Banning plastic straws is next

[avandelay]

I really wish that our representatives will address the issues of the state instead of going for the 'Look at how progressive I am' stuff to put on their next four-color election mailer -

https://www.thedenverchannel.com/new...H9MSKkGx33ZoWs

[Irving]

It really seems like more effort to find ways to effectively recycle plastic would be better than the effort to ban it.

[Eric P]

It really seems like more effort to find ways to effectively recycle plastic would be better than the effort to ban it.

We were asked by a state legislator if we could incorporate recycled plastics into concrete and asphalt. The simple answer is yes we could, but the realistic answer is no. If you grind plastics to beach sand size and consistency, you could substitute it for up to 10 percent of the sand used in concrete without worrying about strength and durability. But add anymore, you would have to which devil is worse. Lowed strength can be offset with more cement, but cement production is the number one industrial CO2 source. Then you have to look at the storage and production cost of plastic sand. Plastic sand is 20 times more expensive than natural sand and about as expensive as cement (which is the most expensive component). Then since plastic doesn't bond with concrete, as a roadway is worn away, that fine plastic is liberated and free to wash away into the drains into waterways. And how would one need to store plastic sand at a concrete plant? You couldn't store it in open bins like real sand, as it would blow or wash away. Concrete suppliers would have to add additional silo's to a plant. Most plants can not be expanded without great expense. We currently have no idea what the durability of plastic containing concrete is, as it has not been researched. But my guess is since it requires more cement for the same strength, durability goes down. If durability goes down, we would be replacing infrastructure sooner, increasing the costs to tax payers.

All in all, recycling plastics into concrete is a no win situation... unless you own a recycling company and line the pockets of your favorite politician to mandate its use in state highway projects.

[avandelay]

Agreed. Some better sorting tech would be better. I know my recycling provider is very picky and wants very clean cardboard and plastic. If it isn't clean they toss it to the landfill. That said, they're going after bills that, in the grand scheme of things, are more nanny state than actually addressing the finance issues. They always seem to have money for pet projects, but never sufficient monies for roads? More money for school districts yet teachers are going on strike? I think that is a bit more important than straws.

[Irving]

Creating a way to better recycle plastic would probably create jobs and keep the oil industry relevant. Seems like a lot of parties would have an interest in such an endeavor.

[brutal]

Creating a way to better recycle plastic would probably create jobs and keep the oil industry relevant. Seems like a lot of parties would have an interest in such an endeavor.

It's all about cost effectiveness. China reportedly already takes in 45% of the world's recyclable plastics for recycle and reuse. https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/...me/1133838002/

Do you suppose it's cost effective to collect and ship plastic waste from Colorado to China?

I'm not being sarcastic, I'm really asking.

FWIW, Plastic straws are estimated to make up (per item) less than 4% of ocean waste, and by volume, less than .25%

I'm also confused how a Colorado plastic straw (of any measurable amount) destined for a landfill, makes its way into lakes, rivers, streams, and oceans?

[buffalobo]

If it were about straws or recycling.

[Skip]

If it were about straws or recycling.

^ THIS

It's like the same lesson over and over again... It's not about the "thing," it's about making us bend our knees giving up one thing after another after another.

[StagLefty]

If it weren't for straws I'd need a bib

[O2HeN2]

https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1143