Recycling on the Navajo Nation?

Question

Why is it so expensive to recycle on the Navajo Nation? Why are so many programs for recycling not successful on the Navajo Nation?

Answer 1

It is expensive. The Navajo reservation is a good size. Most people live out in rural areas 5miles from the highway and maybe 20 miles from a recycling center. Most people don't even bother with recycling because we don't have places near by that we can go to. We have to make an effort to recycle.

Answer 2

The main problem is transportation. It's expensive to have to haul recycled stuff to processing plants. In most cities now there are local recycling companies, this allows the city to pay for the hauling of recyclables, out of tax money. The city then keeps any profits gained from selling recycled products.

The biggest problem you have is area and lack of motivation or interest. You could always take your recyclables somewhere else that's cheaper or free. Then you would pay for the cost of hauling directly. Also some recycling companies run their companies with the purposes of making money first then recycling. So charging you is a good why for them to insure they make a profit.