Page 38 - Plastics News October 2018

FEAturES

Rethinking Recycling

A study report that marks the beginning of a larger effort to examine sustainability in solid waste manage-
ment and analyzes how city leaders can develop resilient local waste management systems

In the face of adversity, city leaders have historically tap the opportunity, as recycling offers a viable and
“been our nation’s problem-solvers,” says Clarence sustainable domestic option for meeting the country’s
Anthony, CEO and executive director of The National growing material demand, provided it upgrades with the
League of Cities (NLC) – a U.S based advocacy organization. requisite amenities.

China’s new policy is a wake-up call that we need to think Historically, Chinese demand for materials to feed its
more critically about waste management and cities now manufacturing led it to purchase recyclables from all over
have the opportunity to strengthen domestic markets the world. The rest of the industry relied on these sales
and chart a sustainable path forward. The National to fund their collection operations. China’s new policy,
League of Cities (NLC) recently released a new report National Sword, upends this approach, the NLC says. The
U.S. exported 16 million tons of recycling commodities to
China per year before the ban. In 2016, these shipments
were worth $5.2 billion.
Many Americans recognize the importance of recycling to
fight climate change, reduce pollution and limit municipal
landfill costs. The recycling industry also accounts for
757,000 stable jobs, $36.6 billion in wages and $6.7 billion
in state, local and federal tax revenues, the report says.
In addition, oceanic plastic contamination has come to
the fore as a major international crisis. Inefficient waste
management practices have led to 8 million metric tons
of plastic being dumped in the oceans annually.
"Rethinking Recycling: How Cities Can Adapt to Evolving Durango and Fort Collins, Colorado, and Washington are a
Markets," which analyzes how city leaders can develop few cities using partnerships and educational campaigns
resilient local waste management systems in response to to increase recycling rates and maintain local control over
China’s new regulations. The report marks the beginning waste management systems. While the American cities
of a larger effort to examine sustainability in solid waste are gearing up, India is learning its lesson gradually into
management and is the first piece of literature to highlight Recycling and Waste Management and there is a huge
how municipalities can benefit from China’s upcoming ban. scope for improvement.
Given this US-China face-off, India stands a chance to

Long-term recommendations for city leaders

• Conduct an economic analysis of your current management operations.

• Work with contractors.
• Ensure fees and rates reflect current costs.

• Evaluate local policies and economic incentives.
• Explore local and unconventional markets.
• Consider streams.
• Examine asset ownership and consider infrastructure investments.

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