The life cycle of a plastic water bottle
The concept of the circular economy isn’t anything new, but the same approach doesn’t apply to all types of materials. For example, the life of aluminum differs a great deal from the life of plastic as aluminum is infinitely recyclable while plastic is not. Here we explore how a plastic #1 bottle moves through both the…Read More…
PPE waste – The new waste stream
There’s an overlooked result of the effects of COVID-19 that’s becoming very visible – a rise in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) waste. Masks, gloves, gowns, face shields, goggles, hand sanitizer bottles, and wipes plus all of the packaging and manufacturing waste associated with these essential items is showing up in our landscapes and oceans, contaminating recycling…Read More…
How to recycle electronics in New York: A guide
As the largest city in the US, New York’s waste generation is huge. Some reports put the figure at more than 14 million tons per year, with much of that waste still going to landfill or being incinerated. However, things are changing, and as the city’s recent sustainability initiatives begin to take hold, less waste…Read More…
How to recycle electronics in Chicago: A guide
As the third most populous city in the US, Chicago produces a significant amount of trash. In fact, the State of Illinois generates 19 million tons of garbage a year, with the city of Chicago and “Chicagoland” responsible for a large proportion of that figure. Today, the reduction of that waste and an increase in effective recycling is a priority for municipalities across…Read More…
7 sustainable companies we admire
Sustainable businesses are no longer the exception, they’re quickly becoming the rule. In fact, as consumers increasingly demand more sustainable products and legislators introduce more laws regulating everything from labor to waste management, there are more reasons for businesses to improve their social missions. Companies that are striving to set the highest standards are doing…Read More…
RTS Internship Program: An interview with Constanza Hasselmann
Every summer brings a fresh wave of students for our internship program, the best and brightest who are passionate about sustainability, and the change we can help drive. They are encouraged to work across business practices and markets. Gaining their fresh perspective, their experience, and their insights allows RTS to grow as a company. Here,…Read More…
Ready for these? 10 recycling facts you need to know.
Most people don’t give much thought to what happens after they place items in the recycling bin, or where their waste goes after they throw it in the trash. But the logistics and operations of waste management and recycling are a lot more than placing waste in the appropriate waste bin. We’ve put together a…Read More…
TerraCycle and their mission to eliminate waste
As consumers in today’s world, we generate an enormous amount of waste, most likely without realizing it. Think about your day from start to finish. What are you buying, eating, drinking, and cleaning with? How familiar is this scenario? You toss an empty tube of toothpaste after brushing your teeth. You make yourself a cup…Read More…
Construction + Demolition: From Rubble to Riches
Did you know nearly 570 million tons of construction and demolition (C&D) waste is produced every year? That is double the amount of municipal solid waste produced each year. 90% of that waste is produced from demolition, while 10% is from construction. What are the benefits of C&D recycling? …Read More…
Saving the planet — The best (and cheapest) plastic alternatives
In the early 1950s, plastic was a wonder material set to usher in a wave of modern living. Cheap, lightweight, easily produced, flexible, and strong, it had a million uses, and its invention was celebrated as the paradigm of progress. Unfortunately, very little thought was given to its impact on the planet. Its longevity, of…Read More…