Haphazardly sorted recyclables often end up in landfills or incinerated because they contain prohibited items.

To avoid contamination, Earth Waste will continue to “sort segregate” the transfer stations’ recycling during the initial period, Elnicki said.

“We believe sort segregation of recycling is the most effective method to keep the product free of contaminants and out of landfills,” said Elnicki, adding that the fees will cover costs to staff the station, bail the materials and store and ship the items.

Elnicki explained that if and when they ship cardboard, plastic and newspaper, they already have a significant investment in the product and the market no longer offsets the costs.

“We recognize that slowly domestic markets may respond and begin to find new uses for some of the commodities,” she said. “Until that time, we must adjust to a new global economy.”

Idleman said it may take some inventive planning, but this is a serious issue.

“We need to take a hard look at this and creatively think about what we can do,” she said.

On a state level, lawmakers are working toward change. This week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed into law a ban on single-use plastic bags.