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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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
Slow progress toward peace deal as Iran strikes ship in Strait of Hormuz
Hezbollah says Israel must withdraw forces from Lebanon and Iran strikes a ship in the Strait of Hormuz as negotiations toward a peace deal grind on.
Race to find survivors as Venezuela's earthquake death toll doubles
The twin earthquakes that hit Venezuela killed almost 600 people, and that toll is likely to keep rising as frantic rescue and recovery operations ramp up.
John Bolton pleads guilty to retaining classified information
Bolton agreed to pay a $2.25 million fine, pleading guilty to one count of retaining classified national security information.
Billionaire Leon Black testifying before House Epstein panel
An investor who employed and was close to Jeffrey Epstein is appearing before members of Congress investigating the deceased sexual abuser.
Internal emails show how RFK Jr.'s team sought to sway CDC
A trove of emails offers a new look at how the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention navigated some of the most controversial decisions of President Trump's second term.
Paris bans alcohol in public amid record-breaking heatwave
Authorities are attempting to reduce the pressure on hospitals as the city swelters under extreme heat.
Ukraine launches huge drone attack on Russia and occupied Crimea
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine will ramp up attacks on Russia in an operation "aimed at compelling it to end the war."
How much water does AI really use?
The heaviest demand on America's water supply isn't data centers or AI. It's from everyday uses such as growing food, watering lawns and flushing toilets.
King Charles won't live in Buckingham Palace after $487 million renovation
The king and Queen Camilla have decided instead to continue living at nearby Clarence House, a smaller, stately home.
U.S.
More U.S.
This week on "Sunday Morning" (June 28)
Jane Pauley hosts a special program celebrating our nation's semiquincentennial, "These United States - America at 250."
John Bolton pleads guilty to retaining classified information
Bolton agreed to pay a $2.25 million fine, pleading guilty to one count of retaining classified national security information.
Exonerated man's widow calls settlement in yogurt shop murders "blood money"
The city of Austin agreed to a multimillion-dollar settlement to be split among four men — including to the widow and daughter of Maurice Pierce — who were wrongfully accused of murdering four teenage girls in a Texas yogurt shop.
U.S. team suffers first 2026 World Cup loss, heads to knockout round
The U.S. men's team had already clinched its spot in the Round of 32, the knockout round, with its 2-0 win over Australia on Friday.
LA investigating construction at warehouse involved in massive fire
Los Angeles building inspectors have launched an investigation into alleged unpermitted construction at a warehouse that erupted in flames last week — its second fire in two years.
MoneyWatch
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Nude portrait by Amedeo Modigliani sets record at auction
The Modigliani painting "Nu assis au collier" (Seated Nude Wearing a Necklace) sold for $63.9 million, the highest price achieved for a work by the artist sold at auction in Europe, Sotheby's said.
Apple and Microsoft are raising their prices as chip costs soar
Apple is raising the prices of some MacBooks and iPads, while Microsoft is raising Xbox prices as semiconductor costs surge.
Big Tech is spending trillions on AI. Investors want proof it'll pay off.
Technology companies are betting trillions of dollars that consumers will open their wallets for AI services. But what if Big Tech is wrong?
Supreme Court sides with Monsanto in case over cancer risks from weedkiller
The Supreme Court ruled that Monsanto cannot be held liable under state laws for failing to warn consumers about the alleged cancer risks of its weedkiller Roundup on its label.
Fed's preferred inflation gauge hits 3-year high
Inflation continued to rise in May, with the Personal Consumption Expenditures price index rising at an annual rate of 4.1%.
Politics
More Politics
John Bolton pleads guilty to retaining classified information
Bolton agreed to pay a $2.25 million fine, pleading guilty to one count of retaining classified national security information.
Billionaire Leon Black testifying before House Epstein panel
An investor who employed and was close to Jeffrey Epstein is appearing before members of Congress investigating the deceased sexual abuser.
Internal emails show how RFK Jr.'s team sought to sway the CDC
A trove of emails offers a new look at how the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention navigated some of the most controversial decisions of President Trump's second term.
