ROCHELLE — Global current events can have an impact on recycling efforts here in Ogle County and across the United States. According to Dr. Kate O’Neill of the University of California at Berkeley, on March 1, China has drastically limited all scrap material it will import into its country.
According to Dr. O’Neill, roughly half of all scrap materials produced in the U.S. (paper, metal, and plastics) would end up in China using return-trip cargo container ships, which had brought goods to the U.S. China had developed the infrastructure for scrap processing and, up until recently, had welcomed U.S. waste scrap for raw materials.
Those days have come to an end, according to the study. Due to contamination of scrap, safety concerns, and alternative industries emerging in China, the scrap import ban has been established.
How does this news affect waste reduction and recycling in Ogle County? First it means that recycling may become more expensive, since the global demand for recyclable materials has diminished, plus hauling costs have increased over time. Second, it means that there has to be a renewed effort to not contaminate loads of recyclable material, and third, it places more emphasis on waste reduction.
The concept of waste reduction plays a large role. If the waste is not created, then it does not need to be recycled. The Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department encourages residents to  avoid plastic water bottles, paper plates, plastic utensils, plastic shopping bags, and Styrofoam coffee cups. Use instead a re-fillable water bottle and coffee mug, dining ware that can be washed and re-used, and reusable shopping bags.  Avoid items with excess plastic packaging, and buy products in bulk to reduce overall plastic waste.

Also, try to reuse items when possible, such as plastic furniture and kids’ playsets, used plastic oil and gas containers, and glass jars. You can also “opt-out” of junk mail, catalogs, and phone books to avoid that waste as well. Contact the provider of these materials and indicate to them that you no longer need, or require, paper materials sent to you. Information about stopping unwanted mail and protecting your privacy can be found at www.usa.gov/telemarketing.
The OCSWMD suggests when putting out your recyclables at the curb or drop-off site, be sure of what can be recycled and what cannot be recycled. Many items may appear to be recyclable, but in fact, are not.  Some of these include plastic shopping bags, Styrofoam products, shredded paper, soiled pizza boxes and paper plates, window glass, all hangers, and used oil and gas containers.  Putting these items into the recycling bin causes contamination, a key reason behind the Chinese limit on U.S. imports of recyclables.  Putting items into the bin that do not belong also causes the bin to fill up more quickly, adding cost to the program due to more frequent pick-ups.
As far as what goes into the recycling bins, the OCSWMD states the list is as follows: flattened, clean cardboard, magazines, junk mail, whole paper (not shredded), paperboard boxes, newsprint, food and beverage cartons, aluminum and metal food and beverage cans, glass bottles and jars, and plastic bottles and jugs labeled #1-5 and #7.  
Remember, since recyclable materials will be sold, these items cannot be treated as you would garbage destined for disposal.
The OCSWMD encourages residents to reduce and reuse first, then recycle right in Ogle County.  If you have any questions about waste reduction and recycling in Ogle County, please call the Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department at 815-732-4020 or visit www.oglecounty.org.