15. Wisconsin's recycling programs are in jeopardy

 Gov. Scott Walker's 2011/2013 proposed state budget, if approved by the Legislature, will eliminate the state's mandate for local governments ("responsible units") to run and maintain efficient recycling programs.  It will also eliminate grants, administered by the Department of Natural Resources, for recycling programs.  Recycling programs are currently funded from two sources:  a recycling surcharge on large businesses and by a separate Recycling and Renewable Energy Fund.  The later funds come from a $7 per ton landfill tipping fee which would still be collected.  Gov. Scott wants to use the money for economic development programs instead.   Residential recycling is mainly funded at the local level but if the State stops its cost share, communities may have to abandon recycling.  JS Online writes that in 2010, the state subsidized 27% of the cost of local recycling programs, or $29.3 million. 

14. Natural disasters: Japan

Recycling of natural disaster debris in California 2007.

As we know, Japan is currently suffering from the tragic loss of life and property following a catastrophic earthquake, aftershocks, tsunamis, floods, and fires.  Additional worries involve 2 nuclear power plants.  The death toll is unknown.  The American Red Cross writes: "The earthquake triggered fires and caused severe damage to buildings, leaving five million households without electricity and 1 million without water. Early assessments indicate that more than 2,500 houses have collapsed completely, with 2,500 more damaged."  
Donations to the American Red Cross Japan Earthquake/Pacific Tsunami fund may be made here: http://www.redcross.org/


How will Japan deal with the debris from these events? 

13. Recycling tin cans during World War II

"SAVE 'em * WASH 'em * CLEAN 'em * SQUASH 'em."
The illustrations and text of this 1943 U. S. government newspaper advertisement are educational and motivational. 

12. Innovation: Clean energy from contaminated recyclables and trash

I learned about this on-site mobile waste-to-energy machine, the GEM 3T120, from a Linkedin posting by Stu Haber of IST Energy (MA).  I think the GEM could be used productively in small transfer stations that offer recycling because glass and metals are usually separated by the users at these sites.  Processing could be used to heat site buildings, or create electricity, a cost savings.  Non-profits may be able to get grants to give this innovative approach a try and work out the kinks.  I've subscribed to IST's YouTube channel