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
Deadly plane crash over Alaska; JLo's daughter shows off her singing skills
4/1: CBSN AM
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.
Live
Trump defends war with Iran as conflict widens
Israel sent troops into Lebanon as the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran widened, and some of Iran's Gulf neighbors warned that Iran's retaliatory fire could draw them into the spreading conflict.
Pentagon releases names of first U.S. service members killed in Iran war
Six American service members have been killed in the U.S.-Iran conflict, U.S. Central Command said.
Texas GOP Senate primary heading to Cornyn-Paxton runoff, CBS News projects
In the Texas GOP Senate primary, CBS News projects Sen. John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton will go to a runoff, with neither clearing 50% of the vote.
Gates among 7 asked to testify before House committee on possible Epstein ties
Last week, Bill Gates apologized to the staff of his philanthropic Gates Foundation for his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, which he said began in 2011 and continued through 2014.
Critical primaries held in Texas, North Carolina and Arkansas
Voters headed to the polls Tuesday in Texas, North Carolina and Arkansas, marking the start of the 2026 midterm cycle.
FBI agents Patel fired worked in counterintel, including on cases involving Iran
Many of the agents who were fired last week by FBI Director Kash Patel were assigned to a squad that worked on global counterintelligence cases, including those involving Iran, sources said.
Laurie Buckhout projected to win GOP primary in redrawn N.C. district
Buckhout narrowly lost to Democratic Rep. Don Davis in 2024.
Witkoff: Iran said it had enough enriched uranium to make 11 nuclear bombs
President Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff told Fox News that Iranian negotiators said Iran had the "inalienable right to enrich all their nuclear fuel."
The DOJ has been taking down Epstein files. Here's what remains.
The massive tranche of files the Justice Department currently maintains is more than 65,000 pages shorter than what the agency initially released.
U.S.
More U.S.
Gates among 7 asked to testify before House committee on possible Epstein ties
Last week, Bill Gates apologized to the staff of his philanthropic Gates Foundation for his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, which he said began in 2011 and continued through 2014.
Pentagon releases names of first U.S. service members killed in Iran war
Six American service members have been killed in the U.S.-Iran conflict, U.S. Central Command said.
Most say Trump admin. still hasn't explained Iran goals, CBS News poll finds
Many see the Iran conflict lasting at least months. A majority oppose it, and more say it makes the U.S. less safe.
United Airlines can now boot passengers who refuse to use headphones
United said it could permanently ban travelers who refuse to wear headphones while listening to audio or video content on its flights.
Howard Lutnick agrees to interview with House committee in Epstein probe
Documents released by the Justice Department provided a look into Howard Lutnick's ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
United Airlines can now boot passengers who refuse to use headphones
United said it could permanently ban travelers who refuse to wear headphones while listening to audio or video content on its flights.
Some baby formula brands contain heavy metals, Consumer Reports says
Tests of dozens of baby formulas by Consumer Reports found that nearly half contained potentially dangerous chemicals.
Gas prices across the U.S. jump 11 cents per gallon, AAA says
Crude oil prices are surging due to the Iran war, pushing up prices at the pump across the U.S., according to AAA.
Target to invest $2 billion in AI, stores, staffing as it seeks to reverse slump
Target will invest another $2 billion in its business this year to spruce up stores, remodel locations and invest in workers, the retailer said Tuesday as it outlined plans to try to reverse a persistent sales malaise and reclaim its footing in fashion and home categories.
Stocks pare losses as Trump says U.S. will insure ships in the Persian Gulf
U.S. financial markets rebounded after shedding more than 1,200 points in earlier trading on Tuesday.
Politics
More Politics
Laurie Buckhout projected to win GOP primary in redrawn N.C. district
Buckhout narrowly lost to Democratic Rep. Don Davis in 2024.
Bobby Pulido wins Democratic primary in Texas' 15th District, CBS News projects
CBS News projects Bobby Pulido wins Texas' 15th Congressional District, setting up battle against Republican incumbent Rep. Monica De La Cruz.
Texas GOP Senate primary heading to Cornyn-Paxton runoff, CBS News projects
In the Texas GOP Senate primary, CBS News projects Sen. John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton will go to a runoff, with neither clearing 50% of the vote.
