Latest
A collection of our most recent news, research and upcoming events.
New York Needs Assessment
CSMM, with support from RRS, released Current Recycling Systems in NYS, a statewide report detailing recycling access, costs, and performance while identifying opportunities to improve equity and strengthen climate outcomes.
FREE Webinar: From Planning to Practice
Explore the legal foundations of Michigan’s Part 115 MMPs in this RRS webinar featuring expert insights and a live Q&A with attorney Robert Charles Davis and RRS Director of Client Services Anna Lynott.
Optimizing MRF Operations Nationwide
Closed Loop Partners, with support from RRS, released a best practices guide to help U.S. MRFs optimize recycling operations and prepare for expanding EPR programs.
Renewed Strategy for Poly Coated Paper Alliance
The Poly Coated Paper Alliance (PCPA) — managed by RRS — has launched a renewed national strategy to make poly-coated paper products like cups and ice cream tubs a routine part of curbside recycling.
University of Bufffalo Composting Program Expands to Student Apartments
As part of UB’s Zero Waste Plan, RRS helped design strategies for campus-wide organics capture—now realized through student apartment composting.
A New Chapter in Leadership at RRS
RRS announces its next chapter as Resa Dimino and Catherine Goodall are to become co-CEOs in 2026, continuing the company’s legacy of collaboration and innovation. Co-founder and current CEO Jim Frey will step into a strategic advisor role working with clients and business development strategy.
Designed with Purpose
RRS partnered with Public Thread to transform retired conference banners into functional, upcycled swag. This project reflects our commitment to real-world circularity and highlights the power of reuse, local collaboration, and creative material recovery.
Waste study and plans for recycling access expansion in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is expanding recycling access with support from the state’s producer responsibility law and a waste study led by RRS and Colorado Circular Communities, revealing only 17% of recyclables are currently diverted.
Introducing EPR Academy
Learn packaging EPR compliance with EPR Academy™ — self-paced training, expert instructors, practical tools, and certification.
Improving Recycling of Automotive Plastic Packaging
A report from Suppliers Partnership for the Environment, developed with RRS and Fisher Packaging, offers strategies and a playbook to improve recycling of automotive plastic packaging and advance a circular economy.
Shaping the Future: RRS 30 Under 30 Honorees
Two RRS consultants, Isabelle Borkowski and Keira Higgins, have been named to Recycling Today and ReMA’s 2025 30 Under 30 awards, recognizing young leaders shaping the future of recycling and the circular economy.
RRS Recognized as Innovator of the Year for Oregon EPR Work
RRS and Circular Action Alliance have received the Innovator of the Year award for their collaborative work developing Oregon’s statewide recycling system plan under the nation’s first EPR law for packaging. The plan, grounded in data and shaped by input from across Oregon, sets a new standard for implementing extended producer responsibility policies. With a focus on infrastructure mapping, stakeholder engagement, and equity, this award-winning effort offers a blueprint for modern, inclusive recycling systems nationwide.
Leading Michigan’s Circular Future: Highlights from the MRC Conference
At this year’s Michigan Recycling Coalition (MRC) Conference, RRS played a leading role in conversations shaping the future of materials management in Michigan. From Jim Frey’s inspiring keynote on the state’s recycling evolution, to insights on construction debris recovery and the energy of the NextCycle Michigan mini-showcase, RRS helped spotlight the progress, challenges, and innovations driving a more circular Michigan.
Apply for a NextCycle Michigan Seed Award to Jump-Start Your Circular Economy Project
The NextCycle Michigan Seed Award Program is now accepting applications for early-stage projects that aim to keep materials out of Michigan’s landfills. With awards of $8,000 to $10,000, this grant opportunity helps businesses, nonprofits, and public-sector partners test new ideas, scale promising solutions, and close gaps in our circular economy.
Investing in Stronger Glass Recycling: 2025 GRF Grant Applications Open June 9
The Glass Recycling Foundation (GRF) is helping to close critical gaps in the U.S. glass recycling system by funding on-the-ground projects that make a measurable difference. From collection infrastructure to public education, GRF grants empower communities to improve access to glass recycling, reduce contamination, and boost recovery rates.
RRS Expands Ownership Team with Seven New Shareholders
RRS welcomes seven new shareholders, expanding employee ownership and strengthening leadership to drive innovation in sustainable materials management.
RRS at the Plastics Recycling Conference
RRS is heading to the Plastics Recycling Conference 2025! Connect with us on your plastic and textile needs.
Aluminum Cans: From Recycling Bin to New Can in Just 60 Days
New research from RRS, commissioned by the Aluminum Association and Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI), confirms that aluminum beverage cans move from recycling bin to newly formed can in less than 60 days. With 97% of recycled aluminum beverage cans becoming new cans, this study highlights aluminum’s role as one of the most efficient and sustainable packaging materials.
Learn how aluminum’s closed-loop recycling system reduces waste, saves energy, and strengthens the circular economy.
NextCycle Accelerators Open Applications to Advance Circular Economy Solutions
The NextCycle Sustainable Packaging Accelerator and NextCycle Michigan are now accepting applications through March 31. These programs provide business and technical support to projects that help divert materials from landfills and strengthen circular economy initiatives. The Sustainable Packaging Accelerator focuses on improving packaging recyclability and efficiency in Michigan and Ohio, while NextCycle Michigan supports public and private sector projects aimed at expanding recycling infrastructure and supply chain solutions within the state. Both programs offer expert coaching, funding pathways, and a final showcase event to connect participants with investors and industry leaders.
PLASTICS announces formation of Polystyrene Recycling Alliance
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has formed the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance (PSRA) to increase the availability and effectiveness of polystyrene recycling in the U.S. The initiative brings together various stakeholders, from manufacturers to recyclers, with the shared goal of achieving widespread recyclability for polystyrene by 2030. RRS is playing a role in helping guide the strategy through a detailed plan that focuses on expanding recycling systems and raising awareness about sustainable practices.