Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, January 29, 1992 TAG: 9201290318
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-12 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
BUY RECYCLED PRODUCTS, MAKE RECYCLING WORK
THANK YOU for your editorial Jan. 20 on the success of Cycle Systems and its upcoming changes in operations.First of all, it is not necessarily good news that Waste Management Inc. will be taking over waste-hauling. Their reputation has been questioned, and they will probably force all other contenders out of business. How much better it might have been to encourage another local business to start up or grow in this necessary operation!
That aside, you rightly refer to the gluts in the recycling market. People seem very anxious to contribute to the cause for whatever reason, and it is wonderful to see there is nearly always a small crowd at the recycling drop-off points in Roanoke.
However, it must be emphasized that the circle/cycle must go all the way around. It is not enough to put containers and paper in the recycling bins. There must also be a demand for and availability of the recycled products, else a bottleneck will be created.
For example, my employer, Roanoke Memorial Hospitals, has begun a recycling program for waste paper, of which a great deal is generated throughout the system. That is commendable.
However, I am distressed to see that we still are using huge stacks of virgin copier paper and computer paper, despite the fact that local paper companies are willing and able to supply excellent recycled office papers at very good prices.
Perhaps there are plans for changing this. I hope so. RMH and all other businesses and individuals who have started recycling programs should lead in using recycled materials as well, in order to stimulate the market, lower the prices and eliminate the bottlenecks.
On Jan. 23 the Clean Valley Council sponsored a seminar on business-waste recycling. Interested businesses may wish to contact the council (345-5523) for information on future presentations. VICKI KARAGIANIS ROUTE 3, FLOYD