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.
Savannah Guthrie says "we will pay" in new plea for mother's safe return
Savannah Guthrie released a new video on Saturday, saying her family is willing to pay for the safe return of their mother.
Some Team USA athletes speak out about politics at home
Skier Chris Lillis said he was "heartbroken about what's happened in the United States," while skater Amber Glenn said she "will not just be quiet."
Trump throws support behind Nexstar-Tegna broadcast deal he once opposed
Nexstar's acquisition of Tegna would bring together two companies with significant holdings in local broadcast media.
Injured Lindsey Vonn completes final training run ahead of Olympic race
"Just because it seems impossible to you doesn't mean it's not possible," Vonn says.
White House removes Trump post with racist footage of Obamas hours after defending it
The footage is included in a video that promotes false claims that the 2020 presidential election was rigged against Mr. Trump.
Brad Arnold, 3 Doors Down founder and lead singer, dies at 47
Brad Arnold, the founder and lead singer of the 3 Doors Down has died following "his courageous battle with cancer," the rock band announced Saturday on social media.
Washington Post publisher Will Lewis resigns just days after paper enacts mass layoffs
Will Lewis, CEO and publisher of the Washington Post, has resigned just three days after the storied newspaper laid off about one-third of its staff.
U.S. speedskater Greta Myers learned of Olympic debut hours before race
U.S. speed skater Greta Myers learned about her Olympic debut in the 3000m three hours before the race was due to begin.
Nancy Pelosi to endorse Jack Schlossberg in New York congressional race
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi plans to endorse Jack Schlossberg, John F. Kennedy's grandson, a source familiar confirmed to CBS News.
U.S.
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Did a popular acne medication drive a Texas teen to shoot his friends?
Connor Hilton, 17, said that after taking Accutane, a prescribed acne medication, he began to have suicidal and homicidal thoughts – thoughts that, his defense argued, led him to shoot two friends in the head at his Friendswood, Texas, home. Prosecutors weren't convinced.
Nancy Pelosi to endorse Jack Schlossberg in New York congressional race
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi plans to endorse Jack Schlossberg, John F. Kennedy's grandson, a source familiar confirmed to CBS News.
Savannah Guthrie says "we will pay" in new plea for mother's safe return
Savannah Guthrie released a new video on Saturday, saying her family is willing to pay for the safe return of their mother.
Washington Post publisher Will Lewis resigns just days after paper enacts mass layoffs
Will Lewis, CEO and publisher of the Washington Post, has resigned just three days after the storied newspaper laid off about one-third of its staff.
Who's performing at the Super Bowl halftime show? Here's the full list
Bad Bunny is set to take the stage at halftime for the 2026 Super Bowl. Here's who else is performing at Super Bowl 60.
MoneyWatch
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Washington Post publisher Will Lewis resigns just days after paper enacts mass layoffs
Will Lewis, CEO and publisher of the Washington Post, has resigned just three days after the storied newspaper laid off about one-third of its staff.
Trump throws support behind Nexstar-Tegna broadcast deal he once opposed
Nexstar's acquisition of Tegna would bring together two companies with significant holdings in local broadcast media.
Exclusive
Lutnick and Epstein were in business together, Epstein files show
Though the commerce secretary has called his interactions with Epstein as "limited," the two were in business together four years after Epstein's 2008 guilty plea.
Dow crosses 50K for first time as stocks enjoy best day since May 2025
Resurgent technology stocks drove the rebound after a volatile week, while bitcoin also recouped losses.
Purported Nancy Guthrie ransom note demanded bitcoin. Could it be tracked?
Cryptocurrency transactions are often thought to be anonymous and untraceable. That's a misconception, experts tell CBS News.
Politics
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Nancy Pelosi to endorse Jack Schlossberg in New York congressional race
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi plans to endorse Jack Schlossberg, John F. Kennedy's grandson, a source familiar confirmed to CBS News.
Trump throws support behind Nexstar-Tegna broadcast deal he once opposed
Nexstar's acquisition of Tegna would bring together two companies with significant holdings in local broadcast media.
Some Team USA athletes speak out about politics at home
Skier Chris Lillis said he was "heartbroken about what's happened in the United States," while skater Amber Glenn said she "will not just be quiet."
Zelenskyy says U.S. gave Ukraine, Russia a deadline for agreement to end war
If the June deadline is not met, the Trump administration will likely put pressure on both sides to meet it, Zelenskyy told reporters.
Appeals court endorses Trump policy of denying bond hearings to many ICE detainees
A federal appeals court on Friday endorsed the Trump administration's policy of holding broad groups of immigration detainees without access to bond hearings, a major legal victory for President Trump.
HealthWatch
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Her deadly diagnosis only had 1 warning sign. Here's how she survived.
Becca Valle, then 37, enrolled in a cutting-edge clinical trial after surgery removed an aggressive tumor from her brain.
California urges avoiding wild mushrooms after deaths, liver transplants
More than three dozen cases of death cap mushroom poisonings have been reported in California since November, health officials said.
See the 43 drugs available on new discounted drug site TrumpRx
Here's what to know about TrumpRx, including how it works, who can use it, and how much money it can save.
White House launches TrumpRx discounted drug site
The Trump administration launched its new TrumpRx direct-to-consumer prescription drug listing site late Thursday, part of a push to offer medication at steep discounts.
Officials warn against drinking raw milk after baby dies from listeria
The New Mexico Department of Health said officials believe the baby contracted listeria after their mother drank raw milk during pregnancy.
World
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Ilia Malinin stunned by Yuma Kagiyama in Olympic figure skating short program
The U.S. ended Saturday in first place with 44 points. Japan was five points back going into the men's, women's and pairs free skates to decide the medals Sunday.
