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An important positive in this policy is that MRFs all over the country are working to change and <br />update their processing systems to improve the quality of the material they are sending to end <br />markets. This is a very good thing and means that more items will get sent to the right markets <br />and more will get recycled. It also means that we will see more of the non -recyclable items <br />pulled out of the recycling and thus higher reported residual rates. <br />Part of the solution is to make sure that companies that design and sell the packaging we buy <br />take compatibility with existing recycling processes into account when they make the items. <br />It also means that more emphasis will be placed on educating residents. This is because <br />residents play a big role in making sure that only recyclable items end up in their cart. <br />The low cost of oil continues to put downward pressure on the price of recyclable plastics as <br />manufacturers can choose to use virgin oil over recycled content. <br />Long Haul Trucking: Another impact to the recycling market has been a shortage of long haul <br />truckers. This is a difficult job that is not always well compensated. Additionally tighter safety <br />regulations were implemented that require electronic monitoring on all trucks to ensure drivers <br />aren't on the road longer than allowed. Between this and the hurricanes in the fall that <br />increased demand for trucking, all end markets have seen trucking costs increase significantly. <br />This will depress markets that require trucking long distances such as aluminum and tin. <br />Fortunately we have a strong regional demand for PET and HDPE so that part of the sector has <br />been hit less by the market but still may see impacts. <br />Material Specific Updates: <br />News, Mixed Paper, OCC: As mentioned previously we have seen markets drop significantly <br />this fall due to China's National Sword Policy. We expect this trend to continue for at least six <br />months and as long as two years. We may see pricing increase after six months if China loosens <br />its regulations in order to get more material or as long as two years if China is able to continue <br />manufacturing without US recyclables —two years is about how long we estimate it will take for <br />new end markets to develop. At this time there is minimal action because investors and <br />recyclers are reluctant to start projects that would fail if China loosens regulations suddenly. <br />Textiles: In the last few years we have seen the price of textiles drop precipitously as a result of <br />"fast fashion", a trend towards manufacturing cheaper low quality clothing that wears out <br />faster so has a lower reuse value. Because consumers are buying more of this, and discarding <br />more of it, not only does it have a lower reuse value, but the market is flooded with this low <br />quality clothing, reducing the value of all textiles. We expect this trend to continue in 2018. <br />Aluminum Cans: Most of our markets for aluminum cans are in Tennessee and Kentucky. <br />Because of this distance, this market has been hit by the aforementioned higher cost of long <br />haul trucking. <br />9 <br />