For many, recycling in the Region has proven to be a cryptic process plagued by tales of recyclables in landfills and misconceptions about the final resting place for pizza boxes. A “why try?” attitude has left many to practically abandon the practice altogether, some going as far as assuming that their recycling tote is just an extra trash bin. The harsh realities of recycling indifference were brought to light after a series of articles were published in the NWI Times during the spring of this year. At the time of publication, Hobart and Portage had just withdrawn their curbside recycling programs and many argued that this was a major blow to local environmentalism, furthering the notion that recycling is a fruitless and unnecessary effort. For many, the articles fueled further doubt surrounding the fate of their milk jugs and cans. For local environmental advocates, the articles sparked frustration and fear of further recycling ambivalence amongst neighboring citizens. To reference the previously published articles, many have issued a call for response among local leaders and governments to not only educate citizens about proper recycling efforts, but to develop incentivized programs to encourage recycling. While these may be notable suggestions, the burdening reality of cascading landfills and overwhelming waste bring a much greater cost to our health and environment than any financial incentive may amount to. While systems may remain far from perfect, perhaps an unseen culprit in the recycling rebuttal may include a lack of awareness of the Regions’ recycling successes, and systems in place to make local recycling a more accessible, effective, and believable practice.
For many, an understanding of what happens to recyclables after they hit the bin remains unknown. This lack of awareness undoubtedly feeds into local folklore surrounding failed curbside recycling programs, fruitless efforts, and wasted streams of taxpayer dollars. However, for those working behind the scenes in the world of waste management, recycling is a real, multifaceted, and effective process. From local leaders, to district employees, sorting centers, and even invested citizens, many remain committed to recycling in the Region. To know the recycling process is to love it. Or, at least, to recognize and respect its existence. Over the next few weeks, The Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter County, along with support from its Board of Directors and Citizens Advisory Committee, is responding to a call for action and education. A series on Recycling in the Region: dispelling myths and exploring the realities of recycling both locally and globally. Topics covered in this series will include the recycling process from curb to consumer, contamination concerns and clarification on what is recyclable, and solutions for making a local impact– all in hopes of encouraging current recyclers, educating skeptics, and reducing the amount of recyclables in our landfills. For more immediate information, follow “Recycle Porter County” on Facebook, or visit the District website at PorterCountyRecycling.org, and stay tuned for our next publication in this series.