Recycling Center Regulations
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, in 2008 the United States recycled 33 percent of its total waste for the year. Recycling is a vital component in creating a sustainable planet, and most local governments have created recycling centers that repurpose certain types of waste, including paper, glass and plastics. These centers must follow certain regulations to operate successfully.
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Regulations Regarding What Can Be Recycled
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Not all solid waste, or trash, can be recycled. Some waste is actually hazardous to humans and has to be handled differently. Other waste simply does not meet recycling requirements and must go to the landfill. Individual recycling centers set requirements for the types of waste the consumer can deposit at the center. These wastes often include, paper products, glass, tin, aluminum cans, plastic and wood.
Regulations Regarding What Cannot Be Recycled
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Most recycling centers are not permitted by law to accept solid waste that could be considered hazardous, or that cannot be recycled. Wastes that are typically prohibited include medical waste, asbestos, raw sewage, sewage from septic tanks and contaminated soil. These wastes are considered a danger to the public and processing is too difficult for a recycling center to maintain.
Recycling Centers Must Meet Approval and Permit Guidelines
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Most local governments designate guidelines for recycling centers. For example, the Nevada Solid Waste Management Authority must approve any recycling center in the state of Nevada. The center also must obtain a permit to operate the facility, and meet zoning, planning, air-quality, fire, flood-control and business-license requirements set out by the state.
Recycling Centers Must Provide Annual Reports
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The local government in charge of regulating the recycling center may require the center to keep a record of its activities and provide a report to authorities on an annual basis. Connecticut requires recycling centers to keep a record of the volume of solid waste recycled. That report must be provided to the state once a year.
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References
- Environmental Protection Agency: Municipal Solid Waste Generation, Recycling, and Disposal in the United States: Facts and Figures for 2008
- Southern Nevada Health District: Solid Waste Management Authority Regulations Governing Recycling Centers
- Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection: Recycling Regulations
- Photo Credit Recycling image by Riccardo from Fotolia.com
