Rural

Rural Recycling (Nebraska)

Recycling rates increased steadily in the rural areas of Nebraska from 1992-1998, have since flattened out

Hit its peak?

Or key problems?

Challenges:

Sparse population distribution

Smaller volumes of recyclable materials per town

Distance to Markets

Feedstock recycling programs struggle

The creation of facilities which sort through mixed garbage for recyclables

The acquisition of landfills and garbage enterprises by large out-of-state companies

Recycling industry’s ability to recycle for “free” or below actual cost

Oppurtunities/Solutions

The strong sense of community

Creation of regional recycling organizations

Do not rely solely on recycling programs for revenue