Recycling news: 2026
Fresh every day from industry press, GOV.UK and research feeds — plus the historical archive. Last updated 1 Aug 2026.
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Research & science
A deadly chemical frozen in ice may have sparked life on Earth
Hydrogen cyanide, a toxic chemical, may have helped spark the chemistry that led to life. When frozen, it forms crystals with highly reactive surfaces that can drive unusual chemical reactions, even in extreme cold. These reactions could produce more reactive molecules that pave the way for life’s basic ingredients. The findings suggest frozen worlds may be more chemically active than once thou…
ScienceDaily — Hazardous Waste · 16 Jan 2026
Research & science
Scientists found the soil secret that doubles forest regrowth
New research shows tropical forests can recover twice as fast after deforestation when their soils contain enough nitrogen. Scientists followed forest regrowth across Central America for decades and found that nitrogen plays a decisive role in how quickly trees return. Faster regrowth also means more carbon captured from the atmosphere. The study points to smarter reforestation strategies that …
ScienceDaily — Sustainability · 16 Jan 2026
Research & science
The Physics of Superconducting Microwave Resonators - CaltechTHESIS
Caltech News · 15 Jan 2026
Research & science
Role of avoided emissions scheme and estimation of contributions of electric vehicles and heat pumps to reduction in global emissions
Volume 17, Issue 1, December 2026 .
Carbon Management (Taylor & Francis) · 15 Jan 2026
Research & science
LEVERAGING ENVIRONMENTAL FORENSIC EXPERTISE FOR EFFICIENT POLLUTION LIABILITY ALLOCATION - Detritus Journal
Detritus — Multidisciplinary Journal for Waste Resources and Residues · 14 Jan 2026
Research & science
Readiness to transform: Pioneer farmers’ motivations and barriers for adopting paludiculture in Germany
by Morena Merkelbach, Laura M. Kmoch, Tobias Plieninger, Claudia Heindorf Degraded peatlands are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, requiring innovative strategies for their restoration and sustainable use. Paludiculture, or wet agriculture, is an approach to align climate protection with productive land use. However, its adoption requires a deeper understanding of farmers’ a…
PLOS Sustainability and Transformation · 13 Jan 2026
Research & science
Social-ecological outcomes of agroecological transitions: A case study from natural farming systems in central India
by Adarshana Thapa, Siva Muthuprakash, Om Damani, Marney E. Isaac In small-scale production systems, a transition to natural farming systems, characterized by minimal soil disturbance, reliance on bio-inputs, crop diversification, and elimination of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, may achieve higher social-ecological sustainability. While indicators of such positive outcomes have been sho…
PLOS Sustainability and Transformation · 13 Jan 2026
Research & science
Towards recycling of fiber composites - Empa
Empa News · 13 Jan 2026
Research & science
Cancer statistics, 2026 - Wiley & Sons
Journal of Industrial Ecology (Wiley) · 13 Jan 2026
Research & science
Researchers and Air Force partner to test AI copilots - Stanford Report
Stanford Report · 13 Jan 2026
Research & science
A shocking amount of plastic is floating in city air
Plastic pollution is not just in oceans and soil. Scientists have now found enormous amounts of microscopic plastic floating through urban air, far exceeding earlier estimates. Road dust and rainfall play a major role in moving these particles through the atmosphere. The findings suggest the air may be one of the most important pathways for plastic pollution.
ScienceDaily — Pollution · 13 Jan 2026
Research & science
Kantonale Start-up-Förderung - Empa
Empa News · 12 Jan 2026
Research & science
General Copyright & Permissions - ACS Publications
ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering (ACS) · 10 Jan 2026
Research & science
Publishing Integrity & Ethics - ACS Publications
ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering (ACS) · 10 Jan 2026
Research & science
What 2026 could hold for the UK housing market
An economist looks ahead at the property sector.
Brunel University of London — The Conversation institution feed · 8 Jan 2026
Research & science
Social life cycle assessment: a systematic review from the engineering perspective
Volume 19, Issue 1, December 2026 .
International Journal of Sustainable Engineering (Taylor & Francis) · 7 Jan 2026
Research & science
Wildfires are polluting the air far more than thought
Scientists have discovered that wildfires release far more air-polluting gases than previously estimated. Many of these hidden emissions can transform into fine particles that are dangerous to breathe. The study shows wildfire pollution rivals human-made emissions in some parts of the world. This helps explain why wildfire smoke can linger and worsen air quality long after the flames are gone.
ScienceDaily — Sustainability · 7 Jan 2026
Research & science
Remarks by President-Elect Ray Jayawardhana to the Caltech Community - Caltech
Caltech News · 6 Jan 2026
Research & science
Ray Jayawardhana Appointed Caltech's Tenth President - Caltech
Caltech News · 6 Jan 2026
Research & science
TFA: How a persistent chemical enters our waterways - Empa
Empa News · 6 Jan 2026
Research & science
Statement of Retraction: Solving a low-carbon routing problem for perishable distribution food
Volume 19, Issue 1, December 2026 .
International Journal of Sustainable Engineering (Taylor & Francis) · 6 Jan 2026
Research & science
Optimizing sustainability in cement production: a combined LCA and TOPSIS approach for evaluating GGBS substitution and alternative energy strategies
Volume 17, Issue 1, December 2026 .
Carbon Management (Taylor & Francis) · 5 Jan 2026
Research & science
Coral reefs could feed millions if we let them rebuild
Overfished coral reefs are producing far less food than they could. Researchers found that letting reef fish populations recover could boost sustainable fish yields by nearly 50%, creating millions of extra meals each year. Countries with high hunger and nutrient deficiencies would benefit the most. Rebuilding reefs could turn ocean conservation into a powerful tool against global hunger.
ScienceDaily — Sustainability · 4 Jan 2026
Research & science
2026 Sagan Summer Workshop Agenda - NExScI
Caltech News · 3 Jan 2026
Research & science
AI for accurate insect pest monitoring: A path toward resilient agriculture
by Thomas Vinatier, Edel Pérez-López
PLOS Sustainability and Transformation · 2 Jan 2026
Research & science
New AI model predicts disease risk while you sleep - Stanford Report
Stanford Report · 2 Jan 2026