Maximize Source Reduction, Reuse and Recycling (AFW Action 3.1)

Establish a state-operated revolving loan fund to increase commercial and residential source reduction and recycling programs in New Hampshire municipalities. Source reduction and recycling reduce greenhouse gas emissions by recapturing a high percentage of the embodied energy content of the solid waste stream. A net reduction in emissions occurs when reused or recycled materials displace virgin raw materials in the manufacturing process and when solid waste is diverted from disposal. The current recycling rate in New Hampshire is less than 21 percent, well below the national average of 32 percent. However, for most households, the amount of waste that can be reduced, reused, recycled, or composted is a major portion of the original total waste volume. The revolving loan fund would help to rectify the current imbalance in solid waste practices by providing financing for the initial capital costs of public source reduction and recycling programs. Mechanisms available to communities wishing to increase their reuse/recycling rates include pay-as-you throw (PAYT) programs, resource management contracting with waste haulers, joint municipal ventures for transfer and recycling centers, salvage of reusable building materials, and commercial/municipal composting.