The overriding Issue for the future of community-based recycling programs Is that of markets for the recycled materials. The volatile nature of the existing markets makes long-term commitments to recycling efforts risky. Not ail recyclables have market values that make recycling worth the cost for a community. Energy gluts, renewable resources, and concerns of equity for taxes and transportation fees are factors that ideally have no impact on the lofty goals of recycling, but in the very real world must be considered. Market development must be explored on the consumer, manufacturing, and governmental levels.
Recycling is a choice for everyone.
Increasingly, communities are beginning to make the choice to participate. Individuals will always have the choice to treat their used items as trash or as resources. All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status. Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Adm. and Director, OSU Extension.