Quote of the Day

Berkeley’s environmentally conscious citizens who reduce, reuse and recycle are behind a $4 million budget deficit in the city’s refuse department.

Recycling has always been one of those pointless things people do to make them feel better about themselves; some studies have contended that recycling does as much damage to the environment as making a product from new. Berkeley, California is seeing another downfall of recycling: Their efforts cost the city $4 million that it couldn’t afford to lose. Spoiler: They’re still smug.

The amount of trash being picked up curbside and the amount of construction trash going in to the city’s transfer station have fallen drastically in the past year, along with revenue the city collects from them.

Leaders are considering serious measures, including reducing trash pickup to every other week, a second rate increase in a year, or both.

The refuse department’s deficit is the largest part of a $14 million shortfall in the city as a whole for the fiscal year that ends in June.

“Interesting issue is an understatement,” said city Budget Manager Tracy Vesely. “Someone else already said it, but it’s true: We’re a victim of our own success.”

Berkeley’s ardent recycling is costing the city money [Inside Bay Area]

--- Did you like this article? And you probably like contests, exclusive content, and smug commentary right? Then why aren't you liking Guyism on Facebook? Show some pride and click the "Like" button below right now: