Houston's plastic waste piles up waiting for "advanced" recycling
Houston seeks to be a national model for plastic recycling. But a program that started in 2022 hasn't yet found its footing.
Recycling
"Advanced recycling" lagging behind in Houston
So-called advanced recycling has been touted as a way to recycle every type of plastic, which would help cut down on the problem of plastic waste. But a program is Houston is lagging behind, as the waste piles up in a warehouse. Ben Tracy has the story.
LEGO to scale up use of renewable plastics in its bricks
The legacy toy company is increasing the certified renewable or recycled materials that go into its bricks in an effort to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.
Is plastic recycling effective?
A Houston program funded in large part by oil and plastic producers claims to recycle any type of plastic. CBS News senior national and environmental correspondent Ben Tracy has more on his investigation into the program's claims.
Is plastic recycling a myth?
Houston, Texas, says its new recycling program can handle any type of plastic and the city is touting it as a model for the nation. In collaboration with the nonprofit Inside Climate News, CBS News' Ben Tracy looked into whether the claims are too good to be true.
Critics call out plastics industry over "fraud of plastic recycling"
Only 5 to 6% of plastic waste produced in the U.S. is actually recycled. A new report accuses the plastics industry of a decades-long campaign to "mislead" the public about the viability of recycling.
Critics call out recycling "fraud" by plastics industry
About 48 million tons of plastic waste is generated in the United States each year, but only 5 to 6 percent of it is actually recycled. A new report from the Center for Climate Integrity, "The Fraud of Plastic Recycling," accuses the plastics industry of a decades-long campaign to "mislead" the public about the viability of recycling. Correspondent Ben Tracy talks with the report's co-author, Davis Allen, and with Jan Dell, a former chemical engineer, about an inconvenient truth surrounding the lifecycle of plastic. [Originally broadcast April 14, 2024.]
5/14: CBSN AM
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Nipsey Hussle murdered; Recycling Wrong.
Paving the way to a greener future
According to the University of California, Davis, residential energy use is responsible for 20% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. However, one company is helping residential buildings reduce their impact and putting carbon to use. CBS News' Bradley Blackburn shows how the process works.
Starbucks unveils new cold drink cups that use less plastic
Starbucks unveiled the new cups ahead of Earth Day and as a new report warns plastic production emissions are even greater than those from aviation.
E-waste growing at record levels: U.N. report
A new U.N. report found that global electronic waste is growing five times faster than rates of recycling, with 62 million metric tons of e-waste produced in 2022. That's up 82% from 2010. CBS News' Seth Doane has more.
Electronic waste is growing 5 times faster than it's being recycled
From cell phones to freezers, e-waste is trashing the planet – and a new report says the world isn't doing enough to stop it from getting worse.
Blueland CEO's fight against plastic waste
As part of our "Changing the Game" series, we're highlighting Sarah Paiji Yoo. She is the co-founder and CEO of Blueland, which specializes in eco-friendly cleaning products and is on a mission to eliminate single-use plastic.
Starbucks rolls out reusable cup option in move to cut waste
Starbucks will now allow its baristas to serve beverages in cups provided by customers at drive-thrus in the U.S. and Canada.
Researchers study ocean impact of microplastics
A recent study estimates there are now 170 trillion pieces of plastic in the ocean. A team of international scientists working on a research vessel off the coast of Panama are seeking to understand the impact of microplastics on the oceans and our health. Ben Tracy has details.
Nonprofit seeks to give building materials new life
If historic homes are the fabric of Savannah, Georgia, Mae Bowley is the thread salvaging precious materials from those about to be torn down. Janet Shamlian has the story.
14-year-old entrepreneur works to make change
As a toddler, Ryan Hickman started collecting and sorting bottles and cans. More than a decade later, he's just 14, and Ryan's Recycling is a full-fledged business spanning much of Southern California, with almost a dozen employees and plenty of accolades. Carter Evans reports.
Startup uses tires to make EV batteries
The batteries needed to power electric vehicles have long been questioned for their sustainability. And now, one Chilean startup wants to help make them more eco-friendly – by recycling used tires.
Used tires could help expand market for electric vehicle batteries
As demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, one startup company in Chile is looking to recycle old tires to help make them more sustainable.
