Recycling has become an increasingly important part of our daily lives as we seek to reduce waste and preserve our environment. One approach that has gained popularity in recent years is commingled recycling. This method simplifies the recycling process for consumers and aims to improve overall recycling rates. Let’s delve into what commingled recycling is, how it works, and why it’s significant.
What is Commingled Recycling?
Commingled recycling, also known as single-stream recycling, is a system where all recyclable materials—such as paper, glass, plastics, and metals—are collected together in a single bin or container. Unlike traditional recycling programs that require separating different types of materials before collection, commingled recycling allows residents and businesses to place all recyclables in one designated bin without sorting them beforehand
How Commingled Recycling Works?
The concept of single-stream recycling dates back to the 1990s, when it was first introduced to the U.S. as a low barrier approach to recycling. Over the years, single-stream recycling has been gradually adopted by municipalities nationwide. The types of mixed recycling programs vary from town to town. Many towns accept recyclable materials in the following ways:
1. Collection
Waste management companies provide specially marked bins for commingled recycling to homes and businesses. These bins are typically blue or green and are used to collect all recyclable materials.
2. Transportation
Once collected, the materials are transported to a materials recovery facility (MRF). At the MRF, the recyclables are unloaded and sorted using a combination of manual and automated processes.
3. Sorting
Advanced machinery such as conveyor belts, screens, magnets, and optical scanners are used to separate different types of materials. For example, magnets can extract ferrous metals like steel, while optical sorters can identify and separate various types of plastics by their resin codes.
4. Baling and Processing
After sorting, the materials are compacted into bales or bundles of similar materials (e.g., paper, cardboard, aluminum cans). These bales are then shipped to recycling facilities where they undergo further processing to become raw materials for manufacturing new products.
5. Manufacturing
The processed materials are used by manufacturers to produce new products, thus completing the recycling loop and conserving natural resources
Dual-Stream vs. Single-Stream Recycling
When it comes to recycling, there are two types: single-stream and dual-stream. Single-stream recycling is all recyclables in one bin. Plastic, glass, and metal are usually collected in one bin while paper products go in the other. With dual-stream, you’ll need to sort your recyclable materials before they’re collected. This may sound like a simple task, but it can discourage people from recycling or from doing it properly.
Pros and Cons of Commingled Recycling
Is Combined Recycling More Effective Than Dual-Stream Recycling? There are pros and cons to both types of recycling.
Pros
The main advantage is that it’s relatively simple for consumers to get involved with curbside programs. Similarly, it’s also less expensive for the consumer since they only need to buy one recycling bin and items are collected by one truck. Because of this, many states, including New Jersey, have higher levels of public approval for this type of recycling.
Cons
The biggest downside to commingled recycling, however, is that it increases the risk of contamination. Contaminated recyclables may include non-compliant items (e.g., used food or beverage containers) or broken glass on the way to the facility. Contaminated items cannot be recycled into a new recyclable product, or the recycled product is of poor quality.
In addition, MRF equipment can be damaged by contaminated recyclables, which can be expensive for municipalities and facilities.
Commingled Recycling Tips
Overall, recycling has its pros and cons. However, if you’re part of a co-cycle program, you’ll want to make sure you’re doing your part to make sure your recyclables are processed correctly. Here’s our top advice:
- Ensure that any containers that can be recycled, such as glass, plastic or metal, are clean.
- Make sure all bottles and containers are empty before throwing them in the trash..
- Check the labels to see if there are any items that have additional recycling instructions.
- If you have any questions about materials, recycling pickup, etc., get in touch with your local recycling department.
