World Economic Downturn "Decycles" Reclaimed Materials

scrap heap photo

In just months we went from common thieves stealing power cables and iron fences to a market that couldn't care less for reclaimed materials. The price for scrap anything is in the toilet, and likely to stay there for a few years. No more green washing about recyclable water bottles - please.

On the good side: you no longer have to worry about your catalytic converter disappearing.

A sudden collapse in worldwide demand for re- cyclables, particularly from China, has scrap dealers from Sacramento to San Diego stockpiling curbside collections as never before and charging walk-in customers for their throwaways...Stacks of baled paper, plastic and metal are mounting at the Sacramento Recycling & Transfer Station plant on Fruitridge Road because market prices are too low to turn a profit or, worse, no buyers can be found, its operators said.

Via:Sacramento Bee, As world demand falls, prices for recyclables go in dumper

This is a classic cycle of course. Give it two or three years and the meth heads will be back after your downspouts.

Only a strong resurgence in oil prices will bring back the value of relcaimed plastic.

Image credit:Saving Advice, Scrap Heap

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