By the Numbers
Re “2nd Chance,” Sept. 21:
The first thing that should happen to help recycle is for a universal measuring system to be set up, whether waste or recyclable materials are weighed or a mathematical formula is used.
After this happens, we can find out the information we need, like an accurate percentage of recycled materials, and how much more cities have recycled compared to previous years.
These numbers will tell cities whether their system for recycling is effective and how close to the 50% goal they are. If the numbers are not accurate now, how will Orange County be able to reach the goal or find out if their tactics aren’t working?
Also, cities that succeed in recycling materials can help other cities that are not doing well.
As most of us know, many cities will not be able to make the deadline, no matter what. The cities that have been recycling should not be penalized, especially ones doing astonishingly well, like Anaheim, which is almost at 50%.
CARRA ABERNATHY
Dana Point
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