Pittsburgh, along with the Pennsylvania Resource Council and PennEnvironment, on Wednesday released a series of recommendations on ways the state can increase and promote recycling. The recommendations are centered in a report, with the intent to “update and modernize” Act 101, which is legislation passed in Pennsylvania in the 1980s to bolster recycling infrastructure through state funding, according to PRC deputy director Sarah Alessio Shea.
“Act 101, at the time of its passage, was groundbreaking,” said Pittsburgh’s Deputy Mayor Jake Pawlak. “But it’s also important to note it was passed in 1988. To give you some context, I was born in 1988.” One of the recommendations is that the state ensures all common items — like glass, paper, aluminum and steel — can be easily recycled through programs like curbside pickup.
“In Pennsylvania, like all of America, we have a stuff problem,” said Ashleigh Deemer, the deputy director for PennEnvironment. “From plastic bags to cellphones we are encouraged to make, use and toss at the greatest possible speed. Unfortunately there are very few easy, affordable accessible options for disposing of these things responsibility and so we often just throw them away. Only there is no away.”
Noting that the issue of reducing waste and recycling has become more complex over the years since Act 101 was signed, the report is also calling for the state to “recommit” to the public education programs on recycling. Act 101 already requires the state to provide public education on recycling, however the report recommends that it update the practices used.