On the 20th anniversary of Pennsylvania’s landmark recycling legislation and grant program, recycling funding in the state has been further threatened by a $15 million withdrawal from the Recycling Fund. Movement of the money to the State’s General Fund was authorized as part of the 2008-2009 State Budget.

The latest $15 million withdrawal from the Recycling Fund (created by Act 101 in 1988), brings the cumulative diversion of money from the fund to nearly $150 million. According to John Frederick, Executive Director of the Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania, the state’s recycling association, “While we are still uncertain of the specific impact this will have on recycling efforts, it is certain that the Department of Environmental Protection will have much less money available to develop economic infrastructure, to provide technical assistance, outreach and education funding and to provide grants. This latest transfer might just be the proverbial ‘straw that broke the camel’s back.’ ”

In recent years, demand for recycling has significantly outpaced available funding, as counties and municipalities continue their efforts to increase recycling rates, as required by Act 101. Even municipalities that are not mandated to recycle have recognized the importance of environmentally sound practices and have applied for funding for their programs. Without state funding, both mandated and non-mandated recycling programs are struggling to fund important capital expenditures.

These funds have been an important supplement to the significant investments made in recycling by both the public and private sectors. The returns on these investments have been extraordinary, creating an $18.4 billion recycling industry in the state.

Many of the attendees at the 2008 PROP Conference held in Gettysburg July 30 – August 1, expressed concern about the future of their local programs. Frederick summed up members’ opinion saying, “In light of the great demands for funding, it just does not make sense to take money from the Recycling Fund. Coupled with the effects of inflation over the course of 20 years, the most recent $15 million transfer has made a very difficult situation even worse. “

Several points regarding the funding issue were emphasized at the PROP Conference:

· At a time when fuel is approaching record levels, uncertain funding for recycling creates another roadblock for recycling programs; and

· Recycling is becoming a major topic in the climate change debates. Corporate sustainability efforts have a solid foundation in the “Three R’s – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” Yet, the ability to fund Pennsylvania recycling programs and maintain infrastructure is a significant challenge.

The depletion of the Recycling Fund raises many concerns -

· Funding for counties and municipalities to continue or initiate waste programs like recycling, household hazardous waste collection and composting are threatened;

· Funding losses will affect public and private sector recyclers, equipment manufacturers, end users and especially the people of Pennsylvania;

· The pressure given from 20 years of inflation, growing demand for grant funding and the withdrawal of monies to the state General Fund have seriously undermined local governments’ ability to support and expand their programs; and

· The loss of this Act 101 funding is magnified by two other funding challenges - the loss of county fees prompted by a court decision that ruled them illegal, and the sun-setting of the Recycling Fee in January 2012.

Members suggested the need for “frank discussion among stakeholders about a comprehensive overhaul of Act 101.”

“After 20 years, refinement of the legislation seems not just appropriate, but necessary. The world of recycling, composting and waste disposal has changed profoundly as Act 101 has remained fundamentally unchanged,” concluded Frederick.

The Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania is the state’s official association representing recycling professionals and is dedicated to promoting and enhancing the interests of recycling, recycling programs, composting and composting programs in Pennsylvania through education, information exchange, technical support, applied research and coordination of recycling industry initiatives.

Links: Recycling Mandates In PA Make Twenty Year Mark, Future Is Cloudy

Environmental Heritage – Curbside Recycling Celebrates 20th Anniversary

8/15/2008