Dual Stream and Multi-Sort Recycling

Multi-sort or Dual stream recycling is a collection system which requires consumers to pre-sort their fibers (papers and cardboard) and mixed containers (metal, glass, plastic) into separate bins. The final sorting of materials is completed by a combination of machine and human labor.

Green Star Recycling provides a great infographic for us:

Advantages

• Increased quality control and less contamination of end product
• More materials are processed and recovered, less residue heading to landfills
• Potential higher market value of high quality materials
• Lower processing costs

Disadvantages

• Separate compartments on trucks reduce capacity and can ‘top-out’ prior to another
• Less convenient for consumers
• Potentially reduced participation, especially for those with space constraints
• Increased collection times