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.]
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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
Israel, Lebanon extend ceasefire as Iran says it "cannot trust" U.S. in negotiations
Two days of talks in Washington between Lebanon and Israel produced an extension of the current ceasefire by 45 days.
Supreme Court rejects Virginia Democrats' bid to revive new congressional map
The Supreme Court on Friday rejected a bid by Virginia Democrats to revive its new voter-approved congressional map that was drawn to advantage the party for the upcoming midterm elections.
New York doctor who survived Ebola says he fears for healthcare workers
A New York doctor who contracted and survived Ebola more than a decade ago says he is worried for healthcare workers who are at the center of treating the latest outbreak.
Colorado governor commutes Trump ally Tina Peters' prison sentence
Colorado's governor on Friday announced he is commuting the sentence of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters.
Lawmakers press Trump for military support for Taiwan after Xi summit
President Trump told reporters he made "no commitment either way" to China's Xi Jinping regarding U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan.
Trump says U.S. kills Islamic State leader in Nigeria
President Trump announced Friday evening that U.S. and Nigerian military forces had killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a leader in the Islamic State group.
Long Island Rail Road workers go on strike after failing to reach new contract
The strike stems from an inability to reach a deal on a new four-year contract. The MTA and unions agreed to the terms of the first three years, but disputes arose about the final year.
Prominent N.Y. synagogue targeted in alleged terror plot, prosecutors say
An Iraqi national allegedly plotted to carry out terror attacks in the U.S., including at a prominent synagogue in New York, prosecutors said Friday.
Controversial FDA official leaving drug center post in latest departure at agency
Dr. Tracy Beth Høeg, leader of the Food and Drug Administration division responsible for regulating prescription and over-the-counter drugs, is leaving her post, a senior FDA official confirmed.
U.S.
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New York doctor who survived Ebola says he fears for healthcare workers
A New York doctor who contracted and survived Ebola more than a decade ago says he is worried for healthcare workers who are at the center of treating the latest outbreak.
Controversial FDA official leaving drug center post in latest departure at agency
Dr. Tracy Beth Høeg, leader of the Food and Drug Administration division responsible for regulating prescription and over-the-counter drugs, is leaving her post, a senior FDA official confirmed.
A longtime Atlanta principal retired, then returned to his school as a handyman
David White retired as the longtime principal at the Burgess-Peterson Academy in Atlanta, and then returned to the school as its handyman.
SpaceX launches cargo ship to International Space Station
The International Space Station-bound SpaceX Cargo Dragon is loaded with 6,500 pounds of needed equipment, research gear and crew supplies.
Supreme Court rejects Virginia Democrats' bid to revive new congressional map
The Supreme Court on Friday rejected a bid by Virginia Democrats to revive its new voter-approved congressional map that was drawn to advantage the party for the upcoming midterm elections.
MoneyWatch
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Trump talks up trade deals with China, but experts see no big wins for U.S.
President Trump's trip to China could bolster economic relations, but failed to deliver a breakthrough deal, some trade and energy experts said.
Which college majors offer the best long-term return on investment?
College grads outearn people without a degree within 15 years, even after paying for tuition, study finds.
How will Jerome Powell be remembered as he exits as Fed chair?
As Powell steps down after more than eight years leading the Federal Reserve, economists say he helped steer the U.S. through historic shocks but misread inflation.
Oklahoma becomes latest state to sue Roblox over child safety concerns
Oklahoma has filed a lawsuit against Roblox, making it the latest state to take legal action against the popular gaming platform over child safety concerns.
Trump Mobile says its T1 mobile phone to ship this week
Trump Mobile's $499 gold-toned phone has faced delays since it was unveiled in June 2025.
Politics
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Trump says U.S. kills Islamic State leader in Nigeria
President Trump announced Friday evening that U.S. and Nigerian military forces had killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a leader in the Islamic State group.
Controversial FDA official leaving drug center post in latest departure at agency
Dr. Tracy Beth Høeg, leader of the Food and Drug Administration division responsible for regulating prescription and over-the-counter drugs, is leaving her post, a senior FDA official confirmed.
