More and more American cities stop recycling
Since China stopped importing plastic and paper waste in 2018, hundreds of cities across the United States can no longer afford to recycle.
In Memphis, according to junk disposal experts at Memphis Dumpster Rental Bros the waste of about half the population, or more than 250,000 people, is no longer recycled. Since China stopped buying plastic and paper waste in 2018, recycling fees have skyrocketed across the United States.
The process has become so expensive that a city like Memphis now incinerates half of its recyclable waste. An incinerator converts this waste into electrical energy, but residents are worried about the air pollution generated.
The city of Deltona, Florida, home to 90,000 people, recently ended its municipal recycling program after costs got too high. According to the New York Times, hundreds of US cities have either completely stopped recycling or limited their recycling measures.
Before 2018, the United States sent about four thousand containers of recyclable waste to China. Now that this is no longer the case, the whole system is in crisis.
An article in The Atlantic magazine cites several small towns in New Hampshire, Virginia, Idaho and New York State that have suspended their recycling programs. To continue recycling would have required raising local taxes, and in cities that were already quite poor, politicians did not see this as a viable option. The waste therefore ends up in landfills or is incinerated.
Waste management upstream work
Another problem is that most recyclable waste is either contaminated or not clean enough. An elected official from Blaine County, Idaho explained that in order for waste paper to be sold, it had to be 99% clean. However, achieving this level of cleanliness requires effort and too costly organization.
In this context, more and more organizations are calling for local bans on plastic bags, plastic straws and certain packaging, thus creating a large waste management problem.
Working upstream to reduce the use of plastic seems to be the only solution: the sooner we accept that recycling is economically unfeasible, the sooner we can make progress in solving the problem of plastic pollution, stressed Jan Dell, the director of the Last Beach Cleanup association.
The cost of renting a dumpster in Memphis
Renting a dumpster in Memphis can be a solution to discard junk in bulk when recycling is not available.
The cost of renting a dumpster in Memphis can vary based on several factors, including the size of the dumpster, the duration of rental, the type of waste being disposed of, and the specific dumpster rental company you choose. On average, for a standard 10 to 15 cubic yard dumpster, you might expect to pay around $250 to $450 for a week-long rental. Larger dumpsters, such as 20 to 30 cubic yards, could range from $350 to $600 or more for the same rental duration.
Additional charges might apply for exceeding weight limits, extending the rental period, or disposing of hazardous materials. It’s essential to inquire about all potential fees upfront to avoid unexpected costs.
Different dumpster rental providers in Memphis might offer various pricing structures, so it’s advisable to compare quotes from multiple companies. Also, consider reading customer reviews to ensure you choose a reputable company that provides transparent pricing and reliable service.
The cost of renting a dumpster in Memphis depends on factors like size, rental duration, waste type, and the chosen rental company. Prices can range from a couple of hundred dollars for smaller dumpsters to several hundred dollars for larger ones. Thoroughly researching and comparing options will help you find a suitable and cost-effective dumpster rental solution for your needs.