Recycling contamination is an issue across the nation and world but is also a major problem here in Cuyahoga County. Recently, many media outlets have reported on how we’re being affected by China’s new environmental policies and the best ways to recycle properly.
Recycling contamination happens when well-intended recyclers mistakenly put the wrong items into their recycling. It can wreak havoc on the recycling process from Cuyahoga County to throughout the world.
The following stories provide details about what’s happening with recycling here and around the globe.
Local Media
WKYC TV3 (4/20/18): ‘We the People’ segment Be a Recycling Advocate
Cleveland TV19 (5/21/18): Recycling in Northeast Ohio: You’re doing it wrong, and it could cost you
Cleveland TV19 (5/21/18): Anchor quiz clip: Recycling in Northeast Ohio: You’re doing it wrong, and it could cost you
The Plain Dealer (6/3/18): Recycling: We’re doing it wrong, and it’s costing us
The Plain Dealer (6/3/18): Wishful recycling covers a host of non-recyclables, from disposable coffee cups to greasy pizza boxes
WCPN 90.3 Ideastream (6/6/18): Diane Bickett on Sound of Ideas with Mike McIntyre. Hear the interview audio beginning at 19:45.
The Plain Dealer (6/10/18): What about Solo cups and coffee lids? Recycling confusion cleared up in Cuyahoga County
WKYC TV3 (6/27/2018): Rules for recycling have changed in Northeast Ohio
The Plain Dealer (7/1/2018): What’s recyclable? Good question
Westlake/Bay Village Observer (7/3/2018): Confused about recycling? You’re not alone
National Media
NPR (12/9/17): Recycling Chaos In U.S. As China Bans ‘Foreign Waste’
PRI (1/1/18): Mountains of US recycling pile up as China restricts imports
CBC News (4/12/18) Why products marked ‘recyclable’ sometimes aren’t
The Daily Gazette, New York (6/10/2018): Reduce and reuse first, then recycle with care. The problem is — nationwide — that contaminated products in the recycling bin is not recyclable.
NPR (6/13/18): This Is Why A Lot Of Our Recycling Is Going To Landfills
ABC News (6/20/18): Study: Plastic will pile up in wake of China recycling ban
NBC Nightly News (6/25/18): With China saying no to plastic waste, the world needs a new plan
Treehugger (7/6/18) Why recycling won’t save the world
Here in Cuyahoga County, the best way to avoid recycling contamination in your curbside recycling is to remember to always recycle these five categories of items: cans, cartons, glass bottles and jars, paper, and boxes along with plastic bottles and jugs. Learn more about recycling best practices.
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