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.
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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
Andre' D. Richardson
posted on June 10th, 2010 at 10:49 am
First of all the article is very helpful and could give excellent direction to newcomers. I would like to say that recyclers must always remember that dual and single stream programs are good. One must always keep in mind when deciding which one will work best for their region is the availiability of end-users and the demand of the local recycling markets for commodities. MRF’s depend on large volumes of single-stream recycling to survive, but if the quantities aren’t there they will close, leaving an empty shell of a building andf many people without work. Dual-stream recycling gives a cleaner product right from the start (less contamination), requires less labor, less electricity and is efficient.
In TreyGranger’s article it was mentioned that Twenty years ago, only one curbside recycling program existed in the United States. Do you happen to know the name of that municipality? Well, since nobody every mentions the location of that program I would like throw the name City of Auburn out there. Located in East Central Alabama, the City of Auburn started collecting curbside recycling 23 years ago in 1987, and prior to a 1989/1990 state mandate calling for 25% waste reduction.
Would this be the curbside recycling collection program that is referred to in Trey’s and many other recycling articles? I am curious to find out if Auburn was the first municipality in the United States to start a curbside recycling collection program ran soley by the City with the use of city workers and equipment.