Get ready for this, Chicago recycling centers are set to close as the demand from China on recycables drops to an all time low.

This is a prime example of how the US economy rocks the boat and truly causes major damage to ordinary US citizens. As we are in bed with China, we need them as they need us. But right now as everyone knows we are the ones who are in bad shape.

What Happened?

Back when the Olympics were happening, several major China factories halted production because of poor air quality, yet they still kept on purchasing recyclables to the point of over purchase. So they stopped buying more in the last few months, and demand dropped along with the rates paid for it.

This has seriously affected recycling centers in Chicago. Im not sure about other cities, but in Chicago the buyback rate for certain types of materials (such as newspaper and cardboard) has plummeted from $120 a ton to a paltry $20 a ton. That is a major major blow to the centers.

Chicago recycling center employees say only a miracle and or grant donations can keep the centers open now. Truly devastating news to Chicago area citizens on the north and south sides.

Economic growth is projected in late 2009, but the recycling market by then is going to take an ugly hit.

via Windy Citizen and Earth 911