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« Surplus of recyclables »
Friday, January 23, 2009 at 10:53PM
The economic downturn is depressing demand for recycled marterials due to decreased global manufacturing activities. In general, this is not a Gwinnett specific phenomenon, but this situation does pose an interesting question when recycling is not just something that citizens are encouraged to do, but rather is something that is mandated by law.
There has been much publicity that the new Gwinnett solid waste ordinance requires recycling and puts teeth in that requirement with the threat of a $500 fine for those who do not comply. In situations where there is no demand for recyclables, can the government simply choose to not enforce this aspect of the ordinance? Is looking the other way legal? If not and government cannot turn off the flow of unmarketable recycled materials, then what does this do to the cost of service to county residents?
In responding to the county's requirements for expanded curbside pickup of recyclables, the garbage haulers no doubt projected revenue as part of their business plans from the sale of these materials. What happens if that revenue dries up and the haulers cannot scale back on recyclable collection? All of a sudden there is a hole in their revenue stream. Anyone want to guess who would likely be required to fill that hole? Exactly. County residents.
This potential scenario goes to illustrate a practical impact of inflexible government mandates over and above the fact that government restriction of our economic freedom is unacceptable. Yet another reason, the Gwinnett County Commission must allow for flexibility in this ordinance.
There has been much publicity that the new Gwinnett solid waste ordinance requires recycling and puts teeth in that requirement with the threat of a $500 fine for those who do not comply. In situations where there is no demand for recyclables, can the government simply choose to not enforce this aspect of the ordinance? Is looking the other way legal? If not and government cannot turn off the flow of unmarketable recycled materials, then what does this do to the cost of service to county residents?
In responding to the county's requirements for expanded curbside pickup of recyclables, the garbage haulers no doubt projected revenue as part of their business plans from the sale of these materials. What happens if that revenue dries up and the haulers cannot scale back on recyclable collection? All of a sudden there is a hole in their revenue stream. Anyone want to guess who would likely be required to fill that hole? Exactly. County residents.
This potential scenario goes to illustrate a practical impact of inflexible government mandates over and above the fact that government restriction of our economic freedom is unacceptable. Yet another reason, the Gwinnett County Commission must allow for flexibility in this ordinance.
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