Recycling, Imperfect but Worth It: Why we shouldn’t trash recycling
“Why should I bother recycling? It all just gets put in the trash.”
As recycling educators, we hear this sentiment repeatedly from the public, and sensationalized news headlines aren’t helping. At Recycle Right New York (RRNY), we understand why many people might feel discouraged from recycling, given the confusion and recent news stories about challenges with the recycling system. However, upon gaining a greater understanding of the complexities of the recycling system, we know that the imperfections are not a reason to give up on recycling, but rather an opportunity to learn how to do it better and more efficiently.
The truth is that some recyclables do end up in the trash for various reasons; but it is not always done to deliberately or conspiratorially undo the efforts and good intentions of everyone who puts time and effort into diverting recyclables from the waste stream.
In this article, we acknowledge the realities – including the challenges within our current system – in an effort to illuminate opportunities for investment, improvement, and need for more upstream waste reduction strategies.
Modern day recycling was introduced in the 1970’s; a system that has attempted to reduce raw material extraction, reduce pollution, and encourage a circular economy. On the surface, this decades-old system may seem like a simple equation: first, a product is bought, used, and then tossed in the recycling bin to be transported to facilities that will recycle it into a renewed product.
This is broadly true, but in practice, there are several realities that come into play that increase the complexity of this equation…
An important factor to consider is that recycling is not free. Costs such as equipment, staff, transportation, energy, and water, all go into the process of turning unwanted used items into renewed ones again. Whether recycling is worth it or not from an economic standpoint, varies depending on the material and the comparative cost of virgin material extraction. For instance, it is less expensive to recycle an aluminum can into a different aluminum can, rather than mining for bauxite, the primary ore aluminum is made with. However, for plastic it is often less expensive to extract new oil and gas due to government subsidization, than it is to recycle plastic into a renewed plastic product.
Successful recycling depends on the basic economic principle of supply and demand. Bales of paper, plastic, and metal are sold on the commodities market, just like coffee, sugar and coal. Bales of materials are only purchased if a buyer wants them. Therefore, it may seem to only make economic sense to recycle an item if it sells for more than it would cost to incinerate or landfill the material. However, markets for recyclable materials vary. Not collecting a material for recycling because the market price is low, does not account for future increases in commodity pricing. If a transporter stops collecting a recyclable material, it is challenging to begin collecting that material again when markets improve, mostly due to the need to re-educate residents, institutions, and businesses. Dropping the collection of a recyclable material may also contradict State and local recycling laws.
Beyond economics, the reality is that recycling is made up of a complex web of diverse people, new and old machines, and countless types of material. As a recycling campaign, we understand these complexities, and at the end of the day, still advocate that we recycle right in New York State and here is why:
Reduce Environmental Impact: Recycling right helps reduce the strain on natural resources and minimizes environmental degradation. By separating recyclable materials from the waste stream and ensuring they are properly processed, we conserve resources, reduce energy consumption, and mitigate the environmental impact associated with the extraction and manufacturing of raw materials.
Increase Waste Diversion: New York State faces a significant waste management challenge. By recycling correctly, we contribute to the diversion of waste sent to disposal, alleviating the strain on limited landfill capacity. This not only helps prevent pollution and protect public health but also ensures that valuable land resources are preserved for more sustainable uses. By recycling right, we extend the lifespan of landfills and reduce the need for additional waste disposal sites.
Prevent Contamination: Recycling right involves following your local recycling guidelines by only putting acceptable items into your recycling bin and leaving out incorrect items to help prevent contamination of the recycling stream. Contamination of the recycling stream can occur when non-recyclable items or improperly sorted materials are mixed with recyclables, making them difficult to process and reducing their recycling potential. Contaminants include items that are not listed on your local recycling guidelines such as hoses, ceramics, receipt paper, and certain types of plastic. By recycling right, we help maintain the quality of recyclable materials, ensuring they can be effectively recycled and used to create new products.
Ensure Cost Efficiency: When recyclables are contaminated or improperly sorted, additional resources and efforts are required to sort and process them. By recycling right, we streamline the recycling system, making it more efficient and cost-effective.
Build Individual Responsibility and Community Pride: Recycling right actions reflect our responsibility as individuals, as a community, and as a state, to take care of our environment. It demonstrates our commitment to being responsible stewards of Earth’s natural resources and showcases our pride in maintaining clean and healthy communities. By recycling right, we send a message of environmental consciousness and can inspire others to follow our lead.
Recycle Right
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Recycle Right 〰️
IF YOU ARE MAKING AN EFFORT AND TAKING THE TIME TO RECYCLE RIGHT, YOU DESERVE TO KNOW THAT THE MATERIAL IS ON ITS WAY TO BEING RECYCLED. PLUS, RECYCLING IS REQUIRED BY NYS LAW. IF YOU DO SUSPECT THAT YOUR RECYCLABLES ARE BEING WRONGFULLY DISCARDED, HERE IS WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Confirm the violation: Sometimes hauling trucks have two separate compartments, otherwise known as a split body truck. Recycling goes in one compartment and trash goes in the other. Even though it may look like the trash and recyclables are being mixed together, it is possible that they are being separated in the truck.
Document the incident: Take note of the date, time, and location of the incident. If possible, gather evidence such as photographs or videos showing the recycling hauler disposing of recyclables in the landfill or garbage truck. This documentation will be valuable if you need to report the incident or provide evidence later.
Contact your recycling hauler: It is possible that there may have been a mistake or miscommunication so reach out directly to your recycling hauler to express your concern and inquire about their actions.
Report the incident: If the issue persists or you're unsatisfied with the response from your recycling hauler, report the incident to the appropriate authority. You can find and contact your local recycling coordinator by following this link. You may also contact the NYSDEC (recycling@dec.ny.gov). Provide them with the details and evidence you have gathered.
Seek alternative recycling options: If you have lost trust in your current recycling hauler, consider researching and identifying alternative recycling options in your area. Look for reputable recycling facilities or programs that prioritize proper handling and processing of recyclable materials.
Reduce your own waste: Lastly, one of the most effective ways to ensure that your recyclable materials are not being landfilled is to reduce your own waste in the first place.
In addition to waste reduction and reuse actions, the act of recycling right is vital in navigating the current challenges of sustainable material management. Recycling represents a small but formidable act of care for the materials we encounter each day and allows us to play an active role in collectively conserving the Earth’s precious resources. Explore the NYS Recyclopedia and check your local guidelines to “Know Before you Throw.”