Jake Paul joins JD Vance to watch U.S. women's hockey team at Olympics
The U.S. women's hockey team eased to a 5-0 win over Finland on Saturday afternoon.
Italy nabs first gold medal of Milano Cortina Olympics in speedskating upset
Francesca Lollobrigida set a new Olympic record of 3 minutes, 54.28 seconds, shaving more than two-and-a-half seconds off the mark set by Dutch legend Irene Schouten four years earlier in Beijing.
4 suspects arrested after bombing at Pakistan mosque leaves 31 dead
Friday's attack was the deadliest suicide bombing in Islamabad in nearly 20 years.
U.S. speedskater Greta Myers learned of Olympic debut hours before race
U.S. speed skater Greta Myers learned about her Olympic debut in the 3000m three hours before the race was due to begin.
Entertainment
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Brad Arnold, 3 Doors Down founder and lead singer, dies at 47
Brad Arnold, the founder and lead singer of the 3 Doors Down has died following "his courageous battle with cancer," the rock band announced Saturday on social media.
Who's performing at the Super Bowl halftime show? Here's the full list
Bad Bunny is set to take the stage at halftime for the 2026 Super Bowl. Here's who else is performing at Super Bowl 60.
Twisted Sister cancels reunion shows as frontman Dee Snider resigns
Lead singer and frontman Dee Snider said he suffers from degenerative arthritis and has had several surgeries over the years.
Best books for Valentine's Day
Sarah Gelman, editorial director at Amazon Books, joins "CBS Saturday Morning" to recommend some of the best books to read around Valentine's Day.
Super Bowl food that's bound to go viral
Super Bowl chefs spend an entire year developing the menu for the big game, and "CBS Saturday Morning" gets a sneak peek at some of the mouth-watering options.
Technology
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Super Bowl fans warned to leave drones at home amid flight ban
The FAA says it is collaborating with the FBI to detect, track and assess unauthorized drone activity at the Super Bowl.
Ukrainian military drone simulator adapted for video gamers in world first
Gamers across the world can now recreate drone strikes in Ukraine from the comfort of their own home, with this newly released game.
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.
How will AI transform the workforce?
CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger talks about how companies are using artificial intelligence, the discussion around the technology and how it's impacting the workforce.
Tesla, Waymo leaders defend product safety
Executives from Waymo and Tesla defended their self-driving vehicle technology in testimony before the Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday. CBS News' Kris Van Cleave reports and Ian Krietzberg, an AI correspondent at the digital media company Puck, has more.
Science
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Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Crime
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Did a popular acne medication drive a Texas teen to shoot his friends?
Connor Hilton, 17, said that after taking Accutane, a prescribed acne medication, he began to have suicidal and homicidal thoughts – thoughts that, his defense argued, led him to shoot two friends in the head at his Friendswood, Texas, home. Prosecutors weren't convinced.
Latest in Nancy Guthrie disappearance
Authorities said Friday they were inspecting an apparent new message relating to the disappearance of "Today" host Savannah Guthrie's mom, Nancy, after the family reported her missing from her home on Sunday.
Luigi Mangione has outburst after hearing
Luigi Mangione had an outburst after a hearing on Friday in which the judge announced that his New York State trial will begin on June 8. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman is following the case.
Authorities tow car from Nancy Guthrie's home, investigate new message
Local and federal authorities said "investigators are actively inspecting the information provided in the message for its authenticity" regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.
Investigators vetting Guthrie ransom note
Friday marked six days since Nancy Guthrie's apparent abduction, and Guthrie's three children have been posting on social media hoping to reach whoever may have taken her. CBS News' Andres Gutierrez reports and former FBI counterintelligence operative Eric O'Neill has more.
Space
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Space
What led NASA to delay Artemis II launch
NASA's first crewed moon mission in more than 50 years has been delayed until March at the earliest. During a routine dress rehearsal of the launch, persistent liquid hydrogen leaks were discovered in the Artemis II rocket. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood breaks it down.
NASA hopes to fix Artemis II moon rocket leak with on-pad repair
NASA plans to test the planned leak repair with a second dress rehearsal fueling test later this month.
NASA delays Artemis II launch
NASA delayed the Artemis II moon rocket launch after a hydrogen leak was found during a wet dress rehearsal, the agency announced Tuesday. CBS News senior space consultant Bill Harwood has the latest.
NASA begins mission to map the boundaries of our heliosphere
A NASA mission is underway to map the heliosphere, which is a huge protective bubble around the solar system that was created by the sun.
NASA moon launch off until March due to issues during tests
NASA says it can't try until March at the earliest to send a crewed spacecraft on a flight around the moon and back, due to hydrogen leaks during testing of the Artemis II rocket.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
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
Diving into Hilary Knight career at final Olympics
Ice hockey forward Hilary Knight showed the world why she's one of the greatest players ever. With her 14th goal, the captain of Team USA moved into a tie for the most goals scored by a U.S. Women's hockey player at the Winter Olympics. Andres Gutierrez reports on her career and her last Olympic run.
Levi's aims to share their story at their stadium
The countdown is on for the big game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots. Kris Van Kleave is outside what's been called the Field of Jeans.
What to know after first full day of the Olympics
Saturday marked the first full day of the Olympic Winter Games in Italy. Switzerland took the first gold medal in men's downhill skiing. In all, five medal events were held, but no gold yet for Team USA. Seth Doane has the latest details from Cortina, Italy.
Fallout over Epstein files escalates in the U.K.
The political fallout in Britain following the latest Epstein documents release became so intense that on Saturday, there were growing calls for the U.K.'s prime minister to step down.
Trump refuses to apologize for racist video
President Trump refused to apologize after sharing a racist video on Truth Social and then later taking it down. Willie James Inman has more.