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Recycling: Dispelling Common Myths

By Wayne D. DeFeo

Material Handling

Among the myths managers must address in revamping recycling programs in institutional and commercial facilities are these:

Recycling costs more. In fact, most recycling programs can save organizations money. Recycling costs more generally when organizations add recycling programs without corresponding efficiencies in solid-waste service.
Recycling is more work. Are workers really moving any more material than if a recycling program was not in place? If done correctly, recycling should not make anyone's job more difficult.
People will not recycle. People generally want to recycle. They simply do not know how, or recycling programs are too complicated for them. Simplicity is essential.
No markets exist. Markets change, but managers can find markets for most recycled materials.
Organizations should be paid for recycled materials. Well, yes and no. This depends on: the amount, type, and quality of the material; the frequency and type of collection; the distance the material must move; and the method of collecting recyclable materials.