What is single-stream/commingled recycling collection? June 24, 2016 Single-stream recycling collection, also known as commingled recycling collection, is a system where all recyclable materials are collected in one location and are not separated based on their materials. The collected material is usually then taken to a Municipal Recycling Facility (MRF) where the recyclables are separated and processed before being sold to manufacturers who will use the materials to make new products. The advantage of this system is that it spares people from having to separate…

What is Recycling and how does it work? May 19, 2016 Recycling is taking something that has been used in its current form for as long as it can be useful and repurposing it into something new that can be used instead of throwing it away. Typically, recyclables are collected at your home, work or school and sorted into bins. A hauler then takes them to a facility where the materials are recovered. Once the materials are separated, they are sold to companies that reformat…

What is Waste? May 19, 2016 Waste is something that is thrown away because it is no longer useful. Items should only be considered Waste if they cannot be recycled. Generally, Waste is disposed of by curbside collection or personal delivery to a landfill where it can be properly handled so it cannot contaminate groundwater or harm the surrounding environment. The amount of Waste being produced is a growing problem that affects not only the environment but also humans. If not disposed of properly, Waste…

What is Sustainability? May 19, 2016 Sustainability is being able to continue certain habits without having long-term, adverse effects on the environment. It is taking aspects of those habits and making them more environmentally friendly. These changes don’t need to be complicated and do not just mean recycling, it can also include carpooling or even buying locally produced goods. Because our actions can influence the environment, it is important that our decisions have minimal effects on the Earth wherever possible. The growing problem of waste…

What Does Zero Waste Mean? May 19, 2016 Zero waste is a way of using resources that are intended to reduce what we send to landfills eventually down to nothing. This is accomplished by recycling and composting refuse instead of disposing of it in a landfill whenever possible. Along with recycling and composting, zero waste relies on source reduction to bring the total waste generated down to zero. Cities and municipalities are beginning to implement policies to reduce their output of waste and eventually move…