This morning I was reading a recycling trade journal commentary written by a fella with four decades in the business. I really appreciate hearing from those who have actual experience and a historical perspective. Mr. Miller stated that, aside from the normal seasonal slump, the reason for high prices for recyclables is the growth in domestic manufacturing capacity to use recycled paper and plastic. That’s good news for those communities running clean, sorted, collection programs.
He also noted a recent report, by the Solid Waste Association of North America, regarding contamination in curbside programs. It “shows stubborn resistance to recycling even after an intense education and enforcement campaign in two towns. A bit more than one quarter of the households simply didn’t seem to care.”
Single stream has damaged the credibility, and likely the participation, in residential recycling. Single stream collection dissolves transparency, and citizen engagement. While some people just want to believe that single stream works, others ask questions, and get wise to the charade. Those of us who’ve worked with clean, educational, drop off centers, know the programs that protect workers, protect material quality, and make reduction and reuse higher priorities than recycling, are the best.
Louise Mann