expenses for mitigation and abandoned-mine reclamation.(Pixabay)

Sourcing Critical Minerals Without Harming Fish and Wildlife

DENVER -- Colorado's Mineral Belt in the central and southwestern parts of the state is rich in deposits of so-called critical minerals, the kind …

The Connecticut River is one of many across the country polluted by companies that have sought environmental waivers during the pandemic. (idenimadept/Wikimedia Commons)

Groups Sue EPA Over Suspending Pollution Rules During Pandemic

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Conservation groups are asking a federal judge to make the Environmental Protection Agency enforce pollution controls. They're …

Tons of crushed concrete will be deposited in the Lynnhaven River near Virginia Beach to restore oyster reefs. (Wikimedia Commons)

VA Restoration Project Creates Oyster Reefs from Tons of Concrete

Correction: 08/03/2020 12:38 p.m. CST - Army Corps of Engineers received $10 million in federal funding, not Lynnhaven River NOW. VIRGINIA BEACH, Va…

Food pantries have had to figure out new ways to acquire and store food as donations from grocery stores have gone down but excess produce meant for restaurants has increased. (Share our Selves)

New Report Highlights Concerns Over Food Waste During Crisis

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Even before the pandemic, Americans wasted about 40% of the food we produced - $218 billion worth each year. Now a report from the …

Researchers estimate about 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean every year. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Researchers estimate about 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean every year. (Adobe Stock)

Plastic Pollution Predicted to Proliferate Amid Pandemic

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- As millions of people pledge to go plastic-free this month as part of the Sierra Club's "Plastic-Free July" campaign, the …

Food production makes up 25% of greenhouse gas emissions, but Americans throw away as much as 40% of edible food. (Pixel-Shot/Adobe Stock)

New Uses for Food Waste Include Possible Benefits for Environment

PORTLAND, Ore. - Edible food is wasted on a massive scale in the United States, but there are signs that it could be coming back to Americans' plates…

The only waste disposal site permitted for radioactive material in Montana is in the eastern part of the state, near Glendive. (Northern Plains Resource Council)

MT Lawmakers Pause Radioactive Waste Limits, Draw Public Ire

HELENA, Mont. - Lawmakers could sideline Montana's radioactive waste disposal rules from oil and gas industries next week, despite public opposition…

A polar bear sculpture made of trash that's washed up on Oregon beaches is on display at the Oregon Zoo in Portland. (washedashore.org)

The Art of Trash: Ocean Plastics Animal Sculptures Dive Into Waste Issue

BANDON, Ore. -- Researchers estimate 19 billion pounds of plastic get into the ocean each year. What washes back to shore could be trash -- or art…

The federal government has extended assistance through the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, meant to help families with high winter energy bills, through August. (USAF)

Coloradans Face Rising Utility Bills During Coronavirus Emergency

DENVER -- Since the coronavirus pandemic forced much of the U.S. economy into a medically induced coma, 30 million Americans have filed for …

The 50th anniversary of Earth Day arrives amid stay-at-home orders, which could make it the perfect time for a backyard compost bin project. (Antranias/Pixabay)

It's 'Virtual' Earth Day: 50th Anniversary Arrives Despite COVID-19

RENO, Nev. -- Today marks the first time Earth Day has been celebrated virtually, and with many people still on "stay-at-home" orders, some …

At least 471 U.S. cities have adopted some form of plastic bag ordinance. (pcullum/Morguefile)

Plastic Bag Fees in MN Cities Underscore National Movement

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Minneapolis and Duluth recently entered the fray of U.S. cities either imposing plastic bag fees, or adopting outright bans…

Americans throw away 25% more trash during the holiday season, which amounts to 25 million more tons of garbage that end up in landfills, according to research by Stanford University. (Adobe Stock) <br /> — Americans throw away 25% more trash during the holiday season, which amounts to 25 million more tons of garbage that end up in landfills, according to research by Stanford University. (Adobe Stock)

This Black Friday, Consider Recycling Options for Paper, Plastic Waste

RALEIGH, N.C. - If you're unsure what to do with paper and plastic waste from holiday purchases, environmental advocates warn that North Carolina is …

The Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition is planning to revamp a deserted coal mine in Morgantown, W. Va., into a composting facility. (Adobe Stock)

Alliance Aims to Transform Deserted Coal Mines into Viable Businesses

CHARLESTON, W. Va. – A coalition of development groups in central Appalachia aims to give new life to abandoned coal mines in the region by …

Texas students are getting hands on, high-tech experience growing fresh produce inside converted shipping containers. (Freight Farms)

Texas Schools Tap Container Farms to Fill Cafeterias with Fresh Produce

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Texas schools are using refrigerated freight containers converted into hydroponic farms as an extension of the classroom…

Because of concerns for their water sources, residents of Glendive, Mont. are pushing DEQ to make rules about radioactive oil waste. (Tony Webster/Flickr)

MT DEQ Proposes Quadrupling Radioactive Waste Disposal Limit

GLENDIVE, Mont. – The latest proposed rules for disposing of radioactive oil waste in Montana have some residents concerned. The state …

