Should Recycling Be Required by Law

Nine years ago, John Tierney`s groundbreaking article “Recycling Is Garbage” was published in The New York Times Magazine. It focused primarily on recycling efforts in New York City, revealing the high cost of collecting and sorting waste and the lack of demand for most of the resulting materials. In addition, in some cases, such as newsprint recycling, there is more water pollution (by removing the ink) than when making new paper. In addition, trees are grown specifically for this purpose and are a renewable resource. The principle of a binding circular economy law is to create a more efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly system for the disposal of materials. In states that use mandatory recycling, waste management companies must adhere to strict quotas for recyclable materials that end up in landfills. Typically, garbage collectors track where and when people recycle incorrectly, then finish and collect the fines. Given the bad publicity of mafia connections and a vicious rumor, recycling madness was born. Ironically, there has never been a problem finding a landfill on Long Island. All of this happened because Harrelson was trying to beat the high tipping fees of local establishments and get a big win.

Driven by international trade decisions, fluctuating commodity markets, and a shift in public opinion, Congress introduced legislation to address key areas of the national recycling infrastructure. Some bills provide grants for recycling education and infrastructure improvements, while others take a regulatory approach to single-use plastics and address disruptions in the life cycle of recyclable materials. Although no legislation has yet been passed, the debate is expected to continue. From this perspective, Michael D. Shaw uses history, facts, and examples to argue that the United States does not need recycling laws. However, he does not use quotes to support his point of view. If you had to rewrite this article and insert quotes, from which authorities would you quote? Where would you place those quotes to support Shaw`s arguments? Commercial enterprises have the greatest potential to significantly increase recycling and reduce waste. Companies that produce large quantities of recyclable materials may also have the opportunity to reduce the cost of disposing of them as waste.

With the increasing spread of recycling laws and recycling obligations, the commercial sector in particular should be prepared. Working on an improved recycling program is beneficial to both a business plan and the environment. The more people who choose to recycle, the greater the impact of recycling. Therefore, it is important that each individual contributes to recycling efforts. For this reason, recycling should be mandatory. Check out our guide to recycling and waste management for tips and tricks! Washington was one of the first states to feel the effects of international import restrictions, prompting the creation of the Recycling Development Center. It will facilitate the expansion of domestic markets and develop a national contamination reduction plan for local governments to adopt if they do not write their own plan (HB 1543). Florida lawmakers took a different approach to contamination with the adoption of HB 73 in 2020. It holds local governments accountable for proper recycling and allows carriers and FRMs to reject contaminated materials that violate the definition of acceptable recyclable material set out in their contracts. More than 600 bills were introduced during the 2020 legislature. While most focus on single-use plastics, food and other waste-reducing measures, states are also looking for ways to strengthen recycling systems.

This year, at least 22 states have considered or considered bills to better understand, invest and improve recycling. A similar trend emerged in 2019 with a high volume of laws and at least 80 decrees. Today, the EPA estimates that Americans recycle about 32 percent of the 350 million tons of waste they generate each year. While there is still no federal platform for this, the EPA, through its Resource Conservation Challenge program, is pushing for Americans to raise this rate. Forty-two states now have their own recycling or waste prevention targets, and 18 seek to divert more than half of their waste through recycling or composting. As with any burning issue, there are strong arguments in favor of both options. We will probably continue to see debates in the immediate future, as there are pros and cons to mandatory and voluntary recycling schemes. A list of mandatory programs can be found here. Nevertheless, the seed had taken root. In the mid-1980s, pioneering programs in Massachusetts and elsewhere led to the development of roadside recycling programs in more than 600 communities across the United States, primarily in the Northeast and West Coast.