What is Stream Contamination? May 30, 2016 Stream contamination is when a recycling stream is compromised in some form. This can range from unemptied packaging to the entry of non-recyclable materials like plastic bags. It occurs most often in single-stream programs because all types of recyclable materials are collected together, meaning that broken glass or unclean aluminum can compromise the collected recyclables. Contamination can be a major problem when it comes to recycling. Recycling reduces the need for raw materials by reusing the materials found…

What is Demand-side Waste Management? May 30, 2016 Demand-side waste management is consumers moving companies to create products that produce less waste and are made from recyclable or recycled. In this situation, consumers use their purchasing power to communicate with manufacturers their preferences. This is done through methods such as boycotting the company in question or buying product from a competitor who may meet the requirements that the public wants. One way companies can respond to this is through source reduction, reducing the amount of…

What is the difference between Institutional and Industrial waste? May 30, 2016 Institutional and industrial waste are classifications of refuse based on where they originate. Institutional waste is waste produced from institutions such as schools, hospitals, or prisons. These include waste not typically found in households but also hazardous wastes in some circumstances. Industrial waste is refuse produced by industries such as factories, foundries, or mills. These wastes include liquid, sludge, solid, and hazardous waste, but not domestic. Because both clarifications deal with hazardous waste,…

What is a Tipping Fee? May 30, 2016 Definition A tipping fee or a gate fee is a fee paid by anyone who disposes of waste in a landfill. Usually this fee is based on the weight of waste per ton. This fee can be passed down to waste generator from landfill through fees or taxes. This fee serves in helping with the maintenance and other operating costs of a landfill. Tipping fees can vary depending on the space available in the landfill or if…

What is a Municipal Recycling Facility (MRF)? May 30, 2016 A Municipal Recycling Facility (MRF) is a location where waste is taken to be separated and processed before being sold to manufacturers for reuse. Households leave recyclable refuse out on the curb for collection. This waste is picked up by trucks which deliver the recyclable waste to the MRF for separation and processing. Depending on the system of streams used by the community-recycling program, the waste may be grouped to one stream or more though…