There are two problems with this. In a static sense, applied literally,
that could be used to eliminate all recycling, especially since the numbers
are so hard to nail down and reluctant localities could always produce
numbers to support such a result.
In a dynamic sense, there are several problems with this. For one thing,
residents are unable to adjust to in-and-out materials. Attempting this
tact with effectively undermine overall participation and send the program
into a irreversible decline. But, for another and more important,
recycling suffers from a chicken and egg problem: i.e. which is going to
have to show its face first, the supply of the recyclable material or the
markets for it. The reality is that the major investments in e.g. deinking
capacity are not going to be made if investors do not believe society is
serious about recycling. And mandates are the proven way to do that.
The best answer in my view is to push the structures of each material --
including the product design and recycled content components, along with
R&D on innovative high end uses -- so that the long term economics make
sense.
peter
____________________________________
Peter Anderson
RecycleWorlds Consulting
4513 Vernon Blvd. Ste. 15
Madison, WI 53705-4964
Phone:(608) 231-1100/Fax: (608) 233-0011
E-mail:recycle@msn.fullfeed.com