Environmental Groups Release Report on Improving Recycling in NYC

A report by the National Resources Defense Council offers suggestions on improving New York City’s recycling program.

After suspending glass and plastic recycling two years ago due to record budget deficits, New York City has restored its full recycling program. While the reintroduced program has only begun recently, there have been concerns that the efficiency of the program could continue many of the problems that shut down the program.

A collection of environmental groups has put together a detailed report that offers a host of suggestions that it feels will ensure the recycling program remains viable. The report is called Recycling Returns.

While the implementation of the program is a win, the groups list ten strategies that can further reduce recycling costs and allow the program to expand.

The list of suggestions was developed by a steering committee of 10 environmental and consumer groups.

Of the ten, the groups feel that three of them are most important. They are the following: Create a More Powerful Recycling Office, Streamline the Collection System, and Strengthen the Public Education Program

The ten suggestions are the following:

Create a More Powerful Recycling Office

Streamline the Collection System

Increase Revenues by Using Modern Sorting Facilities

Develop More Markets for Recyclables

Improve Collection and Marketing for Glass

Update New York State’s Bottle Bill

Restore and Expand Composting

Strengthen the Public Education Program

Provide More Transparent Data

Preserve New York City’s Landmark Recycling Law

To view the full report click on the following link (Recycling Returns)