Much of the trash in New Hampshire's landfills comes from out-of-state sources. (New Hampshire State Parks)

Dalton Residents Seek New Zoning Laws to Keep Landfill Out

DALTON, N.H. – Residents of a small North Country town are organizing against a proposed landfill near their beloved Forest Lake. Vermont-…

One study estimates that 100 million pieces of plastic, including single-use bags, pollute Lake Erie. (Indi Samarajiva/Flickr)

State Lawmakers Seek to "Ban the Plastic-Bag Bans" in Ohio

By Nick Pedone/Broadcast version by Mary Schuermann Kuhlman Reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration To help protect the env…

Prevent identity theft by shredding documents containing personal information. (Hans/Pixabay)

Arkansans Can Avoid Identity Theft at ShredFest

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – It's easy to disregard unsolicited financial offers that show up in your mailbox, but experts say those letters shouldn't …

A proposed federal bill sets a goal of capturing 85% of all methane gas produced on public lands within three years and 90% within five years. (Tim Evanson/Flickr)

PA Could Benefit from New Federal Methane Bill

HARRISBURG, Pa. – New federal legislation could help Pennsylvania reduce methane gas leaks from natural gas facilities. Methane is considered …

By 2050, experts estimate, there will be more plastic by weight in the oceans than fish. (Richard Carey/Adobe Stock)

New York Plastic Bag Ban Becomes Law

KINGSTON, N.Y. — The bill banning single-use plastic bags statewide has been signed into law. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo held an Earth Day news …

According to some estimates, oceans could contain more plastics than fish by 2050. (Jill Clardy/Adobe Stock)

Earth Day: Oceans Becoming 'Plastic Soup'

SEATTLE – It's Earth Day, and one manufactured menace threatening the world's oceans is plastics. While estimates vary, many scientific …

In 2016, New Yorkers recycled more than 5 billion beverage containers. (pxhere)

NY Sees Major Push to Expand Bottle Deposit Law

NEW YORK — Environmental groups are hoping to get an expanded bottle deposit law passed with the state budget. The budget is due next Monday…

Baltimore Waterfront Partnership's Healthy Harbor Initiative has collected more than 1 million Styrofoam containers since its first "trash wheel" launched in 2014. (Matthew Bellemare/Creative Commons)

Maryland Could Become First State to Ban Foam Food Containers

BALTIMORE - Maryland soon could become the first state to ban Styrofoam food containers and cups. A bill passed this week by the House of Delegates …

Non-biodegradable, single-use plastic bags are a threat to wildlife and the environment. (RitaE/pixabay)

Cuomo to Propose Ban on Plastic Bags

ALBANY, N.Y. — Gov. Andrew Cuomo's executive budget includes measures to combat litter, reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and protect the …

25 percent more trash is generated during the "most wonderful time of the year." (Taber Amber Bain/Flickr)

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle for a "Green" Christmas

INDIANAPOLIS -- The "most wonderful time of the year" is also the most wasteful. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans throw …

Magazines, newspapers and recycled paper are environmentally-friendly alternatives to wrapping paper. (Darby/Twenty20)

The Most Wasteful Time of the Year?

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The "most wonderful time of the year" is also the most wasteful. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans …

In Florida, the Spruce, Sand and Virginia Pine, plus Red Cedar, Arizona Cypress and Leyland Cypress, all are grown for use as Christmas trees, according to the Florida Christmas Tree Assn. (Ian Sane/Flickr)

Immigration Restrictions Affect Christmas Tree Growers, Workers

ELKTON, Md. – Christmas trees will be available this holiday season, although growers say they've had a tougher time getting Balsam, Frasier …

As it grows, a single tree can absorb as much as 26 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year, says the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Assn. (Glenn Fleishman/Flickr)

WI Christmas Tree Shortage: High Demand, Immigration Restrictions

ELKTON, Md. – Christmas trees will be available this holiday season, although growers say they've had a tougher time getting Balsam, Frasier …

Scientists say there are health risks associated with disposable plastics. (MabelAmber/Pixabay)

Prohibiting Plastic Bag Bans in Ohio: Who Stands to Benefit?

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio lawmakers are considering legislation that would prohibit communities from banning plastic bags. But who stands to …

NOAA scientists say the number of cases where red-tide blooms and hurricanes have occurred simultaneously is small. (Pixabay)

How Will Hurricane Michael Affect Florida's Red Tide Outbreak?

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida's red-tide bloom continues to be a drag on tourism, causing fish kills and inducing respiratory problems for …

Every year an estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic waste enters ocean waters. (byrev/pixabay)

Cleanup Gets Trash Before It Reaches the Oceans

NEW YORK – The 33rd annual International Coastal Cleanup is coming up this weekend, part of a global effort to keep trash out of the oceans…

Flood prevention is one benefit of green infrastructure projects that are being funded in five Chesapeake Bay states with nearly $700,000 of grant money. (Pixabay)

Communities Receive More "Green" to Go Green

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Communities are finding it easier to go green when there's some "green" to help them make the transition - in the form of nearly $700…

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