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.
Live
Trump evacuated from White House Correspondents' Dinner over security incident
President Trump was evacuated from the White House Correspondents' Dinner Saturday night following a security incident outside the ballroom of the Washington Hilton Hotel.
Live
Trump cancels Kushner, Witkoff trip to Pakistan for Iran talks
U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were expected to head to Islamabad Saturday, but President Trump said later that his "representatives" would not be going.
King Charles' U.S. visit to start Monday amid strained U.S.-U.K. relations
Britain's King Charles will be visiting the U.S. starting on Monday to mark America's 250th anniversary – his first trip since his coronation nearly three years ago.
Roommate faces murder charges in deaths of 2 doctoral students
A 26-year-old man is facing two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, according to authorities.
Arizona sues to block proposed ICE detention facility near site with chemicals
DHS has faced opposition from cities and states where the federal government plans to open mass detention facilities.
One Chicago police officer killed, second wounded in hospital shooting
Two Chicago police officers were shot inside Swedish Hospital in Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood on Saturday morning. One has since died.
How the AI-driven data center boom is leading to skyrocketing energy bills
A CBS News analysis found that Georgia Power, the largest energy provider in the state, imposed six rate hikes in the last three years.
Mexico says 2 CIA agents killed in crash weren't authorized to participate in local raid
The role of the two CIA agents, who were returning from destroying a clandestine drug lab in the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua, remains unclear.
2 Georgia wildfires destroy more than 120 homes, scorch over 40,000 acres
Extreme drought has turned the region into a tinderbox and allowed flames to spread.
U.S.
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Live
Trump evacuated from White House Correspondents' Dinner after shots fired; gunman killed
President Trump was evacuated from the White House Correspondents' Dinner Saturday night after shots were fired outside the ballroom of the Washington Hilton Hotel.
How the AI-driven data center boom is leading to skyrocketing energy bills
A CBS News analysis found that Georgia Power, the largest energy provider in the state, imposed six rate hikes in the last three years.
Mexico says 2 CIA agents killed in crash weren't authorized to participate in local raid
The role of the two CIA agents, who were returning from destroying a clandestine drug lab in the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua, remains unclear.
Arizona sues to block proposed ICE detention facility near site with chemicals
DHS has faced opposition from cities and states where the federal government plans to open mass detention facilities.
Trump attends White House Correspondents' Dinner, his first as president
The Republican president did not attend during his first term or the first year of his second.
MoneyWatch
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Naval escorts will likely be needed when Strait of Hormuz reopens, Chevron CEO says
Commercial vessels face risks from mines and threats from land, Chevron's chief executive Mike Wirth said in an interview with "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan.
The Iran war's economic hit could linger through 2026, economists say
Economists say Americans should expect elevated prices at the pump and rising grocery costs in the months to come.
Trump extends Jones Act waiver for another 90 days
The waiver lets international ships carry goods between U.S. ports and is aimed at lowering energy prices.
Trader Joe's customers sue over coffee's caffeine levels
Consumers allege that Trader Joe's improperly advertised a coffee product as fully caffeinated when it was not.
IEA says Iran war will keep the natural gas market tight for two years
The conflict is expected to crimp global natural gas supplies due to damage to liquefied natural gas facilities in Qatar.
Politics
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Live
Trump evacuated from White House Correspondents' Dinner after shots fired; gunman killed
President Trump was evacuated from the White House Correspondents' Dinner Saturday night after shots were fired outside the ballroom of the Washington Hilton Hotel.
Mexico says 2 CIA agents killed in crash weren't authorized to participate in local raid
The role of the two CIA agents, who were returning from destroying a clandestine drug lab in the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua, remains unclear.
Arizona sues to block proposed ICE detention facility near site with chemicals
DHS has faced opposition from cities and states where the federal government plans to open mass detention facilities.
Trump attends White House Correspondents' Dinner, his first as president
The Republican president did not attend during his first term or the first year of his second.
Trump says he canceled Kushner, Witkoff trip for Iran talks: "We have all the cards"
President Trump cited wasted time and confusion over leadership, adding, "we have all the cards."
HealthWatch
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A 13-year-old's kidney was failing. Then a stranger stepped in.
Tim Fitzpatrick, a father of a chronically ill child, saw the story of a boy in need of a new kidney and felt compelled to help.
Ben Sasse is on extended time. He credits "providence, prayer and a miracle drug."
The former U.S. senator from Nebraska opened up about his terminal diagnosis, his family and the state of American politics in a "Things That Matter" town hall.
Exclusive
Johnson & Johnson to launch on TrumpRx with 4 of its prescription drugs
Drug-making giant Johnson & Johnson will officially start marketing four of its medications on the Trump administration's TrumpRx website on Friday, CBS News exclusively learned.
Medigap premiums leap, and consumers have few alternatives
Millions of people rely on the supplemental insurance to offset the deductibles, copayments, and other costs faced by enrollees in the traditional Medicare program.
Food stamp work rules don't increase employment, researchers say
Work requirements will encourage people who are able to work to seek and maintain jobs, proponents say. But researchers haven't found that they lower the unemployment rate.
World
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Mexico says 2 CIA agents killed in crash weren't authorized to participate in local raid
The role of the two CIA agents, who were returning from destroying a clandestine drug lab in the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua, remains unclear.
Trump says he canceled Kushner, Witkoff trip for Iran talks: "We have all the cards"
President Trump cited wasted time and confusion over leadership, adding, "we have all the cards."
King Charles' U.S. visit to start Monday amid strained U.S.-U.K. relations
Britain's King Charles will be visiting the U.S. starting on Monday to mark America's 250th anniversary – his first trip since his coronation nearly three years ago.
