Single Stream Frequently Asked Questions
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| Recycling being picked up Single Stream |
Why Single Stream?
New technologies in recycling collection and processing (where recyclable materials are sorted) have made recycling easier. Single stream reduces the sorting effort by residents which means more recyclables may be set at the curb and more residents may participate.
What are the potential benefits of
Single Stream Collection?
- Increase convenience to residents
- Bring in more recyclables
- Increase diversion rates
- Reduce collection costs
- Increase in participation rates
What are the potential disadvantages of Single Stream Collection?
- Produce lesser quality recyclable materials. Can be prevented by:
> Rinsing all food containers
> Having newer technologies at recycling processor
- Increase costs for resident education
- Increase in land filling of materials by processor and manufacturer
Who collects the City of Alexandria's curbside recycling?
The City of Alexandria contracts for recycling collection service. Bates Trucking of Maryland collects the City's curbside recycling.
Who sorts the recycling that has been collected by the City's contractor?
Currently, recycling is being sorted by WM Recycles America in Elkridge, MD.
How are the paper and containers separated back out?
Watch a short video from WM Recycle America, our recycling processor.
Who is currently collecting single stream in the DC metro region and Virginia?
The following cities are collecting single stream:
- Washington, DC
- In Virginia:
> Virginia Beach
> Richmond area
> Newport News, Hampton
> Norfolk
> Franklin
- In Maryland :
> Anne Arundel County
> Prince George's County is converting their facility to process materials single stream.
> Howard County
> Carroll County
i Taken from various sources including: Kinsella, Susan., Resource Recycling "Single-Stream: Closing the Loop." January 2006;. Close, Jim., APWA Reporter Online "Single stream recycling: Could be coming to a theatre near you." 2/22/2007. Kinsella, Susan and Richard Gertman, Single Stream Recycling - Best Practices Manual. February 2007.
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