Judge orders DOJ to either unredact more Epstein files or explain why it can't
A judge on Thursday ordered the Justice Department to either release unredacted versions of several files on the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein or explain why it can't do so.
Hundreds of veterans snag free World Cup tickets
A program for veterans, current military and first responders secured almost 5,000 free tickets for World Cup matches.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Internal emails show how RFK Jr.'s team sought to sway the CDC
A trove of emails offers a new look at how the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention navigated some of the most controversial decisions of President Trump's second term.
Chris Evert announces her ovarian cancer has returned
American tennis legend Chris Evert announced that her ovarian cancer had returned in a social media post Thursday.
Democrats to propose bill capping out-of-pocket Medicare costs for enrollees
Some Senate Democrats want to cap the amount beneficiaries in traditional Medicare have to pay toward care, but the move is expected to draw GOP opposition for potentially adding billions to Medicare costs.
Medicare's AI push snarls patients and doctors in errors and delays
Medicare is testing the use of artificial intelligence to preapprove several healthcare services.
Confirmed Ebola cases in Congo top 1,000, deaths surpass 250, officials say
Confirmed Ebola cases in the outbreak in eastern Congo have reached 1,003, including 254 deaths, officials said, and tracing those who've been in contact with patients remains a major challenge.
World
More World
Ukraine launches huge drone attack on Russia and occupied Crimea
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine will ramp up attacks on Russia in an operation "aimed at compelling it to end the war."
AI helps decode new secrets from scrolls burned by Mount Vesuvius
An 18th-century archaeological dig uncovered a library of intact but charred scrolls. Their contents have been unreadable until recently.
Paris bans alcohol in public amid record-breaking heatwave
Authorities are attempting to reduce the pressure on hospitals as the city swelters under extreme heat.
Live
Slow progress toward peace deal as Iran strikes ship in Strait of Hormuz
Hezbollah says Israel must withdraw forces from Lebanon and Iran strikes a ship in the Strait of Hormuz as negotiations toward a peace deal grind on.
Nude portrait by Amedeo Modigliani sets record at auction
The Modigliani painting "Nu assis au collier" (Seated Nude Wearing a Necklace) sold for $63.9 million, the highest price achieved for a work by the artist sold at auction in Europe, Sotheby's said.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
William Holden, Joseph Cotten mark bicentennial
In the lead-up to America's bicentennial in 1976, CBS aired brief segments featuring well-known figures of the time describing moments from early U.S. history. CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett introduces clips featuring legendary actors William Holden and Joseph Cotten.
New NYT reporting on Taylor Swift's wedding
The New York Times is reporting that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce might tie the knot at Madison Square Garden. She has reportedly booked out the arena for the Fourth of July weekend, the rumored wedding date.
Taylor Swift wedding venue speculation fueled by MSG permit
There appear to be new clues about the location of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding.
Essential American songs of last 250 years
For the United States' 250th birthday, Sunday Morning asked dozens of notable Americans, from Jason Alexander and Ken Burns to Misty Copeland, what they considered to be our country's essential songs. This is the Essential American Songbook: 90 contributors and 250 songs. Here's a sample.
250 essential American songs to mark nation's birthday
What are the essential American songs? Ahead of the nation's 250th birthday, we asked that question to Sunday Morning's familiar faces, from performers to artists and writers to community leaders.
Technology
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Technology
Apple, Microsoft announce price hikes
Apple and Microsoft announced they're hiking prices for some electronic products, including computers and XBOX consoles, citing a shortage of memory chips. CNET editor-at-large Scott Stein weighs in.
How much water does AI really use?
The heaviest demand on America's water supply isn't data centers or AI. It's from everyday uses such as growing food, watering lawns and flushing toilets.
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.
Big Tech is spending trillions on AI. Investors want proof it'll pay off.
Technology companies are betting trillions of dollars that consumers will open their wallets for AI services. But what if Big Tech is wrong?
