Connecticut has one of the most organized recycling programs in the country. Recycling transfer centers are located in nearly every area of Connecticut. Every community has a recycling coordinator who will help the residents dispose of products by recycling them through the Connecticut program. The state has a recycle program for almost every product that is discarded, or the representative can tell you where to take the products for recycling.
Connecticut has a law which mandates certain materials are to be recycled. These are generally items found around the house and office. Also certain vehicle waste is included.
This is a significant development in Recycling in CT since Connecticut is one of the few states to adopt legislation mandating that certain materials must be recycled. However, the State has provided very convenient methods for residents to recycle these items. Commercial enterprises also have the same benefit for some recyclables. Private recycling companies handle metal, construction debris and other recyclables which come from commercial activities. Many such companies exist in Connecticut.
The current stated goal for Recycling in CT is 55 percent over 10 years, but the Governor wants to double the current recycling rate of 30 percent over a 10 year period.
Connecticut has implemented a recycle program for electronic waste. This includes computers, cell phones, television, DVRs, Video players and many more items which can be described as e-waste. These products contain dangerous materials such as beryllium, cadmium, mercury, zinc, nickel, silver and gold which can be found in most e-waste. Cadmium and mercury are present in batteries, relays and switches. If these products are disposed of in a land fill, then they can cause dangerous pollution. Incineration of these products can contribute to serious air pollution and contamination of the atmosphere.
The effort to recycle in Connecticut leads the nation in many ways, but the Sate is proposing to increase its efforts and add single stream recycling. The State is about to install a new environmental services director who seems to have an aggressive approach toward recycling and waste management in general. One of his plans is to create single stream recycling which means an electronic eye would sort out certain recyclables on a single conveyor belt. For more information, visit Calamari Recycling Co.
