The global, national, and local recycling industries are continuously shifting and changing alongside new technologies and policies. Municipal recycling services depend on a wide range of factors to run efficiently, including resident participation, facility maintenance, and the market for processed materials. Without strong support, recycling programs can suffer and in some cases, stop altogether.
For many years, China purchased much of the United States’ processed recyclable materials. However, when Operation National Sword was passed by China in January 2018, significant restrictions were placed on imported recyclables. Because most raw recycled materials exported by America were highly contaminated and did not meet China’s new import standards, it suddenly became near impossible for American municipalities to continue exporting their material to China, without making significant changes. These circumstances caused a significant global market shift that communities must respond to in order to maintain their recycling services and continue to provide healthy, eco-conscious solid waste management systems for their residents.
The City of Glendale has partnered with ASU to conduct a review of community responses to this global market change and determine potential courses of action for the City and its 250,000 residents. Students in ERM 432/532 Sustainable Solid Waste Management spent the Fall 2019 semester conducting literature reviews on community responses, holding interviews with industry professionals and identifying the most feasible recommendations for the City to implement within its recycling program.