Why isn't it required for U.S. citizens to recycle?

Question

What gives? Why do we (the U.S.) refuse to make it mandatory to recycle trash? I heard that Germany has been doing it for years. I'm considering writing to my representatives about this, but I'm curious if there are any good reasons why we choose not to recycle.

Answer 1

I recently lived in Indianapolis, where recycling in the suburbs was in vogue.  The local center was under equipped to deal with the incoming plastics, by a factor of 7!  Basically, there isn't the infrastructure in place to deal with it yet - but that doesn't mean we can't make noise to PUT the infrastructure in place!  Where I live now, there is NO recycling.  Admittedly, it's a towering metropolis of 2400, but not even aluminum cans are easy to move.  (the gas to get it to the nearest place makes it tough to do).

Germany doesn't actually recycle everything manditorily, but they do a much better job than we do - look at Sweden for a better example of greenest living.

Answer 2

You know, in some areas they sort the garbage after it's collected and recycle it from there.  That leads to 100% compliance and no effort from citizens whatsoever as long as their trash makes it to the curb.  

The extra costs are offset by selling the scrap aluminum and other metals to recyclers.

Answer 3

In some cases it cost more to recycle due to the distance of travel to collect it.

Answer 4

I live in Minnesota and in most cities here recycling is mandatory it is available for free in most areas. But I also have family in Oklahoma and Arkansas and they don't have recycling available. I really believe it starts with people like you who ask why and then start contacting city and state officials asking them why . So maybe start locally in your city, call city hall then call the garbage co. Ask them why they dont make recycling bins available...........movements can start with one person speaking out

Answer 5

Now, It's not mandatory for the simple reason that it's now considered part of state law, or local law... where every state and local government can decide upon it's own idea as to making it mandatory or not...

Now, what I think needs to happen, considering the state of things... is to make it mandatory for all companies that pick up garbage to also have their route pick up recycleables... even if it's not every week like everything else, like every other week or something.... In my home area, there is no recycleing plant... in that you have to literally drive about 20 miles with your recycleing to leave it at a dumpster... that's normally locked (even though it's durring their "hours").... I think that this is a lot of their problems... (and do note, I'm in a city with around 300,000 people in the area not a small town....)

So, maybe making it mandatory would not work out... at least for the people... but it would do a lot to make it mandatory for all companies to (which they are not as of yet, technically, though most do as they can get money for cardboard)... and make all garbage routes also have recycleing in their program... I think that would do a lot to help out the system, not perfect... but I don't think there would be to much of a complaint with this one...

Answer 6

It's required in New York City and many other cities.  Each state, county and town has it's own rules.  If you do not have mandatory recycling in your area, contact government officials and ask them about it.  If you are in school, talk to the school to see if they would be able to setup a recycle program with their current sanitation company.  Start a petition and get others involved.  

Sometimes it comes down to expense, or lack of facilities.

Answer 7

Germany is a socialist country. Next you'll be telling us the government should ration gasoline.

Answer 8

I would vote for it!!!!!!!!!!RECYCLE!!!!!!!

Answer 9

Yes, it is a good idea. Yes, I recycle. Yes, everyone should recycle. So..why not make it mandatory? Because the great thing about living in the USA is the freedom as individuals we possess. Freedoms that are being taken away from us one by one for the "greater good."  Instead of mandating recycling, maybe incentives would work.  It's pandoras box when you start talking about mandating anything and giving our overbearing and overpowerful gov't even more power over our individual freedoms.

Answer 10

It isn't a bad idea!

But I don't know if it would go far my garbage company will only take corrugated cardboard in the recycling bin if I put anything else in even if it has a recycle code on it they won't take it.

Answer 11

We have had municipal recycling here in phoenix for over 10 years.Before that, there were commercial centers that would buy metal cans.   If your community does not have a program, I would think there is a good business opportunity for you, the price of metal these days is very high.

Answer 12

I think people have the right to choose for themselves if they want to recycle or not. Personally, I don't even know what to recycle.

Answer 13

Because we are a free society that is strongly opposed to government mandates and the use of government power to force people to do what ever the politicians think is best.  You are free to recycle if you like, but you are not free to force others to do so.

Answer 14

There are no good reason why we choose not to recycle. It's absolutely ridiculous that it isn't mandatory in the United States. We are Americans, we're supposed to be leaders in these kinds of things!!!!