Due to the hemorrhage caused by strict recycling restrictions China imposed back in 2018, also known as the country’s “National Sword” policy, recycling revenues in Arizona dropped of the cliff, leaving some cities to pay for recycling or cut their programs.
But some municipalities invested in recycling technology not long after the restrictions came down and are starting to see a slight recovery, with revenues from recyclables filling their coffers again.
However, experts say recycling infrastructure in Arizona has not kept pace with today’s waste stream and contamination remains a hindrance, leaving the state with plenty of room for improvement.
