Recycling is collapsing in the US because of inconsistent and confusing labels on bins. The public confusion causes people to throw millions of tons of ‘garbage’ in recycling bins throughout the country, which is crippling the economics of recycling.
In a landmark move, a national recycling strategy is to be launched across the US, aiming to streamline recycling bin labels and, in so doing, give the market a desperately needed overhaul. The $37.3 billion FY2020 Interior-Environment funding bill has received approval of the House Appropriations Committee and will next be considered by the House floor.
If passed, the initiative will expedite a roll-out of standardized recycling labels, developed by non-profit organization Recycle Across America, to prevent recyclable materials from being contaminated and ending up in landfills. It will also help to “ensure the long-term economic and environmental viability of local recycling programs by exercising national leadership and facilitating the harmonization of standards”. Needless to say this a bill that America needs badly.
