As fears of COVID-19 continue to swirl, recycling programs have stalled.

Healthcare workers and consumers are producing high volumes of waste as reusable, communal and secondhand items have been halted due to person-to-person exposure. For example, grocery stores have started using single-use plastic bags.

From March to April, U.S. cities saw a 20 percent average increase in municipal solid waste and recycling collection (According to the Solid Waste Association of North America). But these higher volumes are affecting recycling program budgets. For example, nearly 90 curbside recycling program in communities like Rock Springs, WY, and East Peoria, IL, have cut recycling programs due to deficit shortages.

As consumers try to balance their health against the use and disposal of plastic waste, there is an opportunity for new sustainable packaging.

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