California Recycling and Composting Rates Drop in 2015

For the first time in 3 years, the recycling and composting rates in California have dropped to approximately 47% according to The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle.)

In the years leading up to 2015, the recycling and composting rate in The Golden State hovered at 50% of all materials being utilized. Researchers believe that the decrease is due to lower prices being paid for the recyclable goods as well as a reduction in recycling centers overall.

Which begs the question; if Californian’s were not being paid a decent amount for their recyclables would they recycle? Would they exchange their little time not spent in traffic if they were not making money from it? Furthermore, if recycling centers were not so abundant and convenient throughout the state would people take the time to recycle anyway?

The national perception of California is that they are leaders in the recycling movement and that they are committed to the principles that recycling stands for. This new data would suggest that the reason that Californian’s have such a high recycling rate is because it is a convenient “feel good” process and also kind to their pocketbook. However, the moment that their neighborhood recycling center shuts down, requiring a further drive and a higher time commitment or they are not being paid for the goods what they once were, they are abandoning their “green” mentality and opting to junk the materials instead. Interesting.

This information gives me great hope for the State of New Mexico. While growth may be slow, this data supports the theory “if you build it, he will come” ala Field of Dreams. If we begin offering citizens more options for their recyclables, they will exercise those options.  A recycling increase will follow. We too can be leaders in the recycling movement if we just build the right infrastructure. They will come.