Armed groups in Mali attack capital in possible coordinated effort, army says
Mali has been plagued by insurgencies fought by affiliates of al Qaeda and the Islamic State group.
U.S. strike on alleged drug boat kills 2 in eastern Pacific, military says
U.S. Southern Command shared a video showing a boat floating in the water before an explosion left it in flames.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Frankie Grande on starring in "Titaníque"
Frankie Grande sits down with "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss his starring role in Broadway's latest hit show "Titaníque," after originating the part in the show's Off-Broadway run.
Woman brings South Carolina town back to life
Darla Moore is a billionaire from Lake City, South Carolina, who saw an opportunity to revitalize her small hometown with ArtFields, a festival that transforms the town into a hub for Southern art and history.
Broadway star on role with Savannah Bananas
Tony-nominated Broadway actor Derek Klena sits down with "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss his latest venture as a performer and player for the Savannah Bananas baseball team.
The Milk Carton Kids perform "A Friend Like You"
Grammy-nominated folk duo The Milk Carton Kids are out with their 7th studio album, "Lost Cause Lover Fool." Here they are performing "A Friend Like You."
The Milk Carton Kids perform "I'll Go Home From Here"
Grammy-nominated folk duo The Milk Carton Kids are out with their 7th studio album, "Lost Cause Lover Fool." Here they are performing "A Friend Like You."
Technology
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How the AI-driven data center boom is leading to skyrocketing energy bills
A CBS News analysis found that Georgia Power, the largest energy provider in the state, imposed six rate hikes in the last three years.
How data centers are impacting Americans
This week, Maine's governor vetoed a bill that would have made the state the first to ban the construction of new data centers. Shanelle Kaul reports.
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.
Sam Altman apologizes for not flagging authorities to mass shooter's ChatGPT account
The ChatGPT account of the shooter, who killed eight people in a small British Columbia community, had been banned about eight months prior to the massacre.
Why phone-free parties are gaining popularity
Some young people are opting to go phone-free to live in the moment. USA Today youth mental health reporter Rachel Hale went to an underground, phone-free party in New York City and wrote about her experience. She tells "The Daily Report" about it.
Science
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Science
From 1990: NASA launches Hubble Telescope
On April 24, 1990, NASA launched the Hubble Space Telescope from the Space Shuttle Discovery after seven years of delays. Watch CBS News' coverage from that day.
60-foot octopus ruled the seas during age of dinosaurs, fossils show
New analyses of fossilized jaws reveal that massive, kraken-like octopuses once hunted alongside other marine predators.
Mysterious "golden orb" found in deep sea in 2023 is finally identified
Scientists spent over two years identifying a mysterious object found off the coast of Alaska in 2023.
Salmon exposed to cocaine swim almost twice as far, study shows
Researchers studied how the drug affected the movements of wild fish in their natural habitats.
Mars rover carries out chemistry experiment never done beyond Earth
"This experiment's never been run before on another world," said Amy Williams, an astrobiologist working on the Curiosity mission.
Crime
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Crime
Roommate charged over 2 students' deaths
A 26-year-old man made his first court appearance, charged with the premeditated murder of two University of South Florida doctoral students. Cristian Benavides reports on new details.
Murder charges in case of USF students
A 26-year-old man is facing murder charges in connection to the disappearance of two University of South Florida doctoral students after one was found dead and police continue searching for the other, authorities said Saturday.
Mom charged after son injures Vietnam vet
A California teen on an electric motorcycle critically injured a pedestrian, and now the boy's mother could now face years in prison. Jonathan Vigliotti explains.
DOJ permits death by firing squad
Death by firing squad is now reinstated in U.S. federal cases, according to a new policy announced on Friday by the Trump administration.
Polymarket on soldier arrest: "The system works"
A U.S. special forces soldier was arrested Thursday for allegedly using confidential government information to make more than $400,000 off the arrest of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Polymarket. CBS News homeland security correspondent Nicole Sganga has the details. Then, Dennis Kelleher, CEO of financial regulation nonprofit Better Markets, joins with analysis.
Space
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Mars rover carries out chemistry experiment never done beyond Earth
"This experiment's never been run before on another world," said Amy Williams, an astrobiologist working on the Curiosity mission.
Blue Origin New Glenn rocket puts satellite payload into wrong orbit
The launching appeared to go off without a hitch, but a problem prevented the rocket's upper stage from putting its payload into the correct orbit.
Artemis II crew on historic moon mission and what it means for Earth
"We are carrying back everything we learned, not only about where we went but ourselves," mission specialist Christina Koch told "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil.
Artemis II astronauts still awed by moonshot experience: "It was otherworldly"
The four Artemis II astronauts struggled to describe the view and overall experience of flying around the moon's far side and witnessing a solar eclipse in deep space.
"God of chaos" asteroid will pass close to Earth in 3 years, NASA says
People on the ground in the Eastern Hemisphere will be able to observe the asteroid with their own eyes, weather permitting, according to NASA.
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
Moment of a security incident at press dinner
A security incident occurred during the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday night. The stage was cleared, including President Trump.
A love story along Route 66
As Route 66 celebrates 100 years, a newly married couple marked a milestone of their own. Noel Brennan has the story.
Trump abruptly cancels peace talks with Iran
President Trump said the U.S. has all the cards in the war with Iran after he told his envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, not to take a trip to Pakistan to break a diplomatic stalemate over negotiations to end the war. Imtiaz Tyab reports.
How data centers are impacting Americans
This week, Maine's governor vetoed a bill that would have made the state the first to ban the construction of new data centers. Shanelle Kaul reports.
California seeing higher jet fuel prices
Airlines worldwide are taking extraordinary measures to keep flying and in business as they face soaring costs, much of it driven by the conflict with Iran. Ian Lee reports from Burbank, California.