Dive Brief:

• According to figures released in a report conducted by the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC), the town of Johnston, RI, produces 60% more trash that similarly-sized municipalities.
• In addition, Johnston finishes last when it comes to recycling. The town’s diversion rate was 12.9% in 2013. This breaks down to 10% less than the state average and more than 16% less than the town of Warwick, RI.
• The Central landfill in Johnston seems to be at the root of the problem. As one of the stipulations of host community agreement, Johnston pays no tipping fees, therefore the town has no incentive to divert recyclables form entering the site.

Dive Insight:

Essentially, Johnston would not monetarily benefit from reducing its waste stream. The town wouldn’t get a return on investment because it can’t get a reduction of its tipping fees because they are already zero. The community receives little benefit from upcycling or reusing even bulky items, because the municipality offers complimentary bulk pick-up services. Spending public funds on recycling education doesn’t make financial sense, because, in regard to money, Johnston doesn’t pay to dispose of its waste — recyclables or otherwise.