Could the Recession Kill the Recycling Industry?

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As the traditional methods of recycling paper and plastic becomes less economically viable and the cost of traditional fuels goes up, we should consider using a specially designed combustion furnace to completely burn up the waste paper and plastic to convert to to energy to be used for power production. We should avoid burning recyclable plastic #3, polyvinyl chloride, since it contains chlorine. We may get more value out of our trash streams that way.

Henry of IL 6:26AM April 07, 2011

i think that if we dont do this we could end up going in a black hole or dying in our own filth.

elizabeth of AK 5:47PM March 12, 2010

Everyone must be dedicated to the Earth's longetivity in order to keep recycling, energy consumption, consumerism, etc. at the forefront of what is going on in society today. This is not a US problem, just as the recession isn't, it is a WORLDWIDE issue.
Even during the holidays, try to cut back on unnecessary gift wrapping such as added tissue paper, etc. It is not worth it! Open your gift-wrapped presents neatly so that you can re-use the paper at a later date, etc. Keep recycling and the Earth at the forefront of your mind and thoughts, and it will become a lifestyle. Remember, you will get used to everything in life.
- Maurizio Maranghi -

Maurizio Maranghi of CA 3:54PM December 21, 2009

Amber D. missed the point: It's not that recycling is not good any more, it's that it's becoming less and less economically viable. With end-markets declining, there's less need for the raw materials ie recycled materials.
Rants like Tom's "Easy Fix" just demonstrate ignorance.How stupid!

Sandra 12:20AM March 17, 2009

It’s time to Rethink Recycling. There are several good reasons to recycle—find your reason to Rethink Recycling below.
Recycling supports local jobs & the environment: The recycling industry creates over 19,000 jobs in Minnesota. It also generates an estimated $3.48 billion in economic activity.
Recycling benefits the environment: Recycling conserves water and other raw materials, which will leave more natural resources for future generations. During 2008, residential recycling alone in Ramsey County saved 456,983 barrels of crude oil from being consumed.
Recycling is thrifty: Recycling generates $64 million in Minnesota tax revenue every year! So the next time you go to dispose of your bottle or can, remind yourself how much recycling can do!
What goes in the recycling bin gets recycled: It is against state law for haulers to pick up recyclables and not recycle them. It is also against the law for a landfill or resource recovery facility to accept a load of recyclables. Minnesota companies like Rock-Tenn paper mill in St. Paul and Anchor Glass in Shakopee, use our recyclables to make new products.
Rethink Recycling. It matters now more than ever! Continue to recycle at home, work and play. To learn more contact your community recycling program or visit RethinkRecycling.com.

Amber D of MN 8:55AM March 16, 2009

Send the nations excess scrap to Washington. Obama has a plan for everything haven't you heard...Threaten to send it to Iran or N. Korea, better yet, make a GI take it with him when he is deployed instead of a gun, maybe, like Obama he can negotiate a deal with his enemies...

Tom in San Diego of CA 3:23PM March 15, 2009

AWESOME ! - BLAME WALL STREET EXECS FOR IT ALL, even PLASTIC BOTTLE RECYCLING.....ABUSE ABUSE ABUSE.

DANA of CA 1:11PM March 15, 2009

there wouldn't be a problem. At the high school I'm student teaching, there's a half hearted effort at recycling and there's virtually no effort to teach students the value of recycling. Again, make it mandatory with fines and we'd all be a lot better off. Finally, reduce the types of plastics, so it's easier to manage the recycling process.

jay of GA 6:01PM March 14, 2009