California's largest recycling center closes, shuttering 300 redemption sites

[OnlinePoker]

The state’s largest operator of recycling redemption centers has closed all 284 of its centers, leaving 750 employees without jobs and many who rely on income from redeeming bottles and cans without options.

RePlanet, which runs recycling redemption and processing centers all over California, ceased its operations and will undergo a process to have its assets liquidated and creditors paid, according to a statement from company president and CFO David Lawrence.

“With the continued reduction in State fees, the depressed pricing of recycled aluminum and PET plastic, and the rise in operating costs resulting from minimum wage increases and required health and workers compensation insurance, the Company has concluded that operation of these recycling centers and supporting operations is no longer sustainable,” his statement says.

https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/08/05/californias-largest-recycling-center-business-closes-shuttering-300-redemption-centers/

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While this will effect people who are casual recyclers, it will really hurt those at the bottom end of society who rely on these places to make a few meager dollars a day to survive on.

[in2herbs]

1. At the federal level corporations should be taxed a recycling tax to support recycling efforts

like this in all states.

[moose65]

2. This depresses me

I've been diligently separating plastic, glass, and cans for close to 30 years now, but recently I'm starting to wonder if everything I put into the recycling bins just ends up in the trash eventually. If there's no market for the recycled goods, then what's the point? I've been really trying lately to reduce my use of single-use plastic, but man, is it hard to do! Plastic is everywhere. Someone talk me down off the ledge, please!