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From Money Maker To Big Expense: Towns Grapple With Handling Recyclables 

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HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - Once a modest money maker for Connecticut cities and towns, disposing of household recyclables has now become a major expense for some communities.

The sales market for recyclables has collapsed, largely due to China becoming more selective about what recycled materials it will accept, according to the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities. This shift means the recycling line item in many municipal budgets is going from green to red.


For example, the City of Bridgeport budgeted revenue of nearly $130,000 from recycled goods in the current fiscal year. Next year, the city projects it will cost more than $394,000.

CCM says the state can help by not imposing any additional recycling mandates on cities and towns, and by expanding the can and bottle deposit law to cover more items, among other measures.