Teen's recycling business still going strong
Ryan Hickman began collecting bottles for recycling when he was just 3 years old. Now, at 14, he's still going, earning money for college and giving back to his community. Carter Evans has the story.
The tragic cost of e-waste and new efforts to recycle
The vast majority of electronic waste produced each year winds up in landfills in the global South, creating hazardous and toxic conditions. "Sunday Morning" examines efforts to ramp up formal recycling and extending the life of products like smartphones.
A breakthrough in recycling clothes
Prince William will announce the five winners of the 2023 Earthshot prizes, handed out to people working to solve climate change. One finalist from the U.S. has cracked the code for recycling clothing. Ben Tracy has the story.
Earthshot Prize finalist recycles poly-cotton
One of the finalists in the running for the Earthshot grand prize of $1.2 million is an innovation that can process the hardest types of "fast fashion" to recycle — poly-cotton blended garments. CBS News senior national and environmental correspondent Ben Tracy reports.
Climate tech startup designs new method to reduce clothing waste
Circ has found a solution to the clothing industry's substantial environmental waste and pollution, by separating and recycling cotton-polyester blend clothing.
Survivors of Sept. 2 boat strike were waving before second attack, sources say
Two people who survived a U.S. attack on an alleged drug boat were waving overhead before they were killed in a now-controversial second strike, according to two sources.
CDC panel votes to stop recommending birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, with members appointed by RFK Jr., voted to change longstanding recommendations on the hepatitis B vaccine.
Report finds Afghanistan mission was "two-decade long effort fraught with waste"
The final report this week from the special inspector general for Afghanistan identified $26 billion in waste, fraud, and abuse in U.S. reconstruction spending in Afghanistan since 2009.
Supreme Court to decide constitutionality of Trump's birthright citizenship order
The Supreme Court said Friday it will decide the legality of President Trump's executive order that seeks to end birthright citizenship.
National Guard member is "slowly healing" after D.C. shooting, governor says
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said the family expects Andrew Wolfe to be in acute care for another two to three weeks.
Suspect in D.C. pipe bomb case ordered detained in first court appearance
The man suspected of planting pipe bombs outside the RNC and DNC headquarters in 2021 was ordered detained in his first appearance in federal court.
Indiana House GOP advances 9-0 congressional map, sending plan to state Senate
President Trump has led the charge to create more GOP-friendly congressional districts in the 2026 midterm elections.
Minnesota officials saw signs of massive fraud even before COVID hit
In July 2019, Minnesota state officials spotted early signs of fraud that would eventually siphon away more than $1 billion in taxpayer money, sources told CBS News.
Here's where minimum wage increases are set to kick in next year
Minimum wages are set to rise in 22 U.S. states and 66 cities and counties next year, even as the federal baseline wage remains at $7.25.
U.S.
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National Guard member is "slowly healing" after D.C. shooting, governor says
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said the family expects Andrew Wolfe to be in acute care for another two to three weeks.
When a Lowe's store cat disappeared, staff pulled out all the stops to find her
When Francine the cat went missing from her Richmond, Virginia, store, employees determined she must have wandered onto a freight truck bound for a distribution center 85 miles away in North Carolina.
Report finds Afghanistan mission was "two-decade long effort fraught with waste"
The final report this week from the special inspector general for Afghanistan identified $26 billion in waste, fraud, and abuse in U.S. reconstruction spending in Afghanistan since 2009.
2 Louisiana inmates on the run after escape through damaged jail wall
Officials in Louisiana say two inmates accused of violent crimes are on the run after escaping from jail by removing pieces of a wall and using sheets to scale a wall.
For Gen Zers, finding work after college is often a painful slog
"It's very discouraging," said one young job-seeker as employers pull back on hiring entry-level workers.
MoneyWatch
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For Gen Zers, finding work after college is often a painful slog
"It's very discouraging," said one young job-seeker as employers pull back on hiring entry-level workers.
Here's where minimum wage increases are set to kick in next year
Minimum wages are set to rise in 22 U.S. states and 66 cities and counties next year, even as the federal baseline wage remains at $7.25.
Officials expand probe into Waymo over robotaxis driving around buses
Federal regulators are investigating multiple Texas incidents in which the robotaxis drove around stopped school buses.
Trump touts $20 trillion in new U.S. investments, but numbers don't add up
President Trump's claims of a historic multitrillion-dollar investment surge don't match federal data or the administration's own numbers.
