The Economics of Recycling
We have Jennifer Wendt, the Project Manager for University City, with us to discuss the benefits of recycling programs not only for the environment, but for the economy as well. Jennifer specializes in solid waste/recycling, energy efficiency, and other public works projects for the city.
Jennifer believes that recycling is not a partisan issue, but an American one. As Ronald Reagan once said,” …perhaps the most important is that preservation of our environment is not a partisan challenge; it’s common sense…”.
Let’s explore the different ways recycling has an economic benefit and also some common fallacies people have about the process.
The Cost of Waste
According to Jennifer the average cost of recycling is between $0-$10 per ton. However, the average cost of waste that goes to a landfill is between $30-$40 per ton. Based on these numbers, trash costs at least 3 times as much as recycling. She says regardless of any information that may cause skepticism about recycling the bottom line is that money is saved by recycling instead of using a landfill.
In the particular case of University City in 2016 the city paid almost $500,000 in landfill fees. In the same year the city paid $0 for recycling fees. These costs will vary from town to town depending on the distance to the recycling center, however it will always be cheaper to recycle. The money that is freed up from reducing waste can then be used for other projects.
On average about 75% of waste that goes to a landfill is recyclable material. In University City alone if that waste was reduced by 25% it would save the city $100,000 annually. As you can see the savings can really add up.
Not only does recycling save money, but it also create jobs. At the Hazelwood, MO recycling plant there are 130 employees. Multiply that number by all of the plants in Missouri and Illinois and it’s apparent that these plants employ quite a few people in our area. After the product leaves the recycling centers it needs to be shipped and then it get to mills, extruders, and smelters all of which create more jobs.
The recycling industry is big business and is estimated to reach over $400bn in market worth by 2020.
Recycling Fallacies
Recyclables end up in landfills because they are not cost effective to recycle
Some materials are not as valuable to recycle as others, but that doesn’t mean they are dumped. Recycling those materials is still more economical than sending them to a landfill. In addition, manufacturing product from recycled materials is almost always cheaper than using virgin materials.
Glass is not easily recycled
While broken shards and glass dust may end up in the landfill, the majority of glass that gets to the center is recycled. Glass is unique in that is can be recycled endlessly without loss of quality. As technology improves more and more of the raw material can be recovered.
Most of what a recycling plant receives ends up in the garbage
While this may have been true in the past, advancements in technology have improved the efficiency of modern plants. About 17% of a plant receives does go to a landfill, however, most of this material is non-recyclables that get incorrectly thrown in the recycling bin.
Everything must be thoroughly rinsed and cleaned
This is a common mistake, but, in fact, containers and such only need to be emptied before tossing in the recycling bin.
We’ve compiled a list of the do’s and don’t’s of what can be recycled. Download the list below and print it so you can find out exactly what you can do with your used products! I know it has taught me a lot.
For more information on starting or improving a recycling program in your city, town, or neighborhood Jennifer can be reached at [email protected].
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