SPECIAL REPORT: Paper Recycling
Paper Industry Reports Major Milestone: U.S. Recycles More Than Half Of All Paper

Also: Special Report on Glass Bottle Recycling

ISSUE: Volume 14, Number 7-8, 2004

ABSTRACT:

The American Forest & Paper Association recently reported that America reached a significant milestone in its paper recycling efforts, recycling more than half—50.3 percent—of the paper consumed in the United States during 2003. That percentage equates to 49.3 million tons, and continues the sharp upward trend of paper recycling in the U.S.

Since 1990, when only 33.5 percent of the paper consumed in America was recycled, the recycling rate has increased by 69 percent. American recycling companies now recover approximately 339 pounds of paper for every single person in the United States, a significant increase from the 233 pounds per person in 1990.

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SPECIAL REPORT: Bottle Bills
With New Legislation En Route, Colorado Could Become A Bottle Bill Battleground

ABSTRACT:

Eleven states have enacted container-deposit legislation—“bottle bills”—and Colorado could soon become the twelfth. Like many states across the country, Colorado continues to make a run at passing some form of container deposit law, and while opposition to bottle bills remains strong, bottle bill advocates are continuing to press their cause in virtually every legislative session in “battleground” states. Proponents say the legislation benefits recycling, but opponents, including major beverage companies, contend that the deposits constitute a tax.

-Table: Bottle Bill Initiative Spending Records by State
-Figure: Effect of Bottle Bills on Beverage Container Recycling Rates
-Figure: Comparison of Population Served by Curbside Recycling and Actual Recycling Rates by Type of Material
-Figure: Growing Beverage Container Waste = Need for More Bottle Bills
-Useful Links

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

-Northeast: Hudson County, New Jersey is considering options beyond trucking for handling its waste.
-Southern: Hurricane cleanup in Florida is likely to be expensive and extensive.
-Midwest: Canadian cities are growing concerned about Michigan's attempts to turn back Toronto's waste.
-Western: The state of Oklahoma is seeking options for improving its dismal recycling rate.
-Pacific: Kern County, Calif. and the city of Los Angeles are working to resolve problems of illegally dumped waste.

TO ORDER:

• Please call (952) 831-2473 or fax your request to (952) 831-6550 or email: research@wasteinfo.com.