City recycling programs have struggled for the past several years as China tightened contamination standards, processors increased fees and recyclables dropped in resale value. The uncertainty of city finances during the coronavirus pandemic further unbalanced already teetering programs.
By the end of 2019, many Valley cities were feeling the strain from their recycling programs no longer bringing in the money it once did to help offset costs. A year later, municipalities continue to weigh the environmentally sustainable practice with its often unsustainable budget impacts. Some are looking toward new and cooperative ways to make recycling more feasible on a local or regional basis.
In the West Valley, Surprise paused curbside recycling for its nearly 140,000 residents more than a year ago. Smaller cities and towns across the state have stopped, too. Goodyear temporarily suspended its program due to COVID-19. In the East Valley, Mesa curtailed and then stopped recycling and is just now rebooting as the city considers a longer-term regional solution to the recycling crisis.
Other cities from Phoenix to Gilbert have analyzed costs, reconsidered budgets, negotiated contracts and worked with residents to make the best of the situation. Some cities have limited the items residents can recycle, and most have tried to encourage people to become better, cleaner and more disciplined recyclers. City leaders hear from residents that they care about recycling and want to contribute to environmentally sustainable practices. Now it’s up to cities to make recycling sustainable again.