Insight into local and school sustainable initiatives recycling done right

Ruby Kotok Reporter

One piece of paper can live a fairly short life. From its initial transformation from tree to paper, it can be used once and thrown away, hence concluding its time in the paper supply. However, if that piece of paper is placed into a recycling bin, it can be used over and over, in use for much longer than it would if it were to be thrown into a landfill.

Recycling allows for the reuse of materials such as plastic, paper, aluminum and cardboard, which not only saves natural resources but also reduces the emission of greenhouse gasses such as carbon dioxide and methane. Many hold the belief that recycling is “not worth it,” and therefore don’t. While 20-25% of recycled items are not actually reused, it is still important to acknowledge the difference the remaining 75% has the potential to make.

Sophomore Josie Silverberg acknowledges this impact, and tries to motivate others to recycle as well.

“If you have the opportunity to make a difference, [it is a] no brainer,” Silverberg said.

Silverberg noted that at times, there are only trash cans available, which can make recycling inconvenient and difficult.

In 2021, Maryland recycled 42.5% of its waste and is actively trying to increase this figure through initiatives such as Single Stream Recycling and Pay-As-YouThrow Programs.

Single Stream Recycling allows for all permitted recyclable materials to be put out in the same container on the same day to be recycled, which makes it easier for Marylanders to recycle. This system was put into place in Montgomery County in 2015, which made the entire recycling process much more efficient. PayAs-You-Throw is a program that only requires members to pay for the garbage they set out instead of a set price. When implemented in Carroll County, Maryland, the initiative saw a 44% reduction in waste, as well as an almost doubled recycling rate among residents.

Despite their benefits, these types of initiatives don’t always provide education on what can be recycled, making such campaigns less effective.

Another recent change in Montgomery County recycling policy is the recent permittance of commingled materials. Director of Operations and Security Bill Belke said that the school recently shifted from two recycling dumpsters to one, as the separate dumpsters were only necessary when commingling materials was restricted. Additionally, the school shifted to recyclable dishes for lunch. This includes the clam shell containers as well as the salad bar bowls. In order for these to be recycled, students should throw any remaining food in a trash bin and rinse off remaining residue on the containers, if there is any.

Many students view this as an inconvenience, and very few actually ensure that their waste is clean before recycling it. This could potentially contamiate nearby materials, making them unfit for recycling properly.

Additionally, students place the wrong materials in the recycling bins. If caught by the