People knew what they could recycle in their towns and how to prepare the materials. And, best of all, prices for recyclables, especially paper products, were high so that recycling revenues were covering the costs of the program and, in some cases, creating surpluses. Unfortunately, a crash in prices during fall 1995 put a new spin on recycling, including press coverage that has been less than flattering. And, to make matters worse, the Maine Waste Management Agency, recycling's primary state-wide proponent, was dissolved during this time period.
Many people are still eager to recycle, yet some have been discouraged by bad publicity.
Trying to get a more positive view on recycling has been the single most common concern I have heard from solid waste personnel. One means of involving more people in a positive way with recycling is through kids and schools. The Chewonki Foundation developed an environmental curriculum guide for grades K through 12 called Pathways to a Sustainable Future. The University of Maine Extension offers a Waste Away program for fourth graders which includes a 4 to 5 week program with once per week classes. It may be appropriate for solid waste budgets to include a small amount of money to help fund these programs in the community's schools.