New York to become the ‘Green Apple’?

United States – New York dropped its recycling schemes for several years in an attempt to save money, but its Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, is promising to build new recycling centres and aims to double recycled material percentages if possible by the year 2017.

‘If we’re going to be the most innovative city in the world, we also have to be the greenest – because that’s how you attract the most talented individuals and most forward-looking companies,’ the mayor has said.

As of next year, a start will be made to recycling plastics whereas, in the past, only aluminium, glass and paper were traditionally targeted. Additionally, hundreds of new recycling bins will be placed at public sites throughout New York, while yards will be provided for waste composting.

The proposals will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 7% and will also save the city up to US$ 55 million each year, it is claimed.