Fulfilling the promise of recycling

Waste companies aren’t just about landfills anymore.

Private waste companies now collect and process the majority of residential and commercial recyclables in the United States. But in Pennsylvania, there’s a history of subsidizing local government-run recycling programs with tax dollars.

Two things are clear. First, recycling can be operated profitably without subsidies. We know because PWIA members are doing it. Second, the ultimate self-sufficiency of recycling will depend on private investment,
not tax dollars.

When there’s a level playing field and private enterprise is allowed to
make recycling easy, convenient, and efficient, the results are clear.