Dive Brief:
- Leaders in Vail, Colorado passed an ordinance requiring residents, businesses and visitors to recycle.
- It will go into effect in July of 2014, with fines starting in January of 2015.
- Hotels in Vail will have recycling containers available for guests to use. Both residents and businesses who are unable to recycle may apply for a two-year extension.
Dive Insight:
Vail has been studying a mandatory recycling program for the past four years. The last meeting discussing recycling, held in early March, stalled the ordinance again when it could not be decided if recycling bins should be bear-proof and color-coded, and whether or not a hardship provision should be included.
Fines can reach up to $1,000 and 180 days in jail for those who have repeat offenses. Margaret Rogers of the Vail Town Council said enforcement isn't a focus of the recycling program and that the ordinance will be enforced via complaints. If a complaint is made against a household or property, an examination will be planned to inspect the alleged recycling infraction.
The town of Vail has set a goal to reach a recycling rate of 25% by 2019. According to Vail Daily, it has been said that even if this goal is achieved, it is unlikely Vail will hit the national recycling rate of 35%. Given Colorado's reputation for being environmentally friendly, perhaps now that Vail has provided an outlet for the area to recycle, the rate will improve significantly.
