Recycle Foundation 1

Charles Montez
Recycle Foundation
August 20, 2012
Major City Recycling Initiatives
The population of the world continues to increase dramatically, further pushing the need
for our world to adopt resource conservation as a way of life. Between 1950 and 2010, the U.S.
population nearly doubled (Conner). Recycling efforts must focus on water, energy, paper, metal,
aluminum cans, glass, plastic, Styrofoam, steel, junk mail, garbage, tires, and even food.
Although there is no federal mandate for recycling, many states have passed laws
mandating that communities provide the facilities for people to recycle. Recycling efforts have
taken hold in large cities. For example, recycling is the law in New York City. Residents,
schools, institutions, agencies and all commercial businesses must recycle. All street events,
including block parties and street fairs, are required to recycle. Non-compliance with recycling
regulations is punishable by fines starting at $25 and increasing to $500 for repeat violations
(Bloom 15-20).
Electronic waste is a growing problem for our technological world. Proper disposal of
computers, monitors, televisions, cell phones, and other techno-trash presents its own
challenges. Conservative estimates put the number of obsolete electronics that are simply thrown
away at over three billion units per year (Chang 40-51). These electronic devices contain heavy
metals and other toxins. Harmful toxins which, when released into the environment, can
contaminate our water, land and air. Lead, mercury, and cadmium are just a few of the dangers
present in these items. There are several ways in which our communities and large cities are

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working to address this global e-waste crisis caused by improper computer and electronic
recycling.
Cities all across the country have implemented recycling programs. Since there is no
national law that mandates recycling, state and local governments set recycling laws. California,
Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Oregon, and
Vermont have passed laws that establish deposits and refunds on bottles and cans for beverages.
Cities such as Seattle and New York impose fines for violating recycling laws. What can you do
to advance recycling in your community?

This file created exclusively for Beth Sullivan.

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Works Cited
Bloom, Mike I., and Rose W. Arbole. "New York Gets Serious About Trash." Municipal News
February 2012: 12-34. Print.
Chang, Arnold T. Throwing Out the PC. New York: Cengage Learning, 2011. Print.
Conner, John T. Our Population Explosion. 15 March 2012. Web. 28 May 2012 <www.epa.gov>.

This file created exclusively for Beth Sullivan.

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