Once free, a plastic recycling company in York now charging to accept residential waste

Mike Argento, York Daily Record
·3 min read
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When CRDC opened its York plant to recycle plastics - the first such plant it opened in the United States - it was intended to accept plastic waste from commercial and industrial sources, using a proprietary process to recycle it into building products.

It was a unique solution to a vexing problem - the proliferation of plastic waste that was being sent to landfills and incinerators. Its commercial and industrial customers paid a tipping fee to dispose of its plastic waste in an environmentally friendly manner.

As an aside, the company also accepted residential plastic waste - free of charge - as a public service. Ross Gibby, president of CRDC USA, said the company didn't promote or advertise the service, offering it as "a pilot experiment." The company, started in Costa Rica, has international reach and is committed to reducing the amount of plastic that winds up in waterways and oceans.

Ross Gibby, chief operating officer for CRDC global, stands in front of a backdrop of mixed plastic recycling from a corporate customer.
Ross Gibby, chief operating officer for CRDC global, stands in front of a backdrop of mixed plastic recycling from a corporate customer.

Word that CRDC's plant on Eberts Lane in York accepted plastic waste from residents, though, spread and soon the plant found itself "overwhelmed" by the demand, Gibby said.

"It really did shock us," Gibby said. "Every day, we were seeing more and more material coming in. On the one hand, it's great to be appreciated. On the other hand, it had become bigger than we expected."

The success came with problems. The residential demand grew to challenge the capacity of the plant, he said, and they needed to find a solution.

So on April 15, CRDC announced it would begin charging $2 per 33-gallon bag to recycle residential plastic waste. Gibby said the company knew "it would be difficult for people to swallow."

In an email sent to customers, Gibby wrote, "We understand this change may come as a surprise, and we want to take the opportunity to explain the reasons behind it. As the program participation has increased, providing a free service has become increasingly unsustainable due to increasing operational costs. The drop-off fee will allow us to continue the service by covering the expenses associated with manning the drop-off location at the plant, handling, sorting and shredding the plastic waste, and providing the bags free of charge."

He wrote, "We understand change can be challenging, but this transition is necessary for the sustainability of this valuable plastic waste management service."

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Gibby said the company looked at other recycling operations, which often charge for specific bags to contain waste for $25 for 10 bags. They settled on $2 a bag to keep the cost to consumers low. The company is working on a plan to donate proceeds from the program to clean water organizations such as the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper. Those partnerships, Gibby said, have not been finalized.

In a follow-up email to consumers, Gibby acknowledged the "confusion and disappointment" expressed by its customers. He explained that a minority of the plastic the plant processes comes from residential drop offs and that "the vast majority" comes from commercial sources which would otherwise be sending waste to landfills or incinerators. Those customers, he said, "have ALWAYS been paying CRDC a disposal fee comparable to landfill and incineration fees."

The service to residents, though, needs to be sustainable, he said.

The company is offering a 25-percent discount to charitable and community organizations and neighborhood associations, he said.

"We understand that for some of you, any fee is seen as too much," Gibby wrote in the email. "We empathize with your concerns and recognize that this may lead some of you to discontinue participation in the program. We will be sorry to see you go. However, our top priority is maintaining operation of this important service to the York community, and due to the financial realities, we are confident the Pay-As-You-Throw model is the best way to do so."

Consumers with additional questions may email the company at york@crdc.global.

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: CRDC in York PA now charging to accept residential recycling