New recycling rules confuse many

By Denáe Brewer
Editor in Chief

Just when New Yorkers finally get a it together—glass and plastic in one bag, paper and cardboard in another—Mayor Bloomberg enacts a plan that will blow the lid off the whole project.

In an effort to bridge the expansive $5 billion budget gap, the mayor has suspended normal recycling procedures for the city. Before, glass, plastic and juice cartons were asked to be set aside in blue recycle bins and placed out for collection on designated days. Now, they are allowed to be mixed in with the other trash. Only metals and assorted papers will be recycled.

“It’s ridiculous,” said Calvin Foster, the superintendent of 990 Anderson Avenue. Since the recycling program began almost 10 years ago, Mr. Foster has had a constant battle with the tenants to separate their trash. “It took a long time for people to remember to separate everything,” he said, “now they want us to just throw everything in together. This is a big setback.”

A setback to some, the mayor stressed that the changes to the recycling regulations are temporary. He also added that in light of the current financial crisis, the cutbacks in service could save the city an estimated $40 million. “This administration is strongly in favor of preserving the environment through recycling programs,” the mayor said in a statement released earlier this month. “However, the city’s separate collection of designated recyclables is not cost-effective, especially in the current budget climate.”

Saving money is the farthest thing on Mr. Foster’s mind, “Perhaps this wouldn’t be so bad if we had a little more notice” The changes were announced on Thursday June 27. However, no one seemed to notice the changes in regulations until they took effect Monday July 1. “I have several bags full of glass and plastic items that’s already been set aside and the garbage men won’t pick them up now.” Mr. Foster said. “This whole thing is nothing but a big mess.”

Foreseeing the initial confusion, the new recycling plan temporarily lifts the $100 summonses levied against violators of the metal recycling rules for 60 days. However, sanitation enforcement officials will still fine all other violations.

Officials remind everyone this new plan is only temporary. They say a more cost-effective plan for recycling glass and plastics are is the works. Until then, people are urged to continue cashing in their soda and water bottles for their five-cent redemption value.