In November 2009, Brenda Koenig wrote part one of a multi-part investigation into the true destination for curbside recycling materials in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. She scratched the surface and found some very interesting information, but what she really uncovered were more questions, some of which include:
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Why is there no government oversight of recycling efforts locally, on the state level or even on the federal level?
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What would it take to create a committee to help oversee environmental issues (like recycling) in our county...a committee made up of concerned/qualified individuals
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What is the history behind any such efforts in the past here in Champaign County?
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Why have past efforts to form an inter-governmental waste management initiative failed in our county (a initiative that would have developed a local, centralized landfill and recycling program)? Does governmental subsidy of recycling make sense?
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Why leave recycling programs dependent on industry profit and market forces?
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Who is benefitting from misrepresentation of recycling services?
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Why the disconnect between media and educational institutions promoting recycling and the reality that lots of things aren't getting recycled at all?
In order to take this story to the next level of depth, Brenda needs to spend the time to sift through government documents, conduct more interviews, etc. If this story is important to you, please consider supporting her work!