Gates among 7 asked to testify before House committee on possible Epstein ties
Last week, Bill Gates apologized to the staff of his philanthropic Gates Foundation for his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, which he said began in 2011 and continued through 2014.
Jamie Ager projected to win Democratic primary in North Carolina House district
A Democrat has not won the seat since 2010, but the party believes it has a chance at flipping the seat.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Some baby formula brands contain heavy metals, Consumer Reports says
Tests of dozens of baby formulas by Consumer Reports found that nearly half contained potentially dangerous chemicals.
States face pushback on their rural health transformation plans
Some Republican state lawmakers and health associations are pushing back against spending plans under the Trump administration's $50 billion federal rural health fund.
Chocolate supplement recalled over erectile dysfunction drug
USALESS.COM is recalling its Rhino Choco VIP 10X product due to the undeclared presence of Tadalafil, which is the active ingredient in Cialis.
College student's mystery illness diagnosed as Stage IV cancer
Emma Operacz was diagnosed with a rare cancer at 21. An unusual treatment and bone marrow donation from her sister saved her life.
Medicaid is paying for more dental care. GOP cuts threaten to reverse the trend.
More than three dozen states cover dental services for people on Medicaid, but with about $900 billion in cuts expected to hit states over the next decade, many programs could roll back dental coverage.
World
More World
Americans trying to evacuate Middle East frustrated with government response
The U.S. Department of State has urged Americans to leave 14 countries across the Middle East amid the widening Iran war, but most flights have been canceled.
Pentagon releases names of first U.S. service members killed in Iran war
Six American service members have been killed in the U.S.-Iran conflict, U.S. Central Command said.
Most say Trump admin. still hasn't explained Iran goals, CBS News poll finds
Many see the Iran conflict lasting at least months. A majority oppose it, and more say it makes the U.S. less safe.
Witkoff: Iran said it had enough enriched uranium to make 11 nuclear bombs
President Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff told Fox News that Iranian negotiators said Iran had the "inalienable right to enrich all their nuclear fuel."
Beijing braces for economic impact as Iran war threatens Chinese oil
China is the largest importer of energy in the world, and the disruption to oil imports caused by the conflict could be a potential Achilles' heel for Beijing.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
How families can change their habits
Bestselling author Michaeleen Doucleff offers science-backed tips on how families can curb their screen time and cut back on ultraprocessed foods. She explains how her new book, which is aimed at rewiring children's brains, began with a personal revelation.
Luke Grimes on "Marshals"
Actor Luke Grimes talks about starring in the "Yellowstone" spinoff "Marshals." Grimes reveals why he was hesitant to join the cast at first and what it was like to have his new song "Haunted" to play in the premiere episode.
Preview of UFC 326: Holloway vs. Oliveira
UFC commentator Laura Sanko joins "CBS Mornings" to preview Saturday's UFC fight where defending champion Max Holloway will take on Charles Oliveira for the BMF title.
Christa Miller on "Shrinking"
Actor Christa Miller speaks about starring in "Shrinking," how her life experiences helped to inspire the series and what it's like to work with her husband, who is a co-creator of the show.
Brad Falchuk discusses "Famous Last Words"
Brad Falchuck, the host and executive producer of "Famous Last Words," speaks about the series and his meaningful conversation with actor Eric Dane, who died last month from ALS. In the show, Falchuck sits down with public figures for an in-depth conversation, but the interviews only air after the subject dies.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
OpenAI changing Pentagon deal after backlash
Hours after the Trump administration ditched Anthropic over the dispute about AI use, OpenAI struck its own deal with the Pentagon. Now the details of that agreement appear to be changing after backlash. Katrina Manson, Bloomberg News reporter, has more.
Amazon says drones hit 3 of its Middle East data center
Drones struck two facilities in the United Arab Emirates directly, and damaged a data center in Bahrain, Amazon said.
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.
Exclusive
AI executive Dario Amodei on the red lines Anthropic would not cross
The CEO of Anthropic says his company refused to allow its technology to be used by the Trump Administration without certain guidelines (such as not using its AI to power fully-autonomous weapons without any human involvement).
