William J. Cohen

In the following viewpoint, William J. Cohen argues that mandatory recycling programs are an effective way to conserve resources and reduce waste and pollution. Cohen describes the success of the mandatory recycling program in Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia, Canada, where a single recycling center efficiently processes household garbage— which residents have willingly separated—for resale. According to Cohen, the program has succeeded in diverting 60 to 70 percent of the county’s waste from area landfills. William Cohen is a city and regional planning consultant.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. As stated by Cohen, why did Lunenburg County decide to implement a mandatory recycling program?
2. How are separations done in Lunenburg County, according to Cohen?
3. According to the author, what is recycled compost used for"

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