Lithium-waste metals push: China says a new 500-tonne line in Jiangxi can recover rubidium and caesium from lithium-extraction waste, turning hard-to-mine materials into a domestic supply. Recycling safety: UK recycler Biffa removed 95,000 vapes from household waste in four months, warning lithium batteries can trigger fires and ruin bales. Local recycling rules: Dorset Council backs Recycle Week and urges residents to bin the right items to protect its 59.4% recycling rate. Circular plastics and policy pressure: Australia’s packaging reform debate is roiling as industry warns of uncertainty after a major recycler enters voluntary administration and the government signals no new packaging scheme this term. Waste governance fight: Bulawayo residents reject a minister’s push to fast-track a waste-management MOU with Geo Pomona, citing procurement law and demanding the deal be published and tendered. Textiles waste spotlight: A U.S. op-ed argues “we can’t thrift our way out of overconsumption,” noting clothing waste is a fast-growing stream. Composting and food waste: A feature explains how vermicomposting turns scraps into soil using worms, balancing “greens” and “browns.” EV battery aging insight: A study finds a “weakest-cell” effect can force early EV battery retirement, even when most cells are still healthy.