Editable-Baltimore's Fair Development Plan for Zero Waste - Flipbook - Page 31
Clean
Communities
China’s recent National Sword waste import ban exposed U.S. recycling systems as deeply flawed and
reliant upon foreign markets, but the problems extend beyond materials that have traditionally been
considered as recyclable. Domestic end markets for materials are underdeveloped. Poor sorting and
collection practices mean bales of mixed paper and plastic are often contaminated, and therefore can’t be
recycled. Some of these recyclables are ending up in landfills and incinerators, where they contribute to
climate change and damage communities’ environmental health.
As part of a comprehensive Zero Waste strategy, recycling and composting programs need to be
redesigned so they are not set up to fail. Instead, Baltimore can lead with its values by awarding contracts
for recycling and composting services to mission-based and/or worker-owned companies or nonprofit
organizations. Mission based recyclers around the country have demonstrated that even in these more
difficult times for recycling, through key attention to Zero Waste principles, sustainable operations are
possible.
Baltimore’s Fair Development Plan for Zero Waste
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