Supreme Court rejects Virginia Democrats' bid to revive new congressional map
The Supreme Court on Friday rejected a bid by Virginia Democrats to revive its new voter-approved congressional map that was drawn to advantage the party for the upcoming midterm elections.
Trump talks up trade deals with China, but experts see no big wins for U.S.
President Trump's trip to China could bolster economic relations, but failed to deliver a breakthrough deal, some trade and energy experts said.
Lawmakers press Trump for military support for Taiwan after Xi summit
President Trump told reporters he made "no commitment either way" to China's Xi Jinping regarding U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan.
HealthWatch
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New York doctor who survived Ebola says he fears for healthcare workers
A New York doctor who contracted and survived Ebola more than a decade ago says he is worried for healthcare workers who are at the center of treating the latest outbreak.
Controversial FDA official leaving drug center post in latest departure at agency
Dr. Tracy Beth Høeg, leader of the Food and Drug Administration division responsible for regulating prescription and over-the-counter drugs, is leaving her post, a senior FDA official confirmed.
Health officials battle new Ebola outbreak
Doctors are monitoring an Ebola epidemic in Africa that may be to blame for dozens of deaths so far. Lilia Luciano reports and spoke with a U.S. doctor who recovered from the virus.
The origins of hantavirus
The deadly hantavirus outbreak on a Dutch-flagged cruise ship was caused by the Andes virus, the only known strain to spread from person to person. Rodents are known to carry hantavirus, but what's the disease's origin story? Ramy Inocencio explains.
Ebola outbreak in Congo kills dozens, Africa's CDC says
A new Ebola outbreak in a remote province in Congo has caused 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases so far, Africa CDC says.
World
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Trump says U.S. kills Islamic State leader in Nigeria
President Trump announced Friday evening that U.S. and Nigerian military forces had killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a leader in the Islamic State group.
New York doctor who survived Ebola says he fears for healthcare workers
A New York doctor who contracted and survived Ebola more than a decade ago says he is worried for healthcare workers who are at the center of treating the latest outbreak.
Lawmakers press Trump for military support for Taiwan after Xi summit
President Trump told reporters he made "no commitment either way" to China's Xi Jinping regarding U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan.
U.S. reups $6M reward for American missing in Afghanistan for 12 years
Paul Edwin Overby Jr. vanished in May 2014 while researching a book in Khost province, Afghanistan, the FBI said.
Cuba's biggest threat to U.S. is collapse, says former defense secretary
In an interview with "Face the Nation," Gates said another mass exodus from Cuba is the "biggest risk."
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Inside look at "Jack Ryan: Ghost War"
John Krasinski and Michael Kelly join "CBS Mornings" to discuss reuniting for the movie, "Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan: Ghost War," after starring in the TV series "Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan" for four seasons. They discuss the movie, their friendship and how they balance it all with their busy family lives.
Previewing new season of "Couples Therapy"
Dr. Orna Guralnik speaks to "CBS Mornings" about the new season of the docuseries "Couples Therapy," which features Guralnik counseling four new couples on how to tackle issues in their relationships, including major political differences and infidelity.
Drake releases three new albums
In a surprise, Drake dropped three new albums Thursday night, including "Iceman." It's the Canadian rapper's first new music since his explosive public feud with Kendrick Lamar.
Yellowstone spinoff "Dutton Ranch" premieres
Yellowstone actors Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly are reprising their roles as the fan-favorite onscreen couple Rip Wheeler and Beth Dutton in the newest "Yellowstone" spinoff, "Dutton Ranch." CBS News' Julianne Ferreira has more.
From the archives: Outspoken film critic Rex Reed
Film critic Rex Reed, whose clever and barbed opinions about movies – and movie stars – made him a fixture for decades in print and on television, died on May 12, 2026 at age 87. In this Feb. 4, 2018 "Sunday Morning" profile, Reed talked with Mo Rocca about how he came to live the life of an A-Lister himself. He also dispensed his unvarnished opinions about that year's best picture Oscar-nominees.
Technology
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Technology
Waymos get in Atlanta traffic jam
Atlanta residents woke up to Waymo traffic jams on Friday. The driverless cars took over a quiet cul-de-sac. Skyler Henry has more details.
