Fixing the Recycling Dilemma
The rules of recycling in America have already gotten more complicated ever since China put restrictions on what it'll import from the U.S, in its own attempt to further its own recycling programs and avoid environmental damage within its own borders. That, and the economic difficulties resulting from COVID-19 only end up making recycling more expensive. Some cities cut spending on recycling, and some curbside pickup programs were cancelled as well. Even without China's restrictions, The U.S' overall recycling rate was less than 50%, and the amount of materials that did get recycled was far from what one would hope for. Some less-populated areas also don't offer curbside pickup for recyclables, and the rules and methods of recycling can vary and become difficult to remember and keep track of. One response to the issue was to create more recycling facilities, which can help in taking in more trash to recycle. However, another issue in recycling is the types of materials that can be recycled. Items made from non-recyclable materials often end up in recycling facilities, which only cause problems on the conveyor belt or can even be dangerous, in the case of batteries. To avoid this, it's better to use products containing only one type of material. Products made of mixed materials are more trouble than they're worth, so it's better to avoid using them. Reducing the amount of disposable products used as a whole is essential to fixing the recycling problem, since if it isn't used, it doesn't end up thrown out.
Going off of what the article states, I agree that avoiding using disposable products when possible will be most effective in reducing the amount of materials thrown out that will likely end up in landfills. Not as much money will have to be spent on recycling, which can help reduce the financial squeeze recycling facilities and companies are feeling due to COVID-19 and China's restrictions. That, and in general it's easier to prevent the problem from arising at all than to stop it when it's started creating difficulties.
The U.S Recycling System is Flawed. Here's how we can do Better. (August 31, 2020). Retrieved November 1, 2020, from https://www.discovermagazine.com/environment/the-recycling-dilemma-and-how-we-can-do-better
I agree that there should be more recycling, and I also agree that this is most likely to the high costs surrounding it. In addition to the problems you stated, I think another major one would be people who do not care, and who do not want to pay. Many people do not care about recycling, and while many might change, many wouldn't change anything with how they throw things out. The same is with cost, as not matter how low it is, there will still be many people who do not want to pay for something they do not necessarily "need".
ReplyDeleteThe idea of recycling is a good one, however the cost, time it takes, and lack of human care often work against it. I agree in saying that reducing disposable product use would help to minimize the problem. It would also be beneficial for a nation organization to be set up dedicated to providing all regions of the US with a recycling pickup option, and check that recycling companies aren't just dumping their trucks into landfills like some have been reported to do. It would put more strain on the nation budget, but could perhaps be fixed if people who were willing, would pay a set amount each month to contribute to the fund.
ReplyDeleteThis article does not do a good job explaining how to fix the recycling system we have in the USA. There are MANY more items made of single use plastic other than water bottles. Switching to a personal refillable water bottle is such a small part thing that is is not really address the problem. Where did the idea of recycling come from? Would you believe the plastic industry coined the idea. Instream of the public worrying about all of this plastic being thrown out, we were able to pretend that it was okay because it would be recycled.
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