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Single stream recycling

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Single-stream (also known as “fully commingled” or "single-sort") recycling refers to a system in which all paper fibers, plastics, metals, and other containers are mixed in a collection truck, instead of being sorted by the depositor into separate commodities (newspaper, paperboard, corrugated fiberboard, plastic, glass, etc.) and handled separately throughout the collection process. In single-stream, both the collection and processing systems are designed to handle this fully commingled mixture of recyclables, with materials being separated for reuse at a materials recovery facility (MRF).

Contents

Single-stream recycling programs were first developed in several California communities in the 1990s. Subsequently, many large and small municipalities across the United States began single-stream programs. As of 2012, there are 248 MRFs operating in the U.S.

Advantages

Proponents of single-stream note several advantages:

  • Reduced sorting effort by residents may mean more recyclables are placed at the curb and more residents may participate in recycling;
  • Reduced collection costs because single-compartment trucks are cheaper to purchase and operate, collection can be automated, and collection routes can be serviced more efficiently;
  • Greater fleet flexibility, which allows single-compartment vehicles to be used to collect recycling, providing greater fleet flexibility and reducing the number of reserve vehicles needed. To avoid confusing customers, a large sign or banner is sometimes used to distinguish when a refuse truck is being used to collect recycling (instead of refuse).
  • Worker injuries may decrease because the switch to single-stream is often accompanied by a switch from bins to cart-based collection.
  • Changing to single-stream may provide an opportunity to update the collection and processing system and to add new materials to the list of recyclables accepted; and
  • More paper grades may be collected, including junk mail, telephone books and mixed residential paper.

    • Disadvantages

    Potential disadvantages of single-stream recycling may include:

  • Initial capital cost for:
  • New carts
  • Different collection vehicles
  • Upgrading the processing facility
  • Processing costs may increase compared to multiple stream systems
  • Possible reduced commodity prices due to contamination of paper or plastic
  • Increased downcycling of paper, i.e., use of high quality fibers for low-end uses like boxboard because of presence of contaminants;
  • Possible increase in residual rates after processing (chiefly because of increased breakage of glass)
  • Potential for diminished public confidence if more recyclables are destined for landfill disposal because of contamination or inability to market materials.

    • References

    Single-stream recycling Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA


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