Dive Brief:
- The Texas Recycling Data Initiative (TRDI) has launched a survey that will quantify the amount of recycling across the state.
- The survey aims to provide Texas policy-makers with information vital to assessing policies and understanding the economic and environmental issues facing businesses, residents, and governmental agencies in the state.
- The survey will compile data from both processors and end-users, and will measure: the amount of materials being recycled; the types of recyclables; and the places where the items are being recycled.
Dive Insight:
The survey will track traditional recyclables, organic waste, construction and demolition, electronics, and household hazardous waste.
The hope is that the survey will provide the Texas legislature with the opportunity to examine the costs and financial benefits of recycling. The information collected will be invaluable in determining what recyclables are under-collected or under-processed.
TRDI also hopes to identify jobs being created within the industry and provide insight into the waste employment situation for the first time, potentially uncovering holes in employment that need to be filled.