[BroadHopper]

The biggest problem is those folks who care less. 'Recycle and trash ends up in the same place so why separate?' Is the response of one resident.

Many recycling plants no longer accept materials as they are 'dirty'. i.e. non-recyclable materials are mixed in. So the 'tipping' rate becomes higher than actual trash!

My association once tried to save money by adding a recycle bin. We could save $100 a ton if used properly. Cassellas practiced single streaming. The drivers would quickly check the containers for containment. If bad they would charge us the normal rate. Residents were sent mail and email notification of what is to be recycled and what to be trash. Instead of recycling materials properly, it only take a few seconds, certain residents would throw the recyclables in with the trash! It's funny we can tell who they are by the shipping labels on the boxes!

Laconia has the same problem. They would find recyclables in the trash and vice versa.

Gilford, Plymouth, Hooksett requires residents to bring the recyclables to the dump. That way they can watch what is being thrown out. They have very good success. Unfortunately the trash/recycle ration is not favorable so very little money is saved.

Oh the advantages and disadvantages of living in a free country. We are running out of places to store our trash!