Did you know that 60 percent of
the recyclable materials collected in the U.S. go to China to be recycled into
new products?
Historically, China accepted up to 5 percent non-recyclable
contaminants (garbage or food waste) in bales of recyclable materials. However, last March, the
Chinese government began enforcing a policy called National Sword, which
severely restricts the import of recyclable plastics and paper.
Making sure our
recycling is clean, dry, and empty reduces contamination and ensures it is more
marketable to recyclers in the U.S. and around the world.
This is a BIG change and has had
a huge impact on recycling markets around the globe. We need your help!
What can you do?
- Keep
recycling clean and free of contaminants (food scraps and garbage).
- Empty
and dry food containers, like pasta sauce jars, or yogurt cups. Use dish
water to swish, or a used napkin to wipe them out (napkins are
compostable).
- Keep
recyclables out of black plastic bags. They will not be opened at the
sorting facility and will be sent to the landfill as garbage.
- Place
greasy pizza boxes and other food-soiled paper in your organics cart.
- Avoid
hopeful or wishful recycling by using the sorting guides to make sure an item is recyclable. Or, as we say. “when in
doubt, find out!”