It seems our collective environmental conscience is up against a new challenge: a failing economy.
The fallout of the problem is simple, yet threatening: with a financial crisis on our hands, recycled materials are bringing less money to our pockets – much less, in fact. Items such as cans, newspapers, and bottles have seen their prices plummet. Most recyclables are only fetching a fraction of the profit they used to not too long ago. Some plastics are 98% lower than their peek value reached recently.
As with any market, prices fluctuate, but this total reversal of fortune is now threatening many systems of recycling. Among them is the Blue Box Program which has grown to be a community symbol of value and eco-responsibility.
Impact on Municipalities
Many Canadian municipalities will take a direct hit if prices remain low for recycled items. They may have to limit what they collect or even ship more to landfills. Lowest valued recyclables could be shipped to other countries such as China, in effect enlarging their carbon footprint and nullifying the recycling process. The tables have turned indeed in some instances where cities are being charged to dispose of recycling instead of receiving money in return. Municipalities will no doubt have to make some very tough decisions in the near future.
That’s why many want to see a change in the way things are handled. Waste Diversion Ontario says it’s high time that industry take full responsibility of recycling the items they produce. It’s up to consumers to demand this kind of stewardship. Katrina Miller of Toronto Environmental Alliance confirms that in many areas in Europe this is already happening. Canada has a limited system in place in a few areas for a few items. However, if industry were to take responsibility, recycling initiatives are sure to grow.
Changes Needed
It would mean big changes for industry to successfully comply with this proposal. They would need to focus on better quality packaging and less of it. They would have to choose materials that lend themselves to recycling. And that doesn’t simply mean “biodegradable”. If refuse can be made to just ‘disappear’ in a matter of time and yet in the process leeches harmful substances into the surrounding area, it really should carry the ironic warning: DO NOT RECYCLE!
Adding to the problem is the global nature of industry today. It creates a large, complex web of packaging produced all over the globe for various products, intended for entire continents, not just provinces or municipalities.
The challenges facing recycling are real and looming, and are exasperated by a troubled economy. Canadians, though, have built up a record of being dedicated, patient recyclers and will hopefully continue in this path, remembering that a broken economy need not mean broken recycling efforts.
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