Recycling in 1993: Ebbs and flows

Journal Article · Wed Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1993 · Waste Age; (United States)

OSTI ID:5657537

Rabasca, L

This has been a year of ups and downs for recycling as markets and capacity have ebbed and flowed. The beginning of 1993 started strong as prices for most commodities began to rise. However, by spring, prices for all commodities began to falter. By early fall, prices for many commodities, especially paper, had fallen to near historical lows. Overall, glass and steel markets remained stable but flat in 1993, while markets for paper, plastics, and aluminum weakened. By June, markets for recyclables had become so weak that Mindis Recycling, a buy-back center in Atlanta, began charging patrons 4 cents per pounds to process paper, glass, and plastic brought to the facility. Patrons are required to pay a minimum of $5 to drop off their recyclables. Although participation at the buyback center has declined since a fee was charged, company officials say they cannot change the policy unless market prices for recyclables increase. A number of factors have caused these low prices. Mainly, a weak world economy coupled with an oversupply of material on the world market. Germany's aggressive recycling law, an influx of aluminum from the former Soviet Union, and plans for China and several other Asian countries to begin producing their own plastics have all wreaked havoc on US markets for recyclables.

• OSTI ID: 5657537
• Journal Information: Waste Age; (United States), Journal Name: Waste Age; (United States) Vol. 24:12; ISSN WAGEAE; ISSN 0043-1001
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320305 -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Industrial & Agricultural Processes-- Industrial Waste Management
320604* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Municipalities & Community Systems-- Municipal Waste Management-- (1980-)
ALUMINIUM
ELEMENTS
GLASS
INDUSTRIAL WASTES
MATERIALS
METALS
MUNICIPAL WASTES
PAPER
PETROCHEMICALS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
PLASTICS
RECYCLING
SOLID WASTES
SYNTHETIC MATERIALS
WASTES