What are Streams? May 27, 2016 A Stream is what is used to divide types of recyclable refuse. Depending on the recycling program being applied in a community or business, recyclables can be divided into single or multi-stream systems for collection. While a single-stream system has all types of recycling placed in one container without the need to separate, a multi-stream system separates recyclables into different Streams of two or more. Usually, the recyclables are collected and then taken to a Municipal Recycling Facility (MRF)…

What is the difference between Diversion Rate and Recycling Rate? Diversion and Recycling rates are ways of measuring waste disposal. A diversion rate is a calculation explaining the amount of waste that is diverted away from landfills. The diversion rate considers what can be diverted by using the 3 R’s of the Recycling Hierarchy: • Reduce: Actions such as composting certain wastes or using silverware instead of plastic utensils • Reuse: Reusing individual products in a different way like taking an old tire and making…

What is the difference between direct and indirect emissions? May 27, 2016 Direct and indirect emissions are classifications for carbon emissions. Direct emissions that are created by an individual; these emissions are controllable and connect a person to their influence on the environment. Indirect emissions are emissions that are related to the individual, such as the carbon produced by the country the person lives in. For example, in Canada, the average Canadian produces around five tons of carbon dioxide yearly while as a country, Canada…

What is curbside collection? May 27, 2016 Curbside collection is a service provided to households for the disposal of refuse. In this service, trucks collect waste and deliver it to either a landfill or a recycling plant where it is processed for reuse. How this service is executed is left to the municipalities either alone or in partnership with other communities, which means that policies for what is considered recyclable along with when refuse is collected will vary. In some cases, the service is overseen…

What is the Waste/Recycling Hierarchy? May 27, 2016 The waste/recycling hierarchy is designed to encourage people to be more conscientious in both the waste they produce and how it is managed. This is often referred to as the “3 R’s of Recycling.” The 3 R’s of the waste/recycling hierarchy are: • Reduce: Finding ways to lessen or reduce what becomes waste. • Reuse: Taking what has been used and finding a new purpose for it. • Recycle: Using items that have been used and processing…