It’s been getting a lot harder to redeem cans and bottles in California. In its annual report, CalRecycle says more than 800 recycling centers that accepted beverage containers have closed over the last 3 years, especially in rural areas. Meanwhile, volume is on the rise, as spending increases from the economic recovery going on in many parts of the state. But Nevada County’s Solid Waste Program Manager, David Garcia, says they’ve managed to help enhance recycling opportunities here…

click to listen to David Garcia

CalRecycle says incentives for recycling have declined, with oil prices dropping to less than half of what they were a couple of years ago. And that means it’s become less expensive to create new products than use recycled bottles and cans. Garcia says the current bottle bill needs to be adjusted, so it’s more responsive to market conditions. And that could help keep more recycling centers open…

click to listen to David Garcia

Meanwhile, Garcia says since cans and bottles are actually a very small part of the overall wastestream, Nevada County’s recyclng rate has remained steady for the last several years, at around 50 to 55%. CalRecycle says the statewide beverage container recycling rate has fallen below 80% for the first time since 2008, with rates for other materials also dropping.