Expand recycling

We in Maine are to be commended for a very effective beverage container redemption-recycling program. However, this program has a downside in view of recycling of plastics in general.

In Orono (typical, I’m sure, of most of the state) the only plastics that are accepted for recycling are all No. 2 HDPE containers. All other plastic bottles are not accepted.

I know from experience that in much of central Minnesota and Naperville, Ill., that all bottles are accepted. Because of a long tradition of recycling, several other plastic items are recycled in Naperville. Since the recycling market is ultimately determined by the two large national waste handlers (especially Waste Management), more plastics can be recycled than are currently accepted in Maine.

Let’s not allow an excellent redemption program distort and suppress the rest of the plastics recycling market. Incidentally, I favor just compensation for the redemption centers and remittance of unredeemed deposits to the state.

Bob Buntrock

Orono