Minimum recycled content requirements for Virginia: One solution to the solid waste crisis

Journal Article · Sat Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1994 · Virginia Environmental Law Journal

OSTI ID:226839

Myers, C M

The increasing amount of solid waste generated in the United States poses serious disposal problems for municipalities. Faced with diminishing landfill capacity and rising landfill costs, cities and counties must find alternate methods to dispose of their solid waste. Recycling is one of the most promising and popular possible solutions. By diverting materials from the waste stream, recycling reduces the volume of solid waste requiring disposal. However, the huge increase in local recycling programs has led to an oversupply of recyclable materials, without a corresponding increase in demand. This disparity had led to more problems for localities, forcing communities to divert money from other local projects to pay for recycling programs. One solution to this problem is for government to stimulate demand for recyclable materials. By requiring that products sold in a state contain a certain minimum content of recycled material, a state can boost demand by forcing industry to purchase such recyclable materials.

• OSTI ID: 226839
• Journal Information: Virginia Environmental Law Journal, Journal Name: Virginia Environmental Law Journal Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 13; ISSN XZ490W
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
ENERGY CONSERVATION
LICENSING
MUNICIPAL WASTES
RECYCLING
SANITARY LANDFILLS
SOLID WASTES
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT