Bergen Implements $130M Vacuum Tube Waste System

Several advanced recycling and waste management initiatives across the U.S. and Norway highlight efforts to improve efficiency, sustainability, and community engagement. Bergen, Norway, is investing over $130 million in a pneumatic waste collection system to replace traditional trash collection, which has increased recycling rates but also faced logistical challenges and resident concerns over new fees. Columbus, Ohio's Rumpke Recycling & Resource Center, the largest and most technologically advanced in the U.S., emphasizes community partnership by incorporating local input, career development, and public education to foster sustainability and economic opportunities. Similarly, Brooklyn's Sunset Park Municipal Recycling Facility, North America's largest, employs AI scanners and magnets to recover 95% of recyclables, including difficult items like Nespresso pods, and prepares materials for resale while planning for future expansion. Iowa City is mobilizing residents to reduce plastic waste through a pledge campaign that provides ongoing resources and encourages tracking of their impact, addressing the landfill's significant plastic content. These examples illustrate a holistic approach combining technology, education, and community involvement to enhance recycling outcomes and environmental stewardship.