What is happening that is forcing cities to make changes to their recycling programs?

Low, and in some cases, no demand in the global marketplace for materials such as glass and plastics #3 through #7, combined with the low value of mixed paper and high rates of contamination (in excess of 45% in Deerfield Beach), have created significant increases in the cost of processing materials. Most recently and prior to these conditions, the City received approximately $40,000 per year in revenue for the processing of the recycled materials we collected, which was utilized to offset collection costs. Prior to suspension of the curbside program and other program modifications, the city was paying in excess of $400,000 per year for processing charges with a significant portion of these materials going to the landfill due to contamination. These costs continued to escalate until the curbside program was suspended in July of 2020.

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1. What is happening that is forcing cities to make changes to their recycling programs?
2. What changes have taken place in our recycling program?
3. What are the benefits? Is there a cost savings?
4. What should residents do with their blue recycling carts?
5. What if one garbage cart is not enough, can I use the blue one?
6. Is there a way I can have my recycling go to a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) instead of a landfill?
7. Who can use the Drop-Off Center?
8. What can be dropped off?
9. What are the hours of operation and requirements for the Drop-Off Center??