Recycling markets tank, refuse costs up?

The Greater New Bedford Refuse District has seen revenues from recycled materials plummet in the past few months. The net result is decreased revenue and possibly even increased cost for disposing of recycled materials like paper, plastics and metals. The district reports ...

...

Paper :
The price paid for paper delivered to A.W. Martin this summer hit a high of $110 / ton ...... it is currently $0 due to the fact that China has stopped buying paper. Some customers may have to PAY to recycle their paper. At the moment, Martin has agreed to continue to accept our paper at $0 / ton. Cardboard also is $0 / ton. This downturn is expected to hold until at least March.

Commingled Containers [ the combined curbside pickup of plastic and metal] :
Allied, in Brockton, buys such waste and had been paying $12/ton ... current price is $0/ton and some customers are now paying [ negative tip fee ] to process commingled containers. It is entirely possible that we will have to pay as well.

Scrap Metal :
The rate went as high as $200/gross ton, dropped to $30/gross ton and is currently at $60/gross ton. The rate is expected to bounce around for a while but will continue to generate some revenue.