Recycling Costs Skyrocket in Arlington County, Va.

The county has not yet made a decision as to whether it will end glass recycling.

Waste360 Staff, Staff

March 28, 2019

1 Min Read
glass recycling

Like many municipalities across the country, Arlington County, Va., has seen its recycling costs rise and is uncertain about the future of glass recycling. ARLnow reports that in the last six months, costs for processing recyclables have risen from $15.73 per ton to $28.62 per ton.

The county has not yet made a decision as to whether it will end glass recycling. Officials are also urging residents to strictly adhere to the Department of Environmental Services’ (DES) list of recyclable materials.

DES provides Arlington residents with advice on how to recycle right and offers waste reduction tips, including the following:

  • “By far the best way to manage our waste is to generate less waste to begin with. Consider reusing, repairing and donating items before you dispose them.”

  • “When you recycle, include only correct materials. Leave out things like plastic bags, plastic foam cups and plates, food residue, liquids and miscellaneous garbage.”

ARLnow has more information:

Arlington County’s costs for recycling is continuing to rise after a Chinese ban last year, officials say, but most of what residents place in the recycling bin is still getting recycled.

Costs for processing recyclables have risen from $15.73 per ton to $28.62 per ton in the last six months as the value of things like paper and plastics is plummeting, Arlington’s chief of solid waste Erik Grabowsky told ARLnow today.

Recyclables remain cheaper than trash, which costs the county $43.16 per ton, but the industry lost the primary way items get recycled.

Read the full article here.

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