single stream recycling

[Michael Gordon]

What are the positve and negative that you have exsperienced?

[Stephanie Carbone Bolyard]

Single stream simplifies collection, while reducing collection costs. Increased participant is observed as a single container collection is more convenient for the participant. Single stream saves money through collection, but increases the cost of processing since all recyclables are collected in one container. “The net cost “total value chain” of single stream = collection savings per ton (~$15); cost increase for processing per ton (~$10); cost increase per ton for pulping/paper making (~$8) = overall system net cost increase of ~$3 per ton (Single Stream Recycling).”

[Michael Gordon]

Thank you for your thoughts. We still do not have a facility that we could take single stream items to in our area. But it sounds like it may be coming soon.