SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): A consortium of 17 lawmakers, in a letter, urged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to introduce a nationally standardised labelling strategy for recycling bins. Such an action is expected to reduce confusion among residents and prevent trash from entering the recycling stream.
Nearly 49% of Americans are doubtful of the efficiency of recycling systems in the country, while almost one-third lack confidence that what is put into recycling bins is actually recycled.
The letter noted that there are millions of different labels on recycling and trash bins, which ultimately leads to confusion. The lack of clarity on labels lead to contamination of waste streams, which in turn leads to stalling of operations at recycling centres.
The lawmakers suggested that standardisation of labels for recycling and trash bins could help overcome the above challenges. The labels should clearly state what items are acceptable by each recycling can and what are not.
The National Recycling Strategy roadmap by the EPA has mention to consistent bin labels, signage and symbols for helping the country achieve the ambitious 50% recycling rate by the end of the current decade. The recommendation may now be put into practice, said the lawmakers.