RECYCLING THE GOAL

Maine has failed to reach a long-time goal of recycling half its trash. The goal, however, should not be abandoned although the date for achieving it must be moved forward.

Sen. Scott Cowger, a Democrat from Hallowell, has sponsored a bill, at the behest of the State Planning Office, to change the date for the state to achieve its 50 percent recycling rate from 2003 to 2009. While the goal may still remain elusive, it is important for the state and individual communities to continue to strive for it. Simply abandoning the goal, as some critics of Sen. Cowger’s bill, LD 406, have suggested would be to abandon a worthy effort.

In 1989, the Legislature first set the 50 percent goal and set a 5-year deadline. Recycling rates then steadily rose, reaching a peak in 1995 at 41 percent. Although the deadline was extended, the recycling momentum has since waned. According to the most recent data from the planning office, Maine recycled just 35.5 percent of its municipal waste in 2003. One reason for the decline is that overall trash volumes, especially in fast-growing southern Maine, have increased dramatically. Much of the growth has been in construction debris which can be more difficult to recycle.

Despite the backsliding, the state should continue to advocate for more recycling and keeping a goal is just one way to do it.

Some communities far exceed the 50 percent goal already. Belfast and Newport, for example, recycle 64 percent of their waste. Harpswell recycles 75 percent.

Recycling isn’t that complicated, according to Eric Hanscom, who runs the transfer stations shared by Casco and Naples. His station encourages recycling by allowing residents to scrounge through construction debris and other bulky waste to salvage doors, windows and other treasures. He finds a market for other commodities such as wood waste and steel.

Although Sen. Cowger would like to devote more money and resources to boosting recycling, if that is what the planning office thinks is necessary, he acknowledges that more financial support isn’t likely to be forthcoming.

Instead, the state could help towns and transfer districts understand that recycling can save money. Since they are charged per ton to dispose of waste at a landfill, the more that is taken out of the waste stream, the less towns are charged. Recycling is also good for the environment since it reduces the volume of trash that is burned or buried in a landfill.

With a concerted state push, the 50 percent goal is achievable. Keeping it in statute may help ensure it is not abandoned.