Approaching single-stream recycling from the manufacturer’s point of view is key to setting up a successful system, according to consultant Richard Gertman of Environmental Planning Consultants in San Jose, Calif., at a presentation given at WasteExpo 2006.
“Single-stream is here to stay,” said Gertman, advising attendees that quality issues still plague single-stream recycling systems, resulting in higher costs for manufacturers.
While the single-stream approach is easier for the resident, it is not necessarily more convenient for the manufacturer, Gertman said. He advised developing more detailed contracts that specify what happens if the material does not meet specifications and offering incentives as rewards for cleaner material.
“Just good enough to sell is not good enough,” Gertman said.
Michael Taylor, market area vice president of the south group of the Recycle America Alliance, also addressed attendees on the topic of single-stream recycling.
Taylor outlined five main design considerations when developing a single-stream system: inbound quality, material streams, end-markets, volume and seasonal variations.
Taylor also told attendees that single-stream recycling is a better fit for larger systems.