CARBONDALE, Ill. - Improving recycling in Carbondale is a goal of Keep Carbondale Beautiful, which is organizing an evening on “The Future of Recycling in Carbondale,” on November 15, America Recycles Day. The evening begins at 6 pm in the Carbondale Civic Center.
Recycling is something that people want to do more of, but in some ways it’s getting harder. Currently, only #1 and 2 plastic bottles are accepted for recycling in Carbondale. Sarah Heyer, Executive Director at KCB, observed, “The market seemed to be expanding, but China, the main importer of recyclables, has been clamping down.” On January first of this year, China imposed a ban on dozens of items, especially plastics and papers, and they lowered their tolerance for contamination.
Nevertheless, there are new technologies that can make some recycling easier. Heyer just returned from a national recycling conference and is looking forward to the presentation and to sharing what she learned, including some simple ideas. “Individuals can have a positive impact by leaving non-recyclables out of the bins. Contamination doesn’t refer to germs; it’s just an item that doesn’t belong,” explained Heyer, “but it can have an out-sized negative effect.”
The presentation will immediately follow the meeting of the Carbondale Sustainability Commission, which is hosting the event. There will be representatives from the City’s Maintenance and Environmental Services, Jackson County Health Department, Revolution Recycling, SIUC Sustainability, the Thrift Shop, and Southern Recycling. Informational tables will focus on innovative ways to reduce and reuse, as well as recycle. There will also be signup sheets. “For example,” Heyer added, “I hope to see a group form to explore the potential for more composting. And glass … what can we do with glass?”
Individuals or groups who want to contribute their ideas for reducing, reusing, or recycling are asked to contact Keep Carbondale Beautiful at keepcb1326@gmail.com or 618 525 5525.