China change on recyclables could impact Alaska communities

SITKA, Alaska (AP) — A policy change in China has officials in the Alaska panhandle city of Sitka anticipating a major change in the city’s recycling program.

China is the top purchaser of Sitka’s recyclables and advised the World Trade Organization in July that it planned to ban imports of 24 types of recyclables.

The city’s recycling contractor, Republic Services, has now put Sitka on notice that it might have to stop accepting

mixed paper, plastics and cardboard as of Nov. 1, the Daily Sitka Sentinel reported last week.

Mayor Matt Hunter said it appears that Sitka’s cardboard, paper and pla...