While Recycling Ordinances For Food Waste And Organics Increase In Cities And States Across The Nation, Many Americans Are Still Unsure About What To Recycle
A Majority Of Americans Don’t Understand
Their Local Recycling Policies At All ...
As the growing issue of food waste has become a major concern across the nation, more and more states and communities are now initiating stricter ordinances to help alleviate the problem. As of January 1, 2021, recycling food scraps and organic matter have become mandatory for most businesses in the states of California and New York. The two states have now joined Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont in their battles to reduce organic waste. Although more states and communities across the nation are in the process of initiating new recycling ordinances for food waste, along with plastic, cardboard and glass bottles, one interesting factor looms in these states and others as well. In a recent study, it was discovered that 64% of Americans don’t understand their local recycling policies at all. What’s more, 58% feel that they are playing a guessing game when they are recycling their trash. Interestingly, this data factors in both commercial waste and residential waste.
The statistics above should come as no surprise to anyone who has ever tried to recycle in their local community bins. Containers and dumpsters marked for ‘cardboard or paper only’ often have plastic and other non-paper items in them, while plastic and glass containers are many times filled with paper and cardboard items as well. Similar confusion can easily occur when food scraps and organic matter are entered into the equation. Not to mention at businesses and restaurants, where food scraps and other organic waste are more abundant and plentiful.
Judging how some establishments have issues with workers putting the wrong items in designated containers, it’s very easy to see how problems like these could arise, especially in the food industry. Businesses facing new recycling ordinances in their communities and states should first and foremost thoroughly educate their staff on the do’s and don’ts of recycling, along with staying in compliance with the ordinances at hand, commented Ben Sunshine, Operations Director, Waste Cost Solutions.
We will work out a program to educate your staff and familiarize them with what can and cannot be done in regards to recycling. We’ll also ensure your stores have the proper signage posted to help alleviate any issues that may occur. We’ve created training programs and visual packages for stores facing compliance issues regarding recycling numerous times and earnestly work to keep all of our clients compliant, noted Sunshine.
If your community or state has recently initiated a recycling ordinance, contact Waste Cost Solutions today to assist you with educating your staff and keeping your business compliant and up to date. Waste Cost Solutions is here to assist you with any waste management issue you may have, including waste and recycling issues, compliance matters or other facilities service solutions. Whether your establishment needs window cleaning or repair, exterior and interior painting, air conditioning replacement or repairs, bulk pick-up, an emergency dumpster or if you’re looking to adhere to a local city ordinance, Waste Cost Solutions is here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today at 800-509-5399 or email us at help@WasteCostSolutions.com
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