NYC Considers Single Stream Recycling

New York City is considering using a single-stream collection program to make its recycling program more successful, according to local press reports. The single stream method is one of several options being looked at by the New York City’s recycling task force as it attempts to alter and adjust its recycling program to fiscal solvency. Last year, due to budget problems, the Mayor and City Council opted to drop plastics and glass from the residential collection program, leaving paper and metals as the two commodities still being collected.

The task force that decided to remove the two commodities was created by Mayor Bloomberg and the City Council last year as a compromise to scrapping recycling in its entirety. It plans to release its recommendations by next week.

The six-member task force has been looking at ways to improve cost effectiveness and increase environmental benefits.

Officials familiar with the other recommendations said they include:

* Reduce collection costs through biweekly pickups.

* Examine a Pay-As-You-Throw system. The more litter in the recycling receptacle, the heftier the fine.

Restoration of plastic and beverage container recycling by July. However, glass pickup would likely not be a part of the new program, at least in the near term.

According to the New York Times, NYC may not meet its July 2004 deadline for bringing back glass recycling.

The current law calls for the resumption of glass recycling on July 1, 2004. But the task force, which has been studying recycling, has concluded that the deadline may not be feasible. Although the task force has not signed off on a final report, a working draft declares, "This reinstatement should not occur until such time as the city is able to adequately address the problem of glass breakage and contamination of the mixed recyclable stream." It also said the city needed to find better markets for used glass.