DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Tons of paper meant to be recycled was instead dumped into a Des Moines landfill because of plunging prices for the material. Mid America Recycling President Mick Barry tells the Des Moines Register that about 20 tons of paper a day ended up in the landfill this summer. The company processes the metro area’s recyclables. Cities have been struggling to get rid of recyclables since China tightened standards on what it would accept about two years ago.

Des Moines’ recycling program is expected to see a $50,000 deficit next fiscal year, compared to $320,000 in revenue in 2017. The city is looking to raise its solid waste fee by 2 percent next year to help cover losses. Metro Waste Authority, which handles recycling for the metro’s suburbs, has also seen costs increase.