LINCOLN (Scrap Monster): The statewide recycling study conducted by the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center, Joslyn Institute for Sustainable Communities and the UNL Bureau of Sociological Research indicates that Nebraska’s recycling rate reached nearly 17% in 2014. This is up from the rate of 11.4% during 2013.

 

The results of the study were based on surveys of city and county officials, surveys of recyclers, through review of recycling practices throughout the state, and through review of public forums conducted in Nebraska communities. The study was funded by Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality.

 

Nebraska’s recycling rate is much lower when compared with neighboring states’ and national recycling rate.The recycling rates of neighboring states are as follows:-South Dakota (18.5%), Wyoming (18.5%), Missouri (19.6%), Colorado (22.8%), Iowa (24%) and Kansas (31.6%). The US national recycling rate in 2012 was 34.5%.

 

The study also highlights significant gaps in availability and accessibility to recycling programme. Also, Nebraska currently lacks a comprehensive strategy to improve its recycling rates. Best recycling practices followed by communities must be extended across the state in order to reduce waste and increase recycling.

 

The findings and suggestions of the study will be discussed at the Green Team Roundtable meeting, scheduled to be conducted at Ayars & Ayars Inc. on June 18th. The meeting, organized by WasteCap Nebraska, will be held 2-4 pm and will be attended by solid waste haulers and policy makers.