This week’s question from the newspaper:
WHAT WOULD YOU DO, IF ANYTHING, TO RESTORE RECYCLING OF PAPER, GLASS, AND MORE PLASTICS?
My goal is to restore all recycling. Since the demand for purchasing recyclables has changed, and the market is not as strong as it used to be, the economics must make sense for the city to provide it as a service.
If the cost to the taxpayer is little or nothing, then restoring recycling is a no-brainer. But if the costs are substantial, innovative alternatives beyond the city will need to be considered. I believe that most citizens feel positive about recycling, but some may not want to increase taxes or fees in order to do so.
We have recycling professionals in the Public Works Department, and I would work with them (and the County Solid Waste Coordinator) to determine cost-effective ways to keep more from going to the landfill.
The silver lining in the recent recycling restrictions is an increased public awareness of how much we do consume and our reliance on recycling as an excuse to continue the status quo. Now that economics is forcing us to send more waste to the landfill, perhaps we will learn to reduce and reuse instead. As mayor, I will ensure the city leads the way.