With recycling programs in the region facing new challenges, Sara Nelson, Delaware County’s recycling manager, is using a new brochure to teach residents how to recycle properly, writes Dana Bate for Science Friday.

Local recycling programs have had to undo the decade-long habits of residents to once again find markets for waste amid stricter standards from buyers, most notably China.

“For a long time, more was better, and a lot of programs were set up to drive more recycling,” said Frank Chimera, area senior manager of municipal sales for recycling processor Republic Services.

Now, however, the rules have changed, and municipalities are required to adjust. This includes significantly changing their recycling programs and, in the majority of cases, re-educating the public.

To do this, Nelson has created a brochure for local residents outlining what is recyclable and what is not. It also explains how to throw things out correctly, including washing out jars and breaking down cardboard boxes.

“People want to do the right thing,” said Nelson. “They just need to know what the right thing is.”

Read more about the changes in recycling from Science Friday by clicking here.

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