Dive Brief:

• The recycling industry has visibly been altered by the implementation of the Chinese government's "Green Fence."
• Although difficult to tangibly show, the recent Replas conference in Shanghai (organized by China Scrap Plastics Association) illustrated that industry practices have changed substantially. Attendees from around the globe discussed the effects, with an emphasis on the challenges they have experienced as a result of the Green Fence. 
• One recycler said that his 90% of exports has plummeted to 10%, while another mentioned costs have risen significantly, and are not expected to decrease. 

Dive Insight:

Customs officials reported an 11% decrease in the amount of plastic imports and a presentation given by CSPA Executive President Steve Wong illustrated "market restructuring in the making" as imports decrease in the U.S. and Europe.

With the increased cost of processing recyclables in China, the U.S. may find a solution by building more processing plants. Even New Jersey has felt the pinch, and the cost has caused the Northern region of the state to lose an estimated $33,000 to $500,000 in recycling revenues.