Elon Musk's X fined $140 million for violating EU transparency rules
European regulators said X breached transparency rules under the Digital Services Act, a sweeping EU law intended to protect internet users.
Politics
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U.S., Ukrainian officials will meet again Saturday on peace plan
The officials in a joint statement said they made progress on creating a security framework for postwar Ukraine and are urging Russia to commit to peace.
Survivors of Sept. 2 boat strike were waving before second attack, sources say
Two people who survived an early September U.S. attack on an alleged drug boat were waving overhead before they were killed in a now-controversial second strike, according to two sources.
Report finds Afghanistan mission was "two-decade long effort fraught with waste"
The final report this week from the special inspector general for Afghanistan identified $26 billion in waste, fraud, and abuse in U.S. reconstruction spending in Afghanistan since 2009.
Supreme Court to decide constitutionality of Trump's birthright citizenship order
The Supreme Court said Friday it will decide the legality of President Trump's executive order that seeks to end birthright citizenship.
Indiana House GOP advances 9-0 congressional map, sending plan to state Senate
President Trump has led the charge to create more GOP-friendly congressional districts in the 2026 midterm elections.
HealthWatch
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CDC panel votes to stop recommending birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, with members appointed by RFK Jr., voted to change longstanding recommendations on the hepatitis B vaccine.
Could pets be next for weight loss drugs? Here's what to know about a study.
A clinical study into weight loss drugs for pets just launched, with results from the trial expected by next summer.
CDC panel to vote Friday on hepatitis B vaccine for newborns
The CDC's vaccine advisory panel meets Thursday and Friday to discuss recommendations for the hepatitis B vaccine and the schedule of childhood shots.
12 ex-FDA leaders criticize claims made by agency's current vaccine chief
The former officials said the FDA's plans to revamp how certain life-saving vaccines are handled would "disadvantage the people the FDA exists to protect, including millions of Americans at high risk from serious infections."
CEO of genetics firm says parents have a right to choose unborn child's traits
Kian Sadeghi, the 25-year-old founder and CEO at Nucleus Genomics, tells "CBS Mornings" that parents have every right to select the qualities and traits they desire in their child.
World
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U.S., Ukrainian officials will meet again Saturday on peace plan
The officials in a joint statement said they made progress on creating a security framework for postwar Ukraine and are urging Russia to commit to peace.
Treasure trove found in Egyptian tomb solves ancient mystery
The royal symbol on the newly discovered figurines solves a long-standing mystery by identifying who was buried in the sarcophagus.
Elon Musk's X fined $140 million for violating EU transparency rules
European regulators said X breached transparency rules under the Digital Services Act, a sweeping EU law intended to protect internet users.
Mystery drones seen over Ireland during Zelenskyy's visit
After a number of drone sightings near European airports and military bases, mysterious aircraft were seen over Ireland as Ukraine's Zelenskyy visited.
White House claims Europe facing "civilizational erasure" in 2 decades
The Trump administration says societal threats mean some European nations may not be "strong enough to remain reliable allies."
Entertainment
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Frank Gehry, renowned architect, dies at age 96
Frank Gehry was known for designing the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.
2026 Golden Globes nominees to be revealed on "CBS Mornings"
Eleven exclusive 2026 Golden Globes categories will be revealed Monday at 8:30 a.m. ET, only on "CBS Mornings."
Book excerpt: "My Beloved" by Jan Karon
The New York Times bestselling author returns to the village of Mitford in her 15th novel featuring Father Tim Kavanagh.
Amy Allen on songwriting, Grammy nods
Amy Allen, who is up for four Grammys, including songwriter of the year, sits down with Anthony Mason to talk about how she went from a nursing student to writing Grammy-nominated hits for Sabrina Carpenter and other pop stars.
Netflix to buy Warner Bros. in a deal valued at $82.7 billion
Netflix on Friday said it will acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television studios, HBO Max and HBO.
Technology
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Technology
Waymo says its cars are better at avoiding crashes
Waymo has released new data showing its robotaxis were involved in 91% fewer serious crashes when compared to human drivers. CBS News' Elizabeth Cook rode along in a Waymo with Politico economic policy reporter Yasmin Khorram to unpack the report.
