‘Time to Get Your Nickel’s Worth’

Although your editorial (“Time to Get Your Nickel’s Worth,” July 13) supporting the increase in the state redemption rate for bottles and cans is on the right track, its focus is misdirected.

What many lawmakers and others do not seem to understand is that few people recycle their containers and other trash for the money. Recyclers don’t do it for the loose change they may get, but recycle for the immense satisfaction they obtain in doing their part to clean up the planet for the inhabitants of today and tomorrow.

As one who takes weekly trips to the recycling centers, I can tell you that I would much rather have my recycling made easier than get a few more nickels and dimes for my cans.

The city of Los Angeles has taken the right step in that direction by phasing in mandatory separation of recyclable materials from residential trash. Los Angeles and other cities adopting similar plans will be surprised by a public most receptive to this idea. It will cause a much more significant increase in recycling than increased redemption values. Maximum participation in recycling programs will be reached by giving us more convenience, not more coins.

ANDREW M. WEITZ

West Hills