IBM unveils tech for higher-performance chips that use much less power
IBM has raised the curtain on semiconductor technology it says could deliver computer chips with 50 percent better performance while dramatically lowering power consumption.
Science
More Science
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Ancient Egyptian burial site reveals centuries of changing traditions
Human and animal remains unearthed in Egypt's Nile Delta reveal changing funerary practices over some 600 years, and the evolution of a key site itself.
Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
Euclid is on a mission to chart one-third of the sky in the hopes of shedding light on the enduring mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Interstellar comet may be oldest object ever seen in solar system
Exactly where the comet 3I/ATLAS came from within the Milky Way remains a mystery.
6/21: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Lee Cowan. Featured: Birthright citizenship; the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library unveiled; Shooter Jennings releases recordings by his father, Waylon Jennings; comedian John Mulaney; childhood obesity; and the secrets of seahorses and seadragons.
Crime
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Crime
Luigi Mangione's lawyers discussed plea deal
Luigi Mangione's attorneys discussed a potential plea agreement before negotiations fell apart, sources said. Mangione pleaded not guilty to state and federal charges after he was arrested for allegedly killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024. CBS News' Lilia Luciano has the details.
Exonerated man's widow calls settlement in yogurt shop murders "blood money"
The city of Austin agreed to a multimillion-dollar settlement to be split among four men — including to the widow and daughter of Maurice Pierce — who were wrongfully accused of murdering four teenage girls in a Texas yogurt shop.
Iranian national U.S. sought for $3.4 billion in hacking attacks arrested
An Iranian national who is wanted by the U.S. for mass hacking attacks that caused $3.4 billion in damage was arrested in Montenegro, police there say.
Lions player arrested on kidnapping charges
Terrion Arnold, a 23-year-old defensive player for the Detroit Lions and a former first-round pick and all-American at the University of Alabama, has been arrested on charges of armed robbery and kidnapping. He is denying it all. Tom Hanson reports.
Report of possible plea deal in Mangione case
Attorneys for Luigi Mangione are accusing prosecutors of trying to manipulate public opinion against him, and calling a report of a possible plea deal "troubling." CBS News' Anna Schecter has the latest.
Space
More Space
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
Euclid is on a mission to chart one-third of the sky in the hopes of shedding light on the enduring mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Interstellar comet may be oldest object ever seen in solar system
Exactly where the comet 3I/ATLAS came from within the Milky Way remains a mystery.
Researchers find "Pink Planet" has salty clouds: "We were very surprised"
The "Pink Planet," formally known as GJ504b, was discovered in 2013 and is technically not a planet but rather a "planetary-mass companion."
NASA chief defends choice of all-male crew for Artemis III mission
NASA's Jared Isaacman says the crew was selected solely based on their experience, expertise and availability for flight assignment.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
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.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
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
Haberman and Swan on "Regime Change"
New York Times journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan join "CBS Mornings" to discuss their new book, "Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump," and how President Trump's second term is a "fundamentally different conception of the U.S. presidency."
U.S. loses World Cup match to Turkey
The U.S. gave up the tiebreaking goal to Turkey in the 98th minute of the match on Thursday. Despite the loss, the U.S. still advances to the next round. Nicole Valdes has more.
How Sail 250 will celebrate America
Sail 250 is a parade of dozens of tall ships and naval vessels from more than 20 nations in honor of the United States' 250th birthday. The ships make their way from New Orleans to New York Harbor for the Fourth of July weekend. Rob Marciano has more.
Cassidy on Trump meeting, war powers vote
Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana told "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan that President Trump "was berating" the senators who supported the Iran war powers resolution during a meeting. "Frankly, I'm not there to be berated," Cassidy said. CBS News' Ed O'Keefe reports.
Serena Williams returns to Wimbledon
Tennis champion Serena Williams will go up against 20-year-old Maya Joint of Australia in her first match of the Wimbledon tournament. The Athletic's Matt Futterman joins "CBS Morning News" to discuss.