Is recycling real? Who’s defining “recyclability”? Why are some recyclables so hard to sort? And what impact will tariffs have on recycling end markets? We’re bringing everyone together – companies, communities, policymakers and more – to cover our biggest challenges and greatest opportunities in this webinar series, Recycling in America-What’s Working, What’s Not, and What We Do About It.
Our first five webinars sparked honest dialogue, shared hard-earned lessons, and proved there’s real momentum for change when we anchor ourselves in the Five Requirements of an Effective Recycling System:
- Design for recyclability – Packaging must work in the system.
- Ability to recycle – Every household needs curbside access.
- Public participation – Residents must know how and why to recycle.
- Infrastructure – Trucks, carts, and MRFs must be equipped to sort recyclables.
- End markets – Recycled material must flow into new products to close the loop.
Find webinar recordings and resources below, and stay tuned for upcoming sessions!
Check out the Webinar Sessions
Part 1 - Community Recycling Programs: How can we take recycling from surviving to thriving?
What is going on with America’s community recycling programs? Is recycling real? Let’s talk about it. Join us for a discussion on what recyclables are really collected and how communities can get people educated and engaged.
Webinar Recording
Part 2 - MRFs: Unpacking the mystery of recycling’s magical “black boxes”
When our recyclables get picked up, where do they go? What happens to them? Let’s talk about it. Join us for a discussion on why some recyclables are difficult to sort and what technologies and best practices are changing the game.
- See Recycling In Action – During the month of May, tour a local MRF to see how recyclables are sorted and processed.
- Resources:
- Part 2 Slide Deck
Webinar Recording
Part 3 - End Markets: If recyclables have nowhere to go, are they really recyclables?
Recycling is all about turning old stuff into new stuff. For that, end markets are essential. What’s the state of end markets today? How do impending tariffs, EPR policies, and wavering corporate commitments affect the future of end markets? Let’s talk about it. Join us for a discussion on end markets and their future.
Webinar Recording
Part 4 - Recycling by Design: Exploring definitions, policies, and the road ahead
What is the definition of recyclability today? How is policy going to change it? Let’s talk about it. Join us for a discussion on designing for recyclability – why it’s challenging but necessary, and how we can continue to improve.
Webinar Recording
Part 5 - Policy: Shaping the future of recycling
Why is policy passing today? What makes for a good recycling policy? Let’s talk about it. Join us for a discussion on the role of policy in building a better recycling system and what we can learn from those who passed policy decades ago.
Webinar Recording
Polypropylene: Building a better system for materials
Let’s talk about polypropylene, the material behind everyday items like yogurt cups and butter tubs. We’ll explore what’s still standing in the way across all five system requirements, including participation and capture, and how behavior change through effective education and outreach can lead to increases in both. Together, we’ll unpack the challenges and build on the wins to move this critical material.
To learn more about The Recycling Partnership’s Polypropylene Recycling Coalition, click here.
Webinar Recording
Film & Flexible Packaging: Building the Roadmap
Let’s talk film & flexible packaging (FFP) – one of the most challenging materials in the recycling system. FFP makes up 34% of the U.S. plastic packaging market, yet its path to recyclability remains complex. Through The Recycling Partnership’s CalFFlex initiative and peer efforts, leaders across the industry are working together to build a roadmap that can transform the future of FFP recovery. We’ll explore the challenges with this material, and hear from recycling leaders on the current system reality, why EPR policy is driving the urgency for FFP solutions, and how industry organizations are working together to pave the way to move this material forward.
To learn more about The Recycling Partnership’s Film & Flexibles Recycling Coalition, click here.
Webinar Recording
Let’s Build a Better Recycling System. Together.