11.10.2008

RECYCLING MYTH #5: Recycling isn’t easy. It is a burden on families.

As long as the community is able to provide adequate recycling opportunities and accessibility, recycling should not be difficult for the consumer. Providing bins and visuals in the community will help residents know what can be recycled. It is now easier than ever. Many communities accept commingled recycling so the material no longer needs to be separated by the individual. Also don’t worry about removing labels and caps – they are removed by machines during the separation process.

Here is the National Recycling Coalition response:
- More people recycle than vote.
- Nearly 140 million Americans have access to curbside recycling programs. Even more Americans have access to drop-off centers.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey, RE3, I really like your theme this week. As a recycling coordinator, I hear lots of rumors about people who have been fined for mixing recyclables with the trash. How many cities have real penalties for not recycling properly, or for not recycling at all? I think some of the stories I hear aren't entirely true, but that doesn't stop people from repeating them.

RE3.org said...

Thanks for your comment.

There are a bunch of communities that have diversion ordinances similar to Wake County’s cardboard ordinance. For example, if you mix trash with recyclables you would be fined at the landfill. However, this fine is rarely passed along to the original person throwing out the recyclables.

The City of Durham and Goldboro have "banned" recyclable material from going into their landfill. This includes cans, bottles, paper, etc. These communities have trouble enforcing it though.

And don't forget our state has an "aluminum can ban". But again, it is hard to enforce. So maybe there are special recycling elves out there giving citations for not recycling properly. We can only hope!