Californians are starting to see the effect of China’s new recycling policy.
For some, it means paying more to recycle. Others are having to throw out what could at one time, have been recycled.
“We rely heavily on the recycling revenue, and it’s just not there,” Recology Group Manager Salvatore Coniglio said.
According to Coniglio, the revenue is drying.
“The issue is really focused around mixed paper, and we’re not able to move that to China like we were before,” Coniglio said.
According to CalRecycle, one-third of all recyclable materials are exported overseas. Sixty-two percent goes to China. But some of the recyclable material is “contaminated,” mixed with other unwanted material.
But these days, China wants to import only clean materials–glasses, cardboard, certain plastics, and metals are still fine right now.
“It’s just an added cost,” Coniglio said.
Coniglio says China’s policy has hurt profits for recyclers, so they’re renegotiating their contracts with cities.
In recent months, that has meant higher prices for residents.
And even some recyclables are now ending up in the trash.
“Your children’s toys, plastic totes, that all ends up in the landfill because there’s no market for it,” GreenWaste Sales Manager Shane Magennis said.
Magennis says it costs them more to divert certain plastics. It’s cheaper to send to the landfill.
Even Sacramento cut back on accepting certain plastics.
“Our ultimate goal is to waste zero and not to go to the landfill, but it’s a difficult balancing act,” Magennis said.
In the short-term, the state is asking residents to clean materials so it’s more marketable.
In the long-term, it wants to reduce packaging waste. This fall, the state plans to make new recommendations on what should be recyclable.
But the rule for each community is different, so check with your local recyclers before you put anything in the recycle bin.