AI company Anthropic's Dario Amodei: "We are patriots"
Dario Amodei, co-founder and CEO of the artificial intelligence company Anthropic, says his company refused to allow its AI product, Claude, to be used by the Trump Administration without certain guidelines (such as not using its AI to power fully-autonomous weapons without any human involvement). That prompted President Trump to announce Friday that he is banning Anthropic's technology from all federal use, while Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth labeled the company "a supply chain risk to national security." Amodei talks with correspondent Jo Ling Kent about why he calls the administration's actions "retaliatory and punitive."
Science
More Science
NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
What scientists will be looking for when government UFO files are released
Documents might help scientists shed light on unexplained phenomena and government secrets, experts said.
In a first, shark seen on camera in Antarctica waters, surprising researchers
A large shark was caught on camera for the first time in Antarctica's waters, surprising researchers. "There's a general rule of thumb that you don't get sharks in Antarctica," one said.
How Washington's crossing of the Delaware presaged a changing world
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in a surprise crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River - a watershed military maneuver that dramatized a changing America, and a changing climate.
These United States: George Washington and climate change
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in an unanticipated crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River. Environmental correspondent David Schechter looks at how Washington's watershed military maneuver dramatized both a changing America, and a changing climate.
Crime
More Crime
Social media believed to be shooter's is full of antisemitic, anti-Christian posts
The attacker who opened fire at a bar in Austin, Texas, over the weekend appears to have posted antisemitic, anti-Christian and misogynistic messages on social media.
Durbin presses Noem on Pretti, Good killings
Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois pressed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem about her comments after the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti during immigration protests in Minneapolis.
Alleged school shooter's dad convicted
A jury found Colin Gray, the father of the Apalachee High School student accused of shooting and killing two students and two teachers, guilty of all charges, including second-degree murder, on Tuesday. This marks the third time a parent has been charged for connection to a mass shooting. CBS News' Skyler Henry has the latest.
Noem's opening statement before Senate panel
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem blasted the current funding lapse affecting her department during her opening statement before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Noem also touted the operations at DHS under the Trump administration despite mounting scrutiny over her handling of the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
Colin Gray: Jury finds father of accused Georgia school shooter guilty on all charges
The jury has found Colin Gray, the man whose teenage son is accused of killing two students and two teachers in a shooting at Georgia's Apalachee High School, guilty of second-degree murder and all other charges.
Space
More Space
Space
Why NASA is overhauling Artemis program
NASA has announced a major overhaul of its Artemis moon program amid ongoing safety concerns. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more details.
How NASA plans to get astronauts on the moon
NASA announced an overhaul to its Artemis moon program as safety concerns persist. CBS News space contributor Christian Davenport breaks down the key takeaways.
NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
Safety concerns over NASA's Artemis program
NASA's Artemis II mission continues to face concerns and delays. Scott E. Parazynski, a former astronaut, joins CBS News with more.
NASA rolls Artemis II back for repairs
NASA is rolling back the Artemis II moon rocket from its launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It is expected to take up to 12 hours to move the 322-foot rocket, with the journey spanning four miles back to its hangar for repairs. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Why polls in Dallas County are open late
Primary election polls have closed in most of Texas, but voters in Dallas County will have until 10 p.m. ET to cast their ballot. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe explains why.
Pilot, passenger survive plane crash in icy river
A small plane pulled off an emergency landing on the Hudson River north of New York City, with both people on board suffering only minor injuries. Tony Dokoupil has the story.
Whatley and Cooper win Senate primaries
Republican Michael Whatley and Democrat Roy Cooper will face off in North Carolina's Senate race, CBS News projects, after the two picked up primary wins Tuesday night.
Trump says almost all of Iranian military hit
The U.S. and Israel have launched ferocious new attacks on Iran, with President Trump saying "just about everything's been knocked." Yet, Iran is still hitting back. Tony Dokoupil has the latest.
Man arrested outside Ken Paxton event
A man with magazines was taken into custody outside of a Ken Paxton election event in Dallas, Texas, Tuesday night. CBS News' Nidia Cavazos reports.