SALEM has DUAL STREAM recycling!
If you have been hanging around the recycling block a long time, you have probably heard the terms “Dual Stream” and “Single Stream.” But, do you know what they mean?
Here is a simple definition:
Single Stream recycling allows you to mix all of your paper, plastic, glass, and metal into one container and put it out on the curb. These materials will be handled together during the collection and processing cycles.
Dual Stream recycling requires that you separate paper from plastic, metal, and glass. (Note! DO NOT separate these things using plastic bags!) These materials need to be handled separately at the materials recovery facilities, and if they are commingled (mixed together), they damage equipment or diminish resale value.
The purpose of recycling is the sale, reuse, or remanufacture of as much material as possible. This is why recycling facilities are referred to as “Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs).” In order for materials to be recycled, they must be recovered in decent shape and have a viable future use. Obviously, those who are looking through empty containers and jars have a different idea of “useable” than the rest of us! However, for the materials to be recoverable – they must be usable. Dependent on the method chosen, dual-stream or single-stream materials can be recovered at varying capacities for reuse.
Currently, one of the biggest debates between dual stream and single stream recycling:
- Single Stream is less expensive – but the end result is material that is less useable.
- Dual Stream is more expensive – but the materials are more useable.
Obviously, it’s not as simple as that. Here is a simple chart listing a few other pros and cons.
Single Stream
Pros:- Cheaper to collect via single container
- Recycling rates are generally higher
Cons:
- Higher cost to build facilities
- Less usable material
- Higher capital investment
Dual Stream
Pros:- Facilities are cheaper to construct
- More usable material
- In particular, paper is highly recyclable with Dual Stream
Cons:
- More education required to properly recycle
- More fuel used to transport materials
At the end of the day, what you really need to know is -
SALEM HAS DUAL STREAM RECYCLING!
In Salem, for the time being, we have dual stream recycling – so you must separate your paper from your plastics + glass + metals. We talked about this last time on the blog.
Any Questions?
As always, if you have comments you can post here, or email us on the GreenSalem website, or send them our way via facebook.
Beth, a member of the SalemRecycles Committee, is an MS candidate at Salem State University in the Industrial-Organizational Psychology program. She is interested in sustainable business and development. You can often find her running at Forest River Park or checking out books about upcycling from the Salem Public Library.
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Interested in some sources used for this article? You can read them here:
Vangel. (2013). Single Stream Recycling: Case Studies.
American Recycler. (2010). Impact of Single Stream Recycling.
Container Recycling Institute. (2009). Understanding Economic and Environmental Impacts of Single Stream Collection Systems.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Single Stream Recycling.
Wikipedia. Single Stream Recycling.
