A new state law in effect today prohibits the disposition of plastic bottles through landfills. The only legal alternative is recycling.

New signs have been posted at all local recycling centers and at the landfill, where personnel will be eyeballing all trash for telltale hints of an illegal plastic bottle. Landfill personnel will be required to wade in and pull it out.

Recycling bins for plastic containers have long been available at county-operated centers and at similar collection centers maintained by municipalities. The difference now is that it is against the law to dispose of these containers in any fashion other than by recycling.

Moore County handled 46.4 tons of plastic recyclables during the fiscal year ending June 30, according to Brenda Beane, the Public Works administrative assistance who compiles recycling statistics.

Signs have been posted in recent weeks at all recycling centers and county personnel have been instructed about appropriate measures to comply with the new law. Local officials have already met with the League of Women Voters and Keep Moore County Beautiful leaders, groups that take a leadership role on environmental issues, including recycling.