For a long time, California has been the state with the most buzz. From its Hollywood appeal to sustainable friendly regulations, the spotlight is well-deserved. However, there are several other states that are making strides in the sustainability space. For us, it’s important to highlight these programs around the US – to paint a more realistic picture. And, while we may have touched on these states and initiatives before, it’s always nice for a quick refresher.
Here are just a few states making a difference with legislation and recycling reform.
New York, famous for its concrete jungle has gone big on recycling, especially in the city. NYC has a well-rounded curbside recycling program that covers paper, metal, glass, and plastics. The state has also rolled out organics recycling meant to cut down on food waste and create compost. New York introduced a Bottle Bill as well, which incentivizes the recycling of beverage containers. To put this in numbers…in 2018, NYC managed to divert about 17% of its waste from landfills through recycling.[1]
We don’t always hear much about Oregon, but this state has been leading the way in recycling since it introduced the nation's first Bottle Bill back in 1971. Plus, Oregon has a solid electronic waste recycling program to make sure old electronics like our cellphones and laptops are disposed of correctly and recycled. Of course, we have to mention the Oregon Recycle Right campaign, which teaches residents how to recycle the right way. In 2018, Oregon's recycling rate for municipal solid waste was 42.3%. [2]
Texas isn’t a state you’d believe made the list. But Texas has made notable progress in recycling, particularly in the commercial sector. A 2017 study found that recycling municipal solid waste (MSW) in Texas provided an economic benefit of over $3.3 billion. With numbers like that, the state has focused on recycling construction and demolition debris, which amounts to a significant portion of waste. Because everything’s bigger and better in Texas, cities like Austin have implemented Zero Waste plans, aiming to divert 90% of waste from landfills by 2040.[3]
Backed by state policies and community programs, Minnesota has a really good recycling setup. They have some ambitious goals, aiming to recycle a minimum 75% of waste by 2030 in the “Twin Cities”– so naturally, they’re a state to keep an eye on. Oh, and we can’t forget Minnesota's Recycling Market Development program – which helps create markets for recycled materials, making sure recyclables get reused.[4]
5.Washington
Washington state has been proactive in its recycling efforts, with programs for curbside recycling and organics collection – similar to a few of the other states on this list. The state has also focused on reducing plastic waste, implementing bans on single-use plastic bags and promoting the use of reusable alternatives. In 2018, Washington had a recycling rate of 50.4% for MSW.[5]
Through policies, community engagement, and economic incentives, states like New York, Oregon, Texas, Minnesota, and Washington are contributing to a more sustainable future. Their programs and success ultimately make it easier for more states to join the sustainability train where local efforts highlight the importance of recycling and the positive impact it can have on the economy and the planet.
[1] New York Recycling Statistics
[2] https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/national-overview-facts-and-figures-materials
[3] https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/national-overview-facts-and-figures-materials
[4] https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/national-overview-facts-and-figures-materials
[5] https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/national-overview-facts-and-figures-materials