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Single Stream Recycling ~exploring the impact~. Rob Taylor NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Outreach. Questions:. How has single stream changed the dynamic of the recycling industry? How and why are recycling programs making the switch to single stream?. Explore:.
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Single Stream Recycling~exploring the impact~ Rob Taylor NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Outreach
Questions: • How has single stream changed the dynamic of the recycling industry? • How and why are recycling programs making the switch to single stream? Explore: • The impact that single stream is having • Best Management Practices for the single stream age
Overview • Why Single Stream Matters • Looking at the Results • Curbside Recycling and Carts • Drop-off Recycling and Compactors • Expanding Access to Single Stream Recycling • BMPs • Some Thoughts about Glass
Why is Single Stream So Significant? • Collection is the most expensive aspect of providing recycling service • Single stream recycling enables more efficient collection for both drop-off and curbside programs • Ability to commingle removes a barrier to participation • Change to single stream is associated with significant increases in participation and diversion
# of NC Households with Access to Curbside Recycling 21.5% increase over last 5 years!
Curbside Recycling: Before and After Single-Stream Recycling Program growth is further enhanced by transition to carts
Cart-Based Collections • Enabled by single-stream processing • Make automated collection possible • Make use of RFID systems possible • Reduce work-related injury • Increase ease for citizens • Increase capacity for storing recyclables (18 gal vs. 95 gal) • Easier to add new materials to program • Make every-other-week collection less problematic • Business case: ROI~ 5 to 7 years, can be even quicker
How Does NC Stack Up?Penetration of Carts in Curbside Programs Since 2008, increase of 13 million gallons of home recycling capacity DEAO Cart Grantees
Single-Stream and Drop-off Recycling • Simplify – no need for sorting • Fewer containers taking up less space • Allows for compaction to maximize hauling efficiency • Counties should strongly consider compactors at staffed convenience sites (more payload, fewer hauls)
MRFs Make Single Stream Possible • Recent additions to MRF landscape serving NC: • American Recycling in Asheville, NC; Bay Disposal in Hampton, VA • Benfield Sanitation MRF in Mooresville, NC; North Davidson MRF in Lexington, NC • Sonoco MRF in Jacksonville, NC, Waste Management in Winston-Salem, NC
Hubs & Spokes: Transfer Systems Help Communities Access MRFs = accessible single stream MRF = transferring county = good candidates for transfer
BMPs for Single Stream Programs • Carts for curbside programs • Compactors for drop-off systems (when practical) • Don’t miss the chance to add materials to your program: • All grades of paper? • Gable-topped and Aseptic Cartons? • Non-bottle Plastics? • Think of the future when buying / replacing equipment: • Automated or semi-automated collection using one staff • RFID in carts & readers on new trucks • Refresh your PR when making program changes • Don’t forget to track program data
Single Stream and Glass • Glass can impact the quality of materials produced by single stream systems • MRF operators love to complain about glass: • Issue 1 - Equipment wear and tear • Issue 2 - No profit for MRF in handling glass • Not all MRFs are created equal when it comes to the quality of glass produced
More on Glass • Glass recycling really matters to: • Glass bottle producers • Glass Cullet Recyclers (Reflective Recycling, Strategic Materials) • Consumers (who want convenient glass recycling) • System Cost of Glass Recycling vs. Cost of Glass Disposal Solutions? • Communities can keep glass separate, maybe… • MRFs can get better at handling glass, maybe… • End users can pay more for recovered feedstock, maybe…
The Cat’s Out of The Bag or Conclusion: Single Stream is Advancing Recycling in the Carolinas. Let’s make it work!
Thank You! • Questions / Discussion?? • For more information please contact: Rob Taylor, Local Government Team Leader NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Outreach Phone: 919-707-8139 Email: rob.taylor@ncdenr.gov http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/deao/recycling/localgov