Recycled Markets Development in the Northwest: A Model for Industry Involvement, 1993 Environmental Conference Proceedings

State mandated curbside "recycling" [recovery] programs have led to an oversupply of many recyclables including mixed waste paper, and the result has been depressed prices for most recyclables. Some policymakers have responded to local government pleas for financial relief by introducing mandated recycled content legislation to force manufacturers to integrate the material into their manufacturing processes.

Oregon and Washington have been national leaders in promoting citizen source separation of recyclables. Both state governments have instituted market development programs, at industry request, in lieu of mandated content legislation. However, environmental groups in both states diligently continue to pursue the mandated approach.

This paper describes the workings of the two state market development boards and how industry has encouraged both states to take a regional approach to market development for paper recyclables. It also describes an industry-financed survey that illustrates the regional (Washington and Oregon) market for various grades of recovered paper and how these data axe being used to deflect continued calls for mandated content legislation This information development and dissemination model could serve other mills as they counter similar legislative proposals.