The Future of Recycling

The recycling market is changing. Historically, recycling programs around the country would use the sale of recycled materials to offset collection and processing costs. This allowed for the establishment of low-cost recycling programs.

Over the last two years, the recycling market has seen a significant decline in the value of recycled goods due to several factors. These include:

  • new international regulations
  • stricter contamination rate standards
  • poor recycling practices

In response, Sugar Land is increasing educational efforts in order to help the public better understand current market issues and the effect that the new regulations have on processing recycled material.

What should you do?

Educational efforts will include social media posts and website content. We encourage all residents to stay tuned as we begin this effort, visit this page frequently, and follow us on social media.

  1. What is recycling and is it the best option?
  2. What happens after my recyclables are collected?
  3. What happens to materials that aren’t recyclable?
  4. What is wishful recycling?
More FAQs

Questions?

For additional information, or to provide feedback, please contact:

Ph: 3-1-1 or 281-275-2900
solidwaste@sugarlandtx.gov

Resources

On May 28, 2019, City staff attended the Rethinking Recycling webinar hosted by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). The webinar provided public and private industry perspectives on the changing recycling market. Access to the full ICMA presentation is provided below.

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