As I think more about recycling and the need for improved recycling services and for residents to buy into recycling, I find myself pondering over how these things can be made to happen.
My brother used to live in Oswego, NY. Oswego, as in many other towns and cities in the U.S. , requires clear garbage bags for garbage and recycling. Recycling is also mandatory. If garbage is found in the recycling bags, and vice-versa, the residents are fined.
When I lived in Maryland (where I grew up and lived until 9 years ago), I was required to sort all my recycling to be able to participate in the curbside recycling program. It wasn’t a big deal, really, and became part of what Imy regular daily routine as a homeowner and a resident. I had all my paper bags lined up under my laundry table – aluminum, cardboard, general recycling (paper, etc.), glass, plastic. The recycling truck that came by each week was compartmentalized so that the person picking up the items simply deposited the different sorted bags into the appropirate compartment. It’s also important to note that this town was/is a small one – about 5,000 people.
While this concept is a good one (getting people to sort their recycling), on the other hand, having the recycling sorted at the site creates more jobs. But then the issue is – do the sorters take their time and truly make sure all recyclable materials are indeed recycled? It would be interesting to spend a day following the truck that picks up all the curbside recyclables.
What would be best to get citizens to be more adamant about recycling?
Deanna Dee-Dee Taylor 