Recycling efforts need jump start, report says

Building Operating Management, Nov 1998

Efforts to create markets for recycled plastic and paper have not created enough demand to "mainstream" recovered material, according to a recent report.

"Purchasing Preferences for Recycled Products: A Primer and Guide to Laws" reports that only a handful of states are making an effort to purchase recycled plastic products, while about 30 have made efforts to purchase recycled paper.

The overall purchase of recycled paper is down from the early 1990s and purchases of recycled plastic started to decline in 1997, says Michele Raymond, publisher.

The report, released by Raymond Communications, provides details on recycling policies and implementation in 50 states and 187 local governments.