Connecticut burns more of its waste than any other state in the country, generating more than half a million tons of toxic ash every year. Connecticut’s recycling rate, currently at 24 percent, has been stagnant for years, and the state has continued to generate more trash per person over time.
Fortunately, nearly all of our trash could be reused or recycled, and policymakers can greatly increase recycling and keep trash out of incinerators and landfills by doing simple things like enforcing recycling laws already on the books, updating the Bottle Bill, and eliminating wasteful packaging. These and other common-sense policies will save money and help the state transition to a “zero waste” future.