(Chelsea Update would like to thank Frank Hammer and the Western Washtenaw Recycling Authority for the information in this column.)
Nationally, there are two basic models for recycling business. One is a profit-driven corporate model, which is really vulnerable when the down cycles happen. In fact, some of the biggest names in the industry have recently gone out of business because they can’t afford to hold on until the cycle goes up again.
The other is the community service model, which relies in part on some degree of support from community funding, usually in the form of taxes. This model fits communities that value recycling, and will support it through thick and thin. Western Washtenaw Recycling Authority (WWRA) is based on this model, and Reggie is proud to report that WWRA’s participation rate nearing 80 percent is more than twice the national average.
The communities that participate in WWRA, each of which has representatives on the board, have made a decision that keeping recoverable materials out of the landfills and our beautiful natural environment is a valuable contribution to our quality of life.
This common good is the objective, and making money when the materials recovery cycle is up helps off-set the taxes that are used to underwrite the costs.
In the service model, all taxpayers are shareholders. Saving money is a major way to off-set costs and provide better service for the communities, providing good returns on investment. Reggie has two suggestions that will really benefit these “shareholders.” Following them puts money in the bank.
- Never put any flexible plastic—bags, sheets, or wraps–in the recycling stream. This one factor, alone, is identified nationally as the biggest cost factor that interferes with efficient materials recovery. Reggie says it is true here, too, and he has written about this in the past.
- Recycle only items that can actually be recycled. Reggie wrote about this last week. Check out the excellent graphic to help you remember what belongs there, by clicking here.
Or, click here for a list of do’s and don’ts. And Reggie reminds you that you can always call WWRA at 475-6160 for questions or large item disposal, as well.
Reggie’s Royal Recycling Review: Know before you throw. Following Reggie’s Recycling Rule saves money: “When in doubt, leave it out.”
