THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, June 27, 1996 TAG: 9606270009
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 37 lines
There certainly seems to be a lot of discussion about which method of recycling (curbside pick-up vs. drop-off sites) is best for Virginia Beach (and the rest of Virginia for that matter).
Each of these systems has drawbacks. They both suffer from relatively low compliance (60 percent tops), rely on the conscience and goodwill of the citizens, is messy at best, dangerous at times (bees, muggers and broken glass at the receptacles), and need ongoing dedication of people to take an altruistic behavior and a never-ending personal responsibility (certain to diminish over time).
What we need is a system that is cleaner, rewards the participants, penalizes the lazy, is universal in coverage, does not rely on altruistic behavior, is embodied with incentive and that is guaranteed to work.
Sounds to good to be true? It isn't and it could be available, if our legislature would only pass it. Twelve states already have enjoyed the bottle bill for several years. Surveys have consistently revealed Virginians want it. Unfortunately, special interest groups and their influence over the state Senate have defeated it in years past.
Bottle bills have cleaned up the parks and roads in other states, practically overnight. If you don't want to be bothered recycling; don't worry. Someone else would be glad to return your empties for the deposit. Children comb parks and streets for returnables. Why be satisfied with 30 to 40 percent recycling when we could have 90 to 95 percent?
JOAN WILLIAMS
TERESA CARROLL
SADIE MUNFORD
BARBARA MILTON
ARNALDA RICHARDSON
CAROLYN E. MCCAW
Virginia Beach, June 7, 1996 by CNB