Despite all the negativity around various recycling programs across the U.S., recycling efforts in Columbus, Ohio, remain strong amid China’s ban on imported waste.

According to The Columbus Dispatch, materials recycled in Columbus travel only about 250 miles to various sites, while some items don’t leave the state. The Dispatch spoke with Steve Sargent, director of Cincinnati-headquartered Rumpke Recycling, who said Rumpke is not really dependent on foreign markets.

“Only 2 percent of the materials Rumpke recycles is exported,” Sargent told The Dispatch. “That only applies to baled cardboard, which is shipped to Taiwan and South America.”

The Columbus Dispatch has more information:

For years, cities across the country have indoctrinated residents to rinse, sort and recycle glass and plastic containers. Unsoiled cardboard boxes are to be broken down for pickup.

But now many cities can’t afford to keep up their recycling programs since China’s national policy put a stop to importing plastic and paper products from the West.

That policy hasn’t directly hurt Columbus’ recycling efforts. Any materials recycled in Columbus only travel about 250 miles to various sites, and some items don’t leave the state, said Steve Sargent, director of Cincinnati-headquartered Rumpke Recycling.

Related:Man Bites Dog: The Press and Recycling

Read the full article here.