Soon Chester, Deep River, and Essex residents will be able to recycle all plastic containers – not just those numbered 1 and 2 – in recycling bins.
The Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority will install additional sorting equipment at its Mid-Connecticut Project recycling processing center to accept all seven types of plastic. The CRRA Board of Directors has voted to spend $65,000 for the new equipment, which is expected to be operational early in 2010.
“For years, people have wanted us to take all their plastic containers, not just the 1s and 2s,” said Thomas D. Kirk, CRRA president. “We’re excited to grant their wishes.”
Recycling of these additional materials became possible when markets for plastics numbered 3 through 7 developed to the point where reliable long-term customers for these materials were available. Recycling depends on the ability to sell recycled materials to processors who manufacture them into new products. Those revenues enable CRRA to operate the recycling program without charging towns a disposal fee for their recyclables.
CRRA advises residents not to place these additional plastics into recycling bins until the new equipment is operational in 2010.
Links:
Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority
