Single-stream recycling is a collection system where all recyclable materials, including newspaper, cardboard, plastic, aluminum, and junk mail, are gathered in a single bin or cart. A single truck collects these materials and transports them to a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) for sorting into different commodity streams.
In contrast, dual-stream recycling, popular in many areas, separates plastics, glass, and metals from paper and card, with dedicated trucks for each material type. The sorted materials are then sold to markets and processed into feedstock for new product production. Therefore, this unified approach eliminates the need for consumers or businesses to sort recyclables.
The adoption of single-stream recycling, aimed at enhancing resident participation and reducing collection costs, does come with the trade-off of higher processing costs. Commonly accepted materials include plastic bottles, packaging, paper, cardboard, magazines, catalogs, newspapers, cans, clean aluminum foil, clean jars, and glass containers, applicable to both single-stream and dual-stream recycling systems.
What are the Advantages of Single-Stream Recycling?
Embracing single-stream recycling has several advantages that promote waste management convenience and efficiency:
1. Simplified Recycling for Consumers:
It eliminates the need to separate materials, making recycling more user-friendly and encouraging higher participation.
2. Efficient Garbage Collection:
Single-service garbage collection reduces frequency, costs, and emissions, streamlining the waste management process.
3. Cost-Effective for Municipalities:
Lower initial collection costs, combined with the low cost of purchasing and operating single-compartment trucks, allow municipalities to easily launch and sustain recycling programs while realizing potential cost savings on collection routes.
4. Automation for Sorting:
It utilizes automated sorting technology, reducing reliance on manual sorting and improving overall efficiency.
5. User-Friendly Sorting Process:
Residents find it easier to sort materials compared to dual-stream systems, potentially increasing the volume of recyclables collected.
Also Read: What is Upcycling?
What are the Disadvantages of Single-Stream Recycling?
While single-stream recycling has numerous advantages, it also has some drawbacks that should be considered:
1. Contamination Issues:
The single-stream recycling approach often encourages aspirational recycling, where non-recyclable materials lead into the bins. The mixing of various materials contributes to contaminated waste in landfills, with broken glass and paper being notable concerns.
2. Cost and Transparency Challenges:
The system’s reliance on high sorting and processing costs may lead to a decrease in recycling rates and material export. Additionally, there is a lack of transparency in the final processing stages of collected materials, posing challenges.
3. Inefficient Material Handling:
Inefficient material separation within the single-stream process results in the production of low-quality recycled materials. This inefficiency necessitates manual sorting to maintain the quality of recycled items.
4. Financial Implications:
The adoption of single-stream recycling comes with upfront capital costs, including expenses for equipment changes such as new carts or upgraded facilities. Moreover, financial resources are needed for resident education during the implementation of program changes.
5. Infrastructure Updates:
Recycling facilities and end users must undergo updates to processes and equipment to align with market compliance standards.
6. Contamination Consequences:
The higher levels of contamination associated with single-stream recycling result in load rejection, fees, and a subsequent reduction in commodity prices, affecting the economic viability of the recycling process.
7. Paper Downcycling:
The separation of high and low-quality fibers in single-stream recycling may lead to paper downcycling. This process poses a risk to the quality of recycled paper, impacting its potential applications.
Recommended: What is Precycling?