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Oregon does something to reduce waste Stuart Lieberman, Esq.,
In the world of recycling, many states talk the talk. In Oregon, they have taken it one step further. Through the implementation of the Northwest Materials Exchange, many materials that would otherwise be thrown out are finding a new life. Oregon is becoming a recycling leader. Using $85,000 for seed money to purchase promotional activities, Oregon has seen a substantial return for its investment. The program started in 2002 through a coalition of local governments as well as the state, and was aimed at increasing the use of surplus materials that might otherwise be wasted. Oregon has a huge E-Bay kind of program, where surplus sellers and buyers meet and re-use. It's a state wide re-use market. This is a win-win for the parties and a win-win for society. The person or company acquiring the goods can save on procurement costs. The company or person providing the goods can save on disposal costs. A very large-scale campaign to encourage the use of the exchanges was undertaken by the state a few years back. The campaign relied on direct mail, web advertising, unpaid advertising, media coverage and other marketing techniques. After the campaign, new listings increased 143% over the pre-campaign period. In 2001, the Oregon Legislature passed a law which amended the state's solid waste statutes in numerous ways. Of note, the Legislature acknowledged that not recycling costs more than just landfill and disposal costs. The State concluded that the failure to recycle also creates a demand for the energy needed to manufacture, store and transport the needlessly produced goods. Goods that would have been unnecessary if active recycling had taken place. This is a very import position that many states are now starting to realize. Recycling saves energy both upstream and downstream. Its save production related costs emanating from the needlessly manufactured products and it saves solid waste disposal costs. And that's why programs such as the Oregon exchange are so important. While some other places have these kinds of programs, Oregon is actively promoting its program. Oregon is taking recycling under its wing. Very commendable! While the exchange concept is proving successful, Oregon understands that there is a great deal more work to be done. And the state is currently exploring methods for increasing the efficiency of the exchange concept. Everybody and every state should support and facilitate the development and promotion of exchanges. EPA should provide federal grants to support these programs. America is fast becoming a nation of waste, and we are burying ourselves in our waste. The Oregon solution is a smart, good solution. Come on local activists. If your community isn't supporting an exchange program, do the research, call Oregon and see how they do it, and then tell your leaders that they must follow this lead. Its too good of an idea to ignore any longer
The information provided in this column is written by Stuart Lieberman,a practicing environmental attorney, and is for general information purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be used in place of legal advice.
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