Recycling in Arizona has been hurt by shifts in international markets, high operating costs, and lack of support by the state. As a result, many municipalities have been forced to raise prices, reduce their services or restrict their programs altogether.

We interviewed recycling coordinators from across the state to identify how to reinvigorate Arizona recycling. Every coordinator we interviewed identified fully financing the state recycling fund as a top priority. The recycling fund was established to support municipal recycling programs and is supposed to be financed by the landfill disposal fee. Unfortunately, over the last decade, Arizona has continued to collect these fees from municipalities and businesses, but policy makers are diverting these funds away from recycling (over $1,000,000). Previously, these funds helped municipalities start and innovate their recycling programs, making them more feasible and cost-effective. Without these funds, municipalities have been unable to invest in their programs or been forced to place these costs on their constituents.

Tell our representatives to fully finance the recycling fund so that municipalities can reinvigorate their recycling programs.

In addition to signing this petition, contact Governor Ducey and your local representative directly.