Big Apple's Budget Dictates Recycling's Fate

Rebekah A. Hall

New York – Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and the city council have finalized the $41.4 billion budget for the 2003 fiscal year, which includes the fate of a proposed recycling suspension.

Mayor Bloomberg’s initial plan called for a moratorium on glass, plastic and metal recycling for 18 months, which may have saved the city $58 million. However, after a compromise, the mayor and the council have decided to suspend glass recycling for two years, plastic recycling for one year and maintain metal recycling. The new recycling plan will save $40 million, according to the mayor. Paper recycling will remain intact because of its stable marketplace.

Bloomberg and the city council hope the new budget will shrink the city’s $5 billion deficit.