We have only scratched the surface of recycling's potential in the United States. Edwards, a private consultant, is the former director of recycling programs for the cities of Los Angeles and New York. GRRN's report shows that keys to successful waste reduction and recycling are setting public policy goals, backed by mandates or incentives like beverage container deposits, and creating incentives for market-based solutions. The GrassRoots Recycling Network is a North American network of recycling and community-based activists who advocate policies and practices to achieve zero waste, to end corporate welfare for waste, and to create sustainable jobs from discards. GRRN was founded in 1995 by members of the Sierra Club Solid Waste Committee, the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and the California Resource Recovery Association.
Recycling continues to increase, but is being outpaced by the rise in wasting.
Landfill tonnage and interstate shipments of waste are growing. By documenting these trends, this report points to the need to expand public policies to eliminate waste and conserve resources. A must-have for recycling advocates.