We've been recycling for centuries, but modern challenges require innovative solutions.
The convenient single-stream recycling we know may be in trouble. Global markets and changing policies are forcing a rethink of how we manage waste.
The future of recycling is local. Communities can overcome challenges and create a resilient recycling system for generations to come.
The rise of formal recycling programs in the 1970s marked a significant shift in the history of materials management, but recent developments, such as China’s National Sword policy, have exposed critical vulnerabilities in the global recycling system. These challenges have prompted municipalities to rethink their approaches and explore innovative solutions. This article traces the evolution of recycling from its ancient roots to its modern complexities and highlights emerging opportunities for local governments, in innovation and sustainable growth.
Recycling is not a modern concept. Ancient civilizations practiced resource conservation out of necessity. The Romans, for example, repurposed bronze coins to craft new objects. The Industrial Revolution ushered in an era of mass production, generating waste at unprecedented volumes. In response, cities like New York began basic waste management practices, such as sorting and repurposing materials like rags, metals, and glass. During World War II, recycling became a patriotic duty. People were encouraged to donate materials such as rubber, metal, and even cooking fats to support the war effort. This marked the first large-scale, organized recycling campaign in modern history, fueled by national pride and necessity.
The post-war period saw the rise of a disposable culture, which eventually led to the environmental movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Milestones like the first Earth Day in 1970 and the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) brought waste management into the public eye. Cities like Berkeley, California, pioneered curbside recycling programs, setting a precedent for others across the country.
By the 1980s, curbside recycling programs had expanded across the U.S., making it easier for households to participate in recycling efforts. Communities such as Woodbury, New Jersey, and the state of Rhode Island led the way in building out these programs. This era saw households actively sorting their waste, creating a personal connection to environmental stewardship.
As recycling programs expanded, technological advancements improved efficiency. Single-stream recycling, where all materials are collected in one bin, increased participation but also led to contamination challenges, driving up processing costs and reducing the value of materials.
To combat these issues, municipalities invested in advanced sorting technologies, such as optical sorters and AI-powered robotics. Although these technologies enhanced sorting accuracy, the system remained vulnerable to global market shifts.
China’s 2018 National Sword policy sent shockwaves through global recycling markets by drastically limiting the contamination levels in imported recyclables. As one of the largest importers of U.S. recyclables, China’s crackdown left many municipal recycling programs scrambling for alternatives, exposing vulnerabilities in the global recycling system and underscored the urgent need for stronger domestic recycling infrastructure.
In response, many municipalities turned to developing capital infrastructure plans to build or enhance local processing capabilities. However, this transition has been complex and costly. Navigating the shift toward local processing alternatives requires comprehensive assessments of existing infrastructure, identifying gaps, and creating actionable plans to support long-term growth.
Raftelis has successfully guided numerous communities through this process by developing financial models, securing funding for large-scale infrastructure projects, and implementing effective public education campaigns to drive these changes. Our approach helps municipalities navigate complex transitions and build resilient, future-ready recycling systems.
The recycling industry in the U.S. is at a critical juncture, facing fluctuating global markets, rising contamination, and increasing costs. Municipalities must adopt innovative approaches to ensure long-term success by investing in sustainable infrastructure and effectively engaging their communities.
Raftelis offers tailored solutions to help municipalities build efficient, sustainable recycling programs. From integrating advanced technologies like AI and robotics to developing focused public engagement strategies, we provide a comprehensive approach that enhances community sustainability and quality of life. Our expertise includes financial modeling, securing grants, creating capital infrastructure plans, and delivering procurement services, ensuring that recycling programs are resilient and future-ready.
To learn more about how Raftelis can assist your municipality in navigating the evolving recycling landscape, contact Morgan McCarthy at mmccarthy@raftelis.com.