You may have heard in the news about the tricky state of recycling in the US. For decades, most of the US’s (and various other Countries’) recyclables such as plastics and mixed paper were sent to China to be recycled and manufactured into new products. All of that changed in 2017, when China introduced the National Sword policy, banning imports of most recyclables beginning in 2018. One reason for the ban was because the quality of the recyclables being sent to China was so poor – materials highly contaminated with trash, food waste, etc.
Other markets for recyclables in countries such as India, Vietnam, and Malaysia expanded in the wake of China’s ban, but those countries are likely to face similar issues with our recycling exports: contamination. To improve the recyclability of our “recyclables”, we have to do our part: keep recyclables clean!
The first step is to check what materials are accepted in your curbside recycling program. This will help ensure you place the correct materials in your bin, preventing contamination of truly recyclable items. Read your service guide or reach out to your garbage company for information on what’s accepted in the recycling program.
The next step is to make sure all food and liquids have been emptied out of containers before placing in the recycling bin. You can tap the container against your food scraps pail (if you have access to composting… if not, excess food would be emptied into the trash), so the food contents drop out. For sticky materials, a rubber spatula works well. Another method that works (if you have access to composting), is to wipe the container with a paper towel you were already going to compost. If space permits, you could also store a small tub to collect water in the sink to use to clean up your recycling without having to use extra water. If feasible, a quick rinse does the trick! For bottles such as barbeque sauce containers, try filling it with an inch of water, close the lid and give it a nice shake before pouring the dirty water out. Voila – you’ve got clean recyclables ready to make the journey to the recycling facility and beyond!
To take your waste reduction efforts to the next level, prioritize buying items with the least amount of packaging materials and buy in bulk. Remember to always pack your reusable containers and bags as well. As the saying goes, “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” – in that order!
Sources:
https://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/markets/nationalsword
Replies
I think it is a safe bet that everyone who reads this forum truly wants to do the right thing when it comes to recycling. I elevated it to the status of "hobby" years ago. But the news we have been hearing over the last year or so, and now this warning about dirty recyclables might have some of us confused and certainly questioning some of our long-held assumptions about recycling in our local systems. The China situation may have changed what is recyclable and what isn't differently in each of our systems. So, having said all that I am wondering if you can publish the list of what is acceptable for each of the various garbage companies/agencies in our area? Or, if that is too much, maybe links to the recycling "rules" for each one. I know I can find this out by going on the web and hunting around for it, but human nature being what it is, I may put it off till later and not get back to it. Does this seem worthwhile or am I over thinking this?
John Mercurio
Concord