10-04-2006, 02:13 PM
Quote:Angel' date='Oct 4 2006, 09:33 AM' post='118464']
But .. eh.. why would some states maintain laws that discourage people from recyling their empty bottles and cans? [...]So it's a quite a surprise to hear that some states in the US don't fascilitate the recyling of cans and bottles by letting people get that deposit back.
Fair questions Angel. Before I answer them though, I want to clarify a few things about US recycling programs.
Most states and towns have recycling programs. The specifics vary from area to area, but in general there is curb side recycling. The town provides (or charges in some small towns) a bin in which recyclable plastics, glass, and paper can be placed. Just like trash pick up, this bin is picked up once a week on the curb.
Additionally, some offices and apartment complexes are becoming more eco friendly, and offering recycling containers/bins for employees to use.
Now with that said, about the can deposits. Only a handful of states offer deposits:
5 Cent deposit -Hawaii, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Massachusetts, Maine, New York, Oregon, Vermont.
10 Cent deposit - Michigan
10 out of 50 is a pretty small ratio. But the reason for such a low percentage doesn't have to do with a hatred for recycling. Most states feel they have recycling under control in other forms - the abovementioned system, etc - and the deposit system is a bit archaic. The deposit system was developed for glass bottles, to both cut costs of making new ones and also to keep them from filling up waste dumps. Recycling has changed shape a bit since this time, though the tradition lives on because it does help recycling.
Personally? I recycle all my bottles in the large bins my housing complex provides. The downside? I never see a penny of that deposit back. But everytime I buy a six pack of beers the deposit charge is tacked on. Money I'll never see;)
Cheers,
Munk