Municipal Recycling

CALIFORNIA EXPANDS PLASTICS RECYCLING PROGRAM

The California State Senate recently passed an expansion of the state’s plastics recycling program, requiring the almost all plastic containers be recycled at a rate of at least 35%. Currently, less than 14% of plastic containers are being recycled in California, says Californians Against Waste Policy Director Rick Best.

“SB 1110 will require the plastics industry, along with convenience food and cosmetic makers, to take responsibility for the growing problem of plastic packaging waste,” Best says.

Current policy requires that plastic containers, except for food, beverage and cosmetics, have a 25% recycling rate, 25% recycled content and 10% source reduction or reusability. The bill would increase the recycling rate requirement of non-food packaging to 35%, while establishing a similar 35% requirement for food, beverage and cosmetic containers. The bill now goes to the State Assembly, where it is likely to be heard by the Assembly Natural Resources Committee. 

Another law pertaining to container recycling, SB 332, has been approved by the State Assembly and needs to re-approved in its new format by the Senate.

CONTEST ENCOURAGES RECYCLING

Aluminum can recycling got a boost in Colorado during August with a “$100,000 Dollar Recycle and Win” contest. Sponsored by TOMRA Recycling Network, 10 qualifiers chose a numbered can from the “Wall of Cans” display and had the chance to win $100,000. As in the other three promotions the company has held in Hawaii, Washington and New Mexico, no one chose the winning can. Guaranteed prizes that were awarded included gift certificates and a vacation package.

The contests are part of a market test to see if a large volume of material can be generated and to increase awareness about recycling.

 says Maureen Crane, director of Marketing for TOMRA Pacific, Santa Ana, Calif.

TOMRA is a Norwegian company with two U.S. subsidiaries, TOMRA North America, Stratford, Conn. and TOMRA Pacific. 

POLL FINDS RECYCLING SUPPORT

Half of Wisconsin residents say they think that people would be willing to pay a nominal fee annually to support recycling, a new Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce survey found.

“People in Wisconsin are committed to recycling and are willing to pay out of their own pockets,” says Patrick Stevens, environmental policy director for Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, a statewide trade group with more than 4,000 members.

A survey of 600 residents found that 51% of those responding “would pay a small amount each year to ensure [their] community continues to have recycling.” Only about 29 % of people surveyed would be unwilling to pay.

“If anyone tells you that people won’t recycle if the government doesn’t mandate it, they’re wrong,” says Stevens. “Recycling is so popular that homeowners are willing to pay for it.”

Residents surveyed said an annual fee between $12 and $24 would be reasonable for recycling services. A temporary business tax had supported mandatory recycling in Wisconsin until it recently lapsed. The recycling mandate was repealed by Assembly Republicans and communities are now allowed to develop their own programs. Senate Democrats supported keeping the mandate and have proposed a solid waste tax increase of $65 million, much of which would be paid for by businesses, to fund the program.

CAROLINA HONORS TOP RECYCLERS

The Carolina Recycling Association, Raleigh, N.C., has honored several individuals, organizations and companies at its first annual meeting since the combination of the former North Carolina and South Carolina Recycling Associations.

Among those honored were Will Sagar of Transylvania County, N.C. as Recycler of the Year; Laura Bennett of The Grove Park Inn, Asheville, N.C., with the Spirit of Recycling – Sustained Commitment Award; and Emily Keyes of the Habitat ReUse Center, Raleigh, N.C., with the Buy Recycled Award.

Other winners include:

•           Judy Kincaid, Triangle J Council of Governments, Research

•            Graham Butler, Duke University, Durham, N.C., Outstanding Col-

            lege or University

•           Keep Georgetown Beautiful, Georgetown, S.C., Outstanding Community Volunteer Program

•           Larry Lewis, Horry County, Conway, S.C., Outstanding Composting and Organics Recycling Program

•           Robert Moore, Naval Aviation Depot, Cherry Point, N.C., Front Line Recycler

•           Linda Slater, Charleston County, Charleston, S.C., Outstanding County or Municipal Program

•           Gary Weinrich, BMW, Spartanburg, S.C., Outstanding In-House Waste Reduction Program.

RECYCLING COALITION OF UTAH TO RECEIVE GRANTS

The Recycling Coalition of Utah (RCU) will receive two grants of $37,500 from the U.S. EPA for two recycling related projects.

The first project, the Recycling Business Assistance Program, will provide assistance to three recycling businesses that use recycled feedstock. Field engineers will assist with a four-day consultation for each recycling business. The second project is the EPA Region VIII Recycling Economic Development Roundtable. The themes for the roundtables will be recycling and waste reduction at resorts, parks and special events.