When it comes to government policy-making, rational evaluations of the costs and benefits of various approaches to a problem aren’t always the norm. That was why the long debate over whether ...

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Researchers report new approaches could dramatically increase the amount of plastic waste that can be successfully recycled. Most of the 150 million tons of plastics produced around the world every ...

The plastics recycling system in the United States needs major help. That was a clear area of bipartisan agreement at a recent U.S. House of Representatives Science, Space and Technology subcommittee ...

One person’s scrap may or may not be another person’s treasure, but these days it can be the launching pad to a great career in science, match or technology. In 2012, the Institute of Scrap Recycling ...

Have you ever wondered whether your milk carton caps can be recycled? Or what happens to your recycling after it gets picked up from your curb? Science Friday video producer Luke Groskin decided to ...

Rare earth metals are absolutely critical to modern life. Fiber optic communications require erbium. Neodymium is a critical component in modern permanent magnets. Without a steady supply of rare ...

During my childhood, recycling was an informal, ad-hoc process. We used to buy soda in flip-top bottles that went right back into the crate and got taken back to where we bought them. The bottles were ...

Although some may dismiss recycling as unnecessary or inconvenient, Earth Day is a good reminder of why we should care. By reducing our trash output, reusing what we already have, and recycling old ...

Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Recycling is one of those things we talk about constantly, but aren ...