The Problem
Recycling contamination is a major issue in our community, with many residents unaware of proper recycling procedures. Contaminants such as food waste, plastic bags, and non-recyclable materials often end up in recycling bins, rendering entire batches of recyclables unusable and causing them to be sent to landfills instead.
Why It Matters
Contamination not only increases landfill waste but also raises the cost of recycling processing and reduces the efficiency of recycling programs. Proper recycling practices are crucial for conserving resources, reducing pollution, and minimizing our environmental footprint.
Statistics:
Approximately 25% of recycling collected in our area is contaminated, resulting in tons of recyclables being discarded annually.
According to the EPA, only 32% of waste is recycled in the U.S., and improper sorting is one of the key factors hindering progress.