The forecast is currently: Cloudy. Here’s your chance to change the climate.

Since late 2006 we have seen state level plans and actions that threaten to harm recycling. We spoke out against classifying the burning of waste as recycling, and thankfully the drive to redefine recycling has stalled. However, the challenge is far from over.  The demand for grants to fund local recycling programs is currently three times as great as the dollars available, yet that state funding source is being eyed in Senate Bill 43as a way to bankroll “the conversion of solid waste into energy.”

In the state’s quest to promote energy issues, recycling is not being recognized as the energy saving mechanism, economic powerhouse, and environmental protection tool that it is. Putting high value recycling programs in direct competition with waste-to-energy companies and projects would create an unlevel playing field for recycling. We oppose shifting state recycling funds to waste-to-energy projects because waste-to-energy is disposal, not recycling.

If Indiana funds waste-to-energy in competition with recycling for the state’s limited financial resources, it would open a Pandora’s box to:

• Wipe out state dollars for legitimate recycling businesses
• Undermine successful community collection and recycling programs
• Put Indiana on the map as the new home for disposal technologies masquerading
as recycling

We need your help to show decision makers the value of REAL recycling to you, your business, and your community.  Please send us your recycling success story.

If you agree with our Top 10 Reasons to Oppose Senate Bill 43, be sure to tell your legislator today.

Join DefendRecycling.org. Donate, volunteer and speak up. Stay tuned by checking out current issues, legislative alerts, newsletters and our featured advocates who are part of this debate. Consider this site your best source of information.

“For the record, we doubt that burning waste should be considered recycling.” 
-- The News-Sentinel