Single Stream Recycling~exploring the impact~

Rob TaylorNC 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

The Big Picture in North Carolina

# of NC Households with Access to Curbside Recycling

Fiscal Year # of Households Served

FY 2007-08 1,480,501

FY 2008-09 1,519,200

FY 2009-10 1,593,509

FY 2010-11 1,667,597

FY 2011-12 1,798,620

21.5% increase over last 5 years!

Recovery of “Traditional” Recyclables

Curbside Recycling: Before and After Single-Stream Recycling

Community Lbs/HH (2007-08) Lbs/HH (2011-12)

Clayton 180 328

Concord 208 398

Davidson 438 522

Laurinburg 297 399

Pinehurst 279 463

Raleigh 323 367

Zebulon 190 425

Program growth is further enhanced by transition to carts

Carts Matter

NC Recycling Program Collection Averages (FY 2010-11)

Bin-based Programs 247 lbs / household

Cart-based Programs 445 lbs / household

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

Since 2008, increase of 13 million gallons of

home recycling capacity

DEAO Cart Grantees

How Does NC Stack Up?

Penetration of Carts in Curbside Programs

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)

Simplify Traffic Flow & Save Space

or

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

What’s This?

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 LeaderNC Division of Environmental Assistance and

OutreachPhone: 919-707-8139Email: rob.taylor@ncdenr.govhttp://portal.ncdenr.org/web/deao/recycling/

localgov