New Arkansas Law Impacts Recycling

The Arkansas legislature this session passed a law prohibiting cities and counties from restricting the use of “auxiliary containers.” The new law defines auxiliary containers as a bag, cup, package container, bottle, device or other packaging…” This law means that some cities, such as Fayetteville, that voted to limit businesses from using Styrofoam and single-use plastics, will now not be able to enforce that law. Fayetteville’s city attorney commented, “It creates a big environmental problem for here in Fayetteville, if we go out and try to clean up creeks or anything, that’s what we find. That’s one of our biggest problems.”

Many of these containers are to-go or take-out food and beverage containers. And, during the pandemic, we all know how much we’ve been picking up lunch or dinner from restaurants, whether it’s fast-food or full meals. Home delivery of food has also dramatically increased. It’s no secret that many of the containers to-go food comes in are not recyclable but end up in the trash and landfills (or by the side of the road and in storm drains leading to creeks, streams and rivers).

The “bag” and “other packaging” part of the law covers plastic bags. While some businesses, like Kroger and Walmart, will soon begin phasing out these items, they still pose a hazard to waterways and the marine life living there, and they cannot be recycled as part of the curbside cart pick-up. That’s why, despite the new law, you can continue to take charge of the disposable package or container issue and drop off plastic bags at any one of our five Green Stations. As far as cups go, they’ll still end up in the landfill via your trash can. Glass, of course, can be dropped off at Green Stations, too, or, if you live in North Little Rock or Sherwood, glass bottles and jars can be put in your curbside cart.

For more information on Green Stations, and how to do recycling right, go to MyDoRight.com.