For example, the manufacturers of bottles and cans, along with the producers of what’s sold inside them, as well as the grocery stores that distribute them, must take on a greater economic role in the process of recycling. The voluntary blue-bag-at-the-curb approach is a good start, but it relies primarily on the altruism of the consumer.

The question is: Does the consumer bear sole responsibility for what happens to a can or bottle that contains the product used, or should some of that responsibility be borne by those who profit from its use?

Are these responsibilities being borne already and are they equitable? Some time ago, bottlers began charging a deposit on a bottle to be refunded when the consumer returned the bottle.

The consumer could clean the bottle or can, return it to the grocery store for a refund and the grocery store would return it to the producer, then to the manufacturer, etc. Each would receive a refund along the way. When all parties involved have an economic incentive to participate, recycling will make a much larger contribution toward preserving the environment.

Joe Bialek
Cleveland resident