Elon Musk's X fined $140 million for violating EU transparency rules
European regulators said X breached transparency rules under the Digital Services Act, a sweeping EU law intended to protect internet users.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Google reveals top search trends of 2025
The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, President Trump's "big, beautiful bill," and the longest government shutdown in U.S. history ranked among Google's top search trends this year.
Politico: Trump admin. looks to robotics
Leaders in the robotics industry say that to strengthen AI, companies also need a plan for robots. The White House appears to be listening. Yasmin Khorram, economic policy reporter for Politico, joins CBS News to discuss her article on the topic.
Science
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"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
CEO of genetics firm says parents have a right to choose unborn child's traits
Kian Sadeghi, the 25-year-old founder and CEO at Nucleus Genomics, tells "CBS Mornings" that parents have every right to select the qualities and traits they desire in their child.
Sick ants invite self-sacrifice to save colony: "Come and kill me"
Ant colonies act as one "super-organism" which works to ensure the survival of all, according to a team of scientists.
Mystery owner of ancient foot found in Africa identified, scientists say
The discovery could cast some doubt on the status of Lucy's species as the direct ancestor of Homo sapiens.
Most dogs have wolf DNA. These breeds have more than others.
Wolf DNA seems to have influenced the size, smelling power and even personality of modern dog breeds, scientists said.
Crime
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Crime
Questions remain after D.C. pipe bomb arrest
The man accused of planting two pipe bombs in Washington, D.C., on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot is facing two federal charges. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
D.C. pipe bomb case: What we still don't know
A judge ordered that the man accused of planting pipe bombs placed outside the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters in 2021 remain behind bars. CBS News justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane has more.
New video in UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting
Prosecutors have released new surveillance footage showing the lead-up to the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and the immediate aftermath. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has the latest.
Michael Jordan expected to testify in court
Basketball legend Michael Jordan is expected to testify in an antitrust case against NASCAR. CBS News' Skyler Henry reports.
Luigi Mangione's pretrial hearings postponed
Luigi Mangione, the man who faces a New York state trial over the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, did not attend his pretrial hearing because he's sick, the court announced Friday. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman has the latest.
Space
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"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
Air Force approves SpaceX launch pad expansion
The U.S. Air Force has approved SpaceX's plan to redevelop a historic launch pad at Cape Canaveral. CBS News correspondent Mark Strassmann reports.
Geomagnetic storm watch issued after powerful solar flare
Solar flares and other activity can disrupt radio communications, power grids and navigation signals, according to NASA.
Scientists think they've detected lightning on Mars: "Missing piece of the puzzle"
Researchers have documented 55 instances of "mini lightning" over two Martian years by eavesdropping on the whirling wind recorded by NASA's Perseverance rover.
Russia sends a NASA astronaut, 2 cosmonauts, up to the space station
The new space station crew includes American Chris Williams, who holds a Ph.D. in astronomy and is a board-certified medical physicist at Harvard Medical School.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Robert Redford 1936-2025
A retrospective look at the actor, director, producer, and founder of the Sundance Institute.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
GLP-1 drugs and muscle loss: What to know
A recent KFF poll revealed that one in eight adults in the U.S. is currently taking a GLP-1 weight loss drug. As more people start using them, some are talking about the unexpected side effects, including muscle loss and weakness. Senior Vox correspondent Dylan Scott joins CBS News to share what patients told him.
Couple shelters dozens after mall shooting
Dozens of Black Friday shoppers fleeing from a San Jose, California, mall after a shooting found shelter in a nearby house. The homeowners, Martin and Irene Garcia, join CBS News to recount the experience.
Grijalva says she was pepper sprayed by ICE
Democratic Rep. Adelita Grijalva of Arizona said Friday she was pepper-sprayed by ICE during a raid at a Tucson restaurant. A Homeland Security spokesperson denied Grijalva's account.
Colts aim to break losing streak
For the first time in NFL history, there are five divisions being led by just one game or less. Charlotte Carroll, staff writer at The Athletic, joins CBS News to unpack Week 14 of the football season.
Netflix-Warner Bros. deal could face hurdles
Netflix says it is buying studio giant Warner Bros. in a deal valued at more than $82 billion. Fortune business editor Nick Lichtenberg joins CBS News to break down the hurdles facing the merger.