In this episode, Barry Snedden is joined by Anna Larsson, Reloop’s Director of Circular Economy Development, to explore the critical role of mixed waste sorting in boosting recycling rates and reducing emissions. Anna explains why focusing only on source-separated recyclables like bottles and cans isn't enough anymore. Valuable materials are still hidden in black bags, and mixed waste sorting is the key to recovering them.

We learn why mixed waste sorting should be seen as a tool for governments and policymakers alongside other methods, as it provides various recyclables for circular production models, and it even has the potential to reduce waste sector-related emissions by 21%. The conversation unpacks how this approach could strengthen recycling efforts, without being as costly or as complicated as it may seem.

In this episode Reloop's Global Networks Director, Jenni Hume, speaks with Blair Horner from the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) about efforts to modernise New York’s deposit return system (known as the Bottle Bill), which was enacted in 1982.

As the state faces mounting waste and landfill challenges, advocates are calling for a "Bigger, Better Bottle Bill" that includes expanding the scope to more types of containers and increasing the deposit value. As the momentum builds behind bottle bill reform this episode sheds light on the findings of a new Eunomia report commissioned by Reloop and NYPIRG, which outlines how a modernised bill could save New York municipalities millions of dollars, reduce litter, and divert 5.5 billion bottles and cans from landfills each year.

Visit https://www.nypirg.org to learn more.

In this episode of The Reloop Brief, Shraddha Kumar is joined by Rob Kelman, Director of Reloop Pacific, to discuss the latest developments in Australia’s Container Deposit Schemes and the evolving Extended Producer Responsibility landscape in New Zealand.

As Tasmania prepares to launch its scheme in May 2025, Australia is set to become the first continent fully covered by deposit systems. Rob shares why he believes higher deposit values are essential to driving greater return rates and how Australia’s experience offers key lessons, both in terms of successes and missteps for jurisdictions considering or refining their own deposit systems.