Getting Stuck In The SWMP

An added observation on the passage of the SWMP is pointed out in today's NY Sun. It deals with the legal shakiness of the Manhattan sites. As the Sun writes, "In an acknowledgement that the Manhattan sites remain in doubt, city officials agreed to adhere to a timeline for securing approvals and building the facilities. The administration must also report back on the progress of the plan, and lawmakers must approve any significant changes."

Which is precisely the point that we made yesterday in our "same time, next year" remark. With the likelihood that the sites will not go forward where does this leave the entire fair share concept? Once again, as we have noted, the vexing commercial waste is a card that the city is trying to palm in the hopes that folks won't notice the fact that nothing has been done to alleviate the garbage burdens experienced by communities of color.

We do have something to look forward to, however. It is the creation of a six person office of "recycling outreach and education." This will prove to be a colossal waste of money and is sure to be staffed by dedicated folks who have absolutely no experience with the kind of sound business practices that are essential if recycling is to become a cost-effective waste reduction methodology.