Types of Curbside Recycling Programs
Twenty years ago, only one curbside recycling program existed in the United States, which collected several materials at the curb. Currently one in two households with access to curbside recycling participate on a regular basis. That represents quite a difference, and a large reason for the increase in programs has been the flexibility in options.
There are three primary ways for communities to recycle at the curb. They include:
- Dual-stream recycling
- Single-stream recycling
- Pay-as-you-throw
Here is a quick overview of the three options; do you know which one is present in your community?
1. Dual Stream Recycling
This is probably the most popular form of curbside recycling in the U.S. Residents are asked to sort containers in one curbside bin and papers (newspaper, magazines, direct mail, etc.) in another. Usually the two bins are color-coded (i.e. blue for paper, green for containers, etc.) Both bins are set out on the curb on pick-up day.
Most communities that offer this service use special trucks that are divided in half to allow workers to sort at the truck by container and paper, just as the residents did.
2. Single Stream Recycling
One growing, and often controversial development is the emergence of “single stream” (or commingling) curbside recycling programs. Single stream recycling allows all commodities to be commingled in a wheeled, lidded cart (65 or 94 gallon).
Carts can be wheeled to the curb versus lifted, contents are not revealed unlike existing bins and residents do not have to separate any materials. Haulers favor single stream because they can reduce the number of trucks, the frequency of pick-ups and the incidence of injuries. Evidence does also suggest that single stream sharply increases recycling numbers as access to larger bins allows residents to recycle more items.
On the other hand opponents have strong and legitimate concerns about the impact of single stream on the quality of materials collected from this large and growing source. There is also criticism about contamination in this form of recycling when materials are combined together.
3. Pay-As-You-Throw
Pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) is actually a type of trash collection programs, but when combined with curbside recycling it can be highly effective in increasing recycling participation. As part of PAYT, residents often pay a fee per bag of trash they set out on the curb and curbside recycling is offered at no cost or at a reduced cost, thereby encouraging more recycling.
There are several benefits to PAYT programs, including the decrease of waste, the increase of recycling and the ability of households to control their waste management costs. Consumers can choose to divert waste every day and there is an economic reason to do so that literally affects their bottom line.
bravenewleaf
posted on January 6th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
I like the convenience of single stream mixed with the social consciousness forced on us by the pay-as-you-throw, though I’ve heard that abuse of the PAYT programs can create problems (neighbors toss waste into other neighbors bins).
I believe this is the combination that countries like Netherlands and Finland use, and their recycling rates are among the highest in the world. We still have some distance to go.
I wonder though, what the impact on recycling material efficiency is for Dual Stream recycling vs. Single Stream recycling. How much better are people at sorting out paper and such than the machines? I know I certainly make a lot of mistakes when sorting: some out of forgetfulness, and some out of confusion. Does the sorting machine do better or worse?
–A new greenie trying to figure it all out.
http://www.bravenewleaf.com