Recology outlines recycling challenges and plans for public awareness campaign

In a recent meeting of the Del Norte Solid Waste Management Authority, a significant focus was placed on improving recycling practices and addressing the challenges of contamination in curbside recycling. The discussion highlighted the ongoing issue of "wish cycling," where residents mistakenly place non-recyclable items into recycling bins, complicating the recycling process.

Authority members noted that while certain plastics, like number 5, have found a viable market for recycling, others, such as PVC (number 3) and low-density polyethylene (number 4), continue to pose problems. The presence of these materials in recycling bins has raised concerns about contamination, which can render entire batches of recyclables unusable.

To combat this issue, the authority plans to revamp its communication strategy. This includes removing misleading information about recyclable materials from their literature and launching radio ads to educate the public. They aim to clarify which items are unacceptable for curbside recycling, ensuring residents understand the guidelines better.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to return with a detailed timeline for these initiatives, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in improving recycling efforts. The authority's proactive approach aims to enhance recycling efficiency and reduce contamination, ultimately benefiting the environment and the local community.