A growing movement thats building in the waste management world is recognizing the Three R’s of waste disposal. The main difference is these Three R’s (Reuse, Recycle and Refuse, listed by priority) relates to importance of providing waste disposal services in coordination with the motto of the Three R’s.

The real rub is that when people talk about recycling they still speak as if they are going to the garbage. That’s because garbage is synonomous with waste disposal and recyclable material is still seen as a waste, not a valueable resource. People just tend to throw “garbage” away into the first available container. Those in the waste management industry see this as a failure to provide the services in line with the motto. The government mandates recycling but sponsors increasing the number of garbage containers. It’s kind of like putting a fast food resteraunt in the middle of a farmers field. Your offering quick and convient food, but your so far out of the way the trip isnt worth the service.

With prevalence and distribution of garbage containers vastly outnumbering those of a recyclable nature, its no wonder garbage is jam packed with recyclables. Reversing the situation and placing recycling containers everywhere and hiding garbage containers in dark and out of the way areas would be a great boom to the recycling industry. As much as it pains me to admit it, people just want rid of their garbage and will throw things away at the first available opportunity. Lets make the first spot they find be a recycling bin.