Casa Grande is one of the many U.S. cities suspending recycling programs in response to tougher restrictions on what China will accept.
The recycling suspension begins on July 1. And Terrence McKeon, deputy public works director for the city, said there is no end in sight. McKeon explains the amount the city was paying to have its recyclables dealt with.
“The lowest costing vendor is $67 a ton. Plus, we have to transport the material to them. And if it exceeds the level of contamination, they dispose of it for us for an additional $50 a ton. So we could be looking at up to $167 per ton," McKeon said.
McKeon said recycling will be suspended until a more sustainable and affordable option is found. He encourages citizens to continue to reduce and reuse, as those efforts still make a big impact.
