Integrated Resources & Solid Waste Management Plan Update - Dec 2009

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4.0 RECYCLING, BIOCONVERSION, AND MARKETS 4.5.2.1 Multi- Stream Recycling With multi- stream systems, households place recyclables into rectangular containers, bags, or bundles and place them at the curb. The collector lifts materials by hand into multiple compartments on the collection vehicle. Glass is often separated from other materials in order to avoid high contamination of fiber and fiber processing difficulties that can result when broken glass is present. Most programs sort materials into two or three types of commodities, but five to seven materials sorts are done in some programs. Advantages • More thoroughly separating differing types of materials generally results in higher recycled material quality and market prices. Can reinforce zero waste principles by raising consumer awareness that sorted materials are valuable resources. Disadvantages • Requires more effort by householders to sort materials. • Requires a higher level of effort by haulers, resulting in higher collection costs. 4.5.2.2 Single- Stream Recycling In recent years, there has been a movement towards single- stream recycling systems in which all dry recyclables are placed into a single rolling carte. The cart is lifted using a hydraulic lifting arm attached to a collection vehicle. This more automated type of system lowers collection costs. The lowest cost per ton of material recycled is typically achieved by single stream recycling with fully automated collection in which a single driver can collect material from many stops without leaving the cab of the truck (see photo below). Advantages • Generally results in the highest rate of diversion of materials from landfill. • Simpler system for participants to use because all materials are combined in a single bin and no sorting is necessary. • Lower cost per ton of material recycled because of higher resident participation rates combined with automated collection efficiency (lower collection costs). • Results in fewer injuries to collection workers and corresponding workers compensation claims because no lifting or handling of materials is required. Disadvantages • Higher contamination of recyclables: significant effort is required to ensure that residents maintain material quality. 2 MSW Management Magazine (July /August 2007) reports the results of a 2005 study that indicated single stream collection was used in 27 percent of U.S. recycling programs in 2005 compared with 10 percent in 2000. December 2009 4 -13