23
Nov
It’s interesting how a slower economy effects everything.
Recycled paper is the biggest export by volume from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. It is bought mainly by paper mills in China and made into packaging used to box up goods for exports. (Los Angeles Business Journal, November 10, 2008)
Recycled paper was selling at $200 a ton when China was booming.
A month ago it was $142 a ton.
With decline in sales, China does not have as much need for packaging, therefore less need for recycled paper.
Last week, the price of paper was down to barely $40 a ton.
People are getting laid off at the recycling plants. People who collect paper at curbsides are not needed.
Paper is ending up in landfills.
A slow economy means more trash.