Duel-stream recycling is making the news, with the new California legislation that was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom. AB-827 amends the Public Resources Code to encourage municipalities to implement dual-stream recycling programs, instead of single-stream recycling programs. When it goes into effect in 2020, the law requires the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) to determine what type of recycling programs are being implemented with the goal of reducing contamination.
It's easy to see (and say) how companies, parks, campuses, and every other type of organization should be recycling. An overwhelming body of evidence clearly demonstrates the superior results with dual-stream recycling, which is why even the state of California has taken steps to move in that direction. The problem is that many of the laws related to recycling just has no teeth, no way to punish those who break the law. Instead of giving up, there is still one more thing we can do. We can educate ourselves and others about the true benefits of effective recycling, and then begin to implement change in companies, organizations, etc. We can start by understanding the two main types of recycling programs: dual-stream vs. single-stream.
Dual-Stream vs Single-Stream Recycling?
The main difference between dual-stream and single-stream recycling is how the materials are collected. Duel-stream recycling has the following benefits:
- Higher quality collection
- Less contamination
- Lower cost for processing
While dual-stream recycling is generally accepted as a superior collection methodology, with source separating techniques, it's still often undermined by familiarity. We all know how the single-source recycling program works. We just throw all the recyclables into a bin, and put it on the curb. With its simplicity and ease of implementation, many companies don't dig deeper to discover alternative methods for recycling programs. The sad reality is that single-source recycling has the following drawbacks:
- Lower quality collection of recycling items
- Greater contamination
- Higher cost
The argument that many single-source advocates will use is that it's better to implement a program that will increase the likelihood of participation. But the truth is that it's easier to collect single-source recycling materials, even if the quality of the materials are severely contaminated and unusable.
How RecycleAway Can Help!
We know that dual-stream recycling is the best option, but it does require a level of education, hand-holding and dedication on the part of the corporate or business entity. We, at Recycle Away, are here to consult with you about the type of recycling station that will collect recyclables without contamination, intermingling, or loss of quality. We offer bulk discounts for large orders, so it's fast and easy to implement the solution that's more cost effective for your company while saving the planet, and supporting a more deliberate approach to the collection of recyclables.
It's time that we stop taking the path of the least resistance. Instead, we'll start implementing strategies and solutions that are really in the best interest of sustainability and the best methodology for the collection of recycled materials. It may take a readjustment, but we're here to help you move forward in the most efficient and effective way possible. We'll consult with you on your goals and vision for sustainability and recycling, then we'll offer real and actionable recommendations for the recycling-bin solutions that will best meet your needs.