Recybag for Recycling Plastics

1. Background:

Recybag is a private, Swiss, nonprofit initiative that facilitates the collection and recycling of mass-market plastics and beverage cartons through the use of a fee-based bag that funds this collection. The goal is to promote the development of a circular economy, provide better access to a much-maligned yet vital resource, and (behind the scenes) break the vicious cycle of single-use products that are thrown away, incinerated, and then produced anew using fossil fuels. The initiative is also funded by major manufacturers who produce this packaging.

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2. Proposal:

The municipalities of Lausanne and Romanel have already adopted the Recybag. But what about the other municipalities in western and eastern Lausanne, each of which must make this individual—and sometimes little-known—decision to grant a concession to a private entity?

I propose that Lausanne, drawing on its experience, actively promote the project to expand the use of the Recybag to the municipalities in its metropolitan area through informational sessions and assistance with implementation, should nearby municipal services express interest.

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3. Motivation:

It is essential to continue promoting more responsible consumption that uses fewer resources. However, we cannot instantly transition from a state of overconsumption to a responsible one. In the meantime, we need solutions to the problem of waste resulting from overconsumption—particularly plastic, which breaks down and pollutes for thousands of years. That is why I support any initiative that would enable better management of these materials on a large scale.