Oklahoma becomes latest state to sue Roblox over child safety concerns
Oklahoma has filed a lawsuit against Roblox, making it the latest state to take legal action against the popular gaming platform over child safety concerns.
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 the Trump-Xi summit could impact AI race
President Trump's visit to Beijing comes as the U.S. and China compete for artificial intelligence supremacy. Matt Sheehan, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, joins with analysis.
Closing arguments held in OpenAI case
Lawyers presented closing arguments Thursday in the OpenAI trial pitting Elon Musk against its CEO, Sam Altman. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more.
Science
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New dinosaur weighing as much as 9 elephants identified by scientists
The long-necked herbivore is the largest ever found in Southeast Asia, researchers said.
How a growing El Niño will affect 2026 hurricane season in Atlantic, Pacific
The last time an El Niño pattern occurred was in 2023, when the Eastern Pacific hurricane season produced 20 tropical systems.
NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
Emperor penguins in focus as Antarctica talks start in Japan
Greater protections for endangered emperor penguins and how to manage growing tourism are topping the agenda at talks on Antarctica in Japan.
What's in the released UFO files?
The Pentagon released UFO documents on Friday, with President Trump telling the public to "have fun" deciding for itself what is going on. Carter Evans reports.
Crime
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Crime
Terror plot foiled, suspect under arrest
A terror plot targeting Jewish institutions in New York, California and Arizona has been foiled, and a man linked to the alleged scheme is under arrest on Friday. Prosecutors say the Iraqi suspect is tied to other global attacks and claim he wanted payback for the U.S. and Israeli war on Iran. Tom Hanson reports.
Iraqi man charged with terror plot: officials
An Iraqi national was arrested and charged with planning to carry out several terror attacks in the U.S., including at a New York City synagogue and other prominent Jewish centers in Los Angeles and Scottsdale, Arizona. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
Sources: Iraqi national planned synagogue attacks
Federal prosecutors charged an Iraqi national on Friday with planning several terrorist attacks in the U.S. as retribution for the Iran war. CBS News' Anna Schecter has the latest.
Iraqi national accused of plotting attacks
Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi is facing federal charges for allegedly plotting several terror attacks in the U.S., including targeting a Jewish institution in New York. CBS News' Anna Schecter and Jake Rosen report.
Prominent N.Y. synagogue targeted in alleged terror plot, prosecutors say
An Iraqi national allegedly plotted to carry out terror attacks in the U.S., including at a prominent synagogue in New York, prosecutors said Friday.
Space
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SpaceX launches cargo ship to International Space Station
The International Space Station-bound SpaceX Cargo Dragon is loaded with 6,500 pounds of needed equipment, research gear and crew supplies.
NASA maps show Earth's brightest and darkest regions at night
Researchers expected to find "a gradual increase in artificial light at night," but instead saw "much more nuanced patterns," NASA said.
NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
UFO files reveal astronauts saw mysterious objects and lights in 1972
NASA's Apollo 17 crew reported seeing three mysterious dots and sparks that resembled fireworks, according to new files released by the Pentagon.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
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
5/16: The Uplift
David Begnaud meets a man who has attended the Kentucky Derby for 79 years in a row – and his dying wish to make it there one last time.
Principal retires and returns as a handyman
58-year-old David White retired after 33 years in education, the last 15 spent as an elementary school principal in Atlanta. But after "just hanging out with the cat," he decided to go back to school as a handyman. Steve Hartman goes "On the Road" with the story.
Analyzing Jerome Powell's legacy
Friday marked Jerome Powell's last day as Chairman of the Federal Reserve. CBS News producer Emily Pandise takes a look at his legacy.
What role does Raúl Castro play in Cuba?
The U.S. is taking steps to indict Raúl Castro, the 94-year-old former president of Cuba, U.S. officials say. CBS News' Lilia Luciano reports.
Wife of Army soldier released from ICE
The wife of an active-duty U.S. Army soldier detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement was released on Thursday after a month in custody. CBS News immigration correspondent Camilo Montoya-Galvez reports.