A PERSPECTIVE OF THE PLASTICS WASTE ISSUE IN THE UNITED-STATES

Plastics recycling in the United States is now at the stage where issues that transcend science and technology often impact solutions to the solid waste problem. Public opinion and legislation will continue to be governed by factors beyond the control of the scientific community. For the past three years, the Council for Solid Waste Solutions has attempted to diffuse the myths that have become barriers to effective solid waste management in the U.S. Through a combination of communication, technical and government affairs programs CSWS has succeeded in reversing opinion leaders views on plastics in the waste stream and is beginning to do the same with public opinion.