Single Stream Recycling

Single stream recycling is a collection and processing system which allows co-mingling of recyclable materials. Once received at the Materials Recovery Facility, a specialized plant, the recyclables undergo cleaning, separating, and preparation before they are marketed to manufacturers for reuse.

Advanced Disposal, a hauler that operates in 17 states, explains the processing that occurs within a Materials Recovery Facility:

Advantages

• Reduced sorting effort by residents leads to increased participation 
• Reduced collection cost, single compartment trucks interchange between waste and recycling 
• Expands the list of acceptable recyclable materials

Disadvantages

• Initial capital cost for carts, collection vehicles, and processing facilities
• Contamination of raw materials can degrade quality of certain final products
• Unmarketable end products head to the landfill