Some people claim that not enough of the waste from homes is recycled. They say that the only way to increase recycling is for governments to make it a legal requirement. To what extent do you think laws are needed to make people recycle more of their waste? Give reasons for your answer and include any examples from your own knowledge or experience.

It is true that we do not recycle enough of our household

waste

.

Although

I accept that new legislation to force the public to recycle could help

this

situation, I do not agree that a recycling regulation is the only measure that governments should take. In my view, a new recycling law would be just one feasible way to highlight the importance of recycling.

For instance

, authorities could make it a legal obligation for householders to separate all

waste

into different bins.

Thus

, there could be punishments for people who fail to adhere to

this

law, ranging from a small fine to community service, or even perhaps prison sentences for repeat offenders, etc. In trying to avoid these punishments, citizens need to be law-abiding, so these measures would act as a deterrent, which gradually facilitates the development of recycling. Eventually, the improved behaviour of homeowners could lead to a clean, eco-friendly environment for the community.

However

,

this

does not automatically mean that a relevant law can ultimately convert people's lifestyles to eco-friendly ones.

Instead

, I believe a long-term resolution to radically change is better than a short-term coercive regulation, which means that governments could shift their focus from punishment to education, which, I think, is at the core centre of a recycling campaign.

For example

, children could be taught about the advantage of recycling and various ways to reuse materials in schools, and homeowners should be well-informed about the environmental impact of household

waste

.

Finally

, money could

also

be spent on improving recycling facilities and systems, so that

waste

can be processed more effectively, regardless of whether or not families separate it correctly in the home. In conclusion, perhaps we do need to make recycling a legal requirement, but it would certainly not be the only way to encourage society to dispose of their

waste

more responsibly.