Nashua Recycling Rates 'Through the Roof'

NASHUA, N.H. - Nashua's recycling rates are going through the roof, according to officials. According to the Union Leader, the city was paying under $1 a ton in July 2017 to dispose of its recyclables. The cost last month was $82 a ton.

“It has gone up 100 times in 10 months,” said Nashua Mayor Jim Donchess, adding the city is allocating a proposed $400,000 in the new budget for recycling disposal. If the rate of $82 per ton continues, Donchess said the $400,000 should be enough to cover the costs.

However, Donchess said that Casella Waste Systems, the company Nashua uses to haul away its recyclables, has warned that costs could increase even more. If that happens, the city may need to take emergency measures to cover the costs, he said.

“There is a $600,000 increase in our solid waste costs,” Donchess said.

Recycling costs have skyrocketed over the past year as China started banning previously accepted recyclable materials.

To read the full story, visit the Union Leader.