The import ban that China announced for January 1, 2018, has gone in effect, and the South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA) wants you to know that “Recycling Right” is more important now than ever!
Late last year, China declared a ban on certain recycled materials to tackle poor quality and contaminated items being shipped in from around the world for processing. The announcement issued to the World Trade Organization (WHO) sent shockwaves through the global recycling community. Specifically, the country announced it would ban the import of mixed paper and mixed plastics. Anything that China would take would now must have an incredibly low contamination rate.
But, what does low contamination mean for you and your household recycling? If recycling to you means tossing greasy pizza boxes with pizza inside, or plastic bottles with soda still in them, or peanut butter jars with peanut butter inside into your blue bin… know that food contamination can destroy efforts to create new recycled products.
Recyclables in our area are managed through Friedman Recycling – a regional recycling processor contracted by the SCSWA with recycling plants in El Paso, Phoenix, Tucson, and Albuquerque. Friedman must be able to show its U.S. exporter that local recyclables will pass muster for the new, more stringent requirements.
“Right now, this will not change things in Las Cruces, but it’s a good time to remind everyone about our recycling mantra: clean and dry,” said Tarkeysha Burton, SCSWA recycling coordinator.
To Recycle Right, double check that plastic bottles (and rigid plastics); aluminum, steel and tin cans; and milk and juice cartons are rinsed and dry. Make sure cardboard is flattened.
China’s short notice made finding a solution even more critical. SCSWA Director Patrick Peck explained that other markets may be opening to recycling, such as other countries like Vietnam and Indonesia, Malaysia, but possibly even here in the United States. He said, “However, it’s a chance to double down on our efforts to build conservation methods in our daily actions and make sure we continue to strive for Zero Waste in our community.”
Green Connections is submitted by the South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA) managing solid waste, recyclables, and working to stop illegal dumping for residents and businesses throughout Doña Ana County. Contact the SCSWA at (575) 528-3800 or visit www.SCSWA.net.