Major city recycling initiatives Essay Example for Free

Major city recycling initiatives Essay The population of the world continues to increase dramatically, further pushing the need for our world to adopt resource conservation as a way of life. Between 1950 and 2010, the U.S. population nearly doubled (conner) Recycling efforts must focus on water, energy, paper, metal, aluminum cans, glass, plastic, Styrofoam, steel, junk mail, garbage, tires, and even food. Although there is no federal mandate for recycling, many states have passed laws mandating that communities provide the facilities for people to recycle. Recycling efforts have taken hold in large cities. For example, recycling is the law in New York City. Resident, schools institutions, agencies, and all commercial businesses must recycle. All street evets,including block parties and street fairs, are required to recycle. Non-compliance with recycling regulations is punishable by fines starting at $25 and increasing to $500 for repeat violations (bloom 15-20). Electronic waste is a growing problem for our technological world. Proper disposal of computer, monitors, televisions, cell phone, and other ‘techno-trash’ presents its own challenges. Conservative estimates put the number of obsolete electronics that are simply thrown away at over three billion units per year (chang 40-51). These electronic devices contain heavy metals and other toxins. Harmful toxins which, when released into the environment, can contaminate our water, land and air. Lead, mercury, and cadmium are large cities are working to address this global e-waste crisis caused by improper computer and electronic recycling. Cities all across the country have implemented recycling programs. Since there is no national law that mandates recycling, state and local governments set recycling laws. California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Oregon, and Vermont have passed laws that establish deposits and refunds on bottles and cans for beverages. Cities such as Seattle and New York impose fines for violating recycling laws. What canyou do to advance recycling in your community? Bibliography bloom, mike i., and rose w. arbole. new york gets serious abouts trash. municipal news 12-34.Print chang, arnold t. throing out the pc. new york: cengage learning, n.d.Print conner, john T. our population explosion. 0web28 may 2012 www.epa.gov.