Time to rethink recycling
Having coordinated one of the original recycling programs in this region, I know that a well-managed drop-off center, with separate bins for each type of recyclable, accomplishes the main goal of recycling, providing end- users with valuable feedstock, i.e., recyclables that can be made into new, marketable products.
With citizens involved in the design and operation of our drop-off center, keeping the area attractive and safe for all ages was easy. The family-friendly center included artwork, demo compost piles, book swap, flower beds, educational displays, a swap board, a worm composting bin, post- consumer product catalogs, demonstration compost piles, thrift store bins, etc. The Center reflected a caring culture.
PTA volunteers worked at the center on Saturdays, thus gaining an understanding of contamination issues as well as worker safety issues.
The PTA received the revenue from our immaculately clean paper bins. Nowadays, with single stream/mixed recycling, communities often have to pay to have their contaminated loads hauled away. It’s time to rethink recycling.