Litter control and Anger of the day.

Having lived in just about every corner of the US of A, I can tell you that we have a serious problem due to the lack of consistency in recycling regulations. Every jurisdiction is pretty much free to do what it wants. Except California. Throughout the state, there are mandatory recycling goals designed to reduce the amount of garbage in the state's dumps. Failure to comply can result in monetary penalties. We had what amounted to mandatory recycling in northern California. You had to separate out yard waste and recyclables from your garbage. And to encourage that, your regular garbage can was about half the size of the recyclables cans.There was a garbage police to punish wrongdoers and there was also a rewards program for those who were "caught" recycling properly.
On the other hand, here in Tenn. recycling is strictly voluntary. No one cares what you throw out with your garbage. We do recycle at an area center and I'm surprised at the number of people who also recycle on their own.
I frequently deal with recycling in my columns for the local newspaper and every time I do it generates a lot of positive response. The spirit is willing but the government is weak, inspired by a White House that still has a hard time believing in the Greenhouse Gases, et al.
The bottom line is that cleaning up the planet starts with small steps, like not leaving that Coke can on the ground when there is a bin nearby. Those who care about the planet need to be more outspoken and more caring. If you see that can on the ground, pick it up and put it in the nearest bin.