Single Stream Recycling In Gwinnett

Single Stream Recycling is not here in Gwinnett County yet… What is single stream recycling?

Single stream (also known as  “single-sort”) recycling refers to a recycling process in which all paper fibers and containers are mixed together in a collection truck, instead of being sorted into separate commodities (plastic, newspaper, cardboard, glass, etc.) by the resident and handled separately throughout the collection process. In single stream recycling, both the collection and processing systems are designed to handle this fully commingled mixture of recyclables. This is truly a sustainable option.

What is the future of single stream recycling?

At a February 18, 2010 Webinar sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Jerry Powell, featured speaker and editor of the recycling trade journal Resource Recycling, responded to a call-in question on the future of single-stream recycling as follows:  Within the next 4-5 years, I anticipate that more than 80% of the U.S. recycling plants serving non-rural communities will switch to single-stream because co-mingled collection and processing represent the future of recycling markets. The only delays to having this changeover happen more quickly is budgeting the purchase of  new collection vehicles in coordination with recycling plant (MRF) building improvements.  As older recycling vehicles reach their service expectancy and are upgraded to single-stream collection models, most MRFs will upgrade to single-stream.

Athen’s Georgia to get single stream recycling.

While it may not seem like much trouble to pitch a soda can into one bin and yesterday’s newspaper into another, single-stream recycling can dramatically increase the amount of trash kept out of landfills. Communities that switched to single-stream saw a 10 percent to 50 percent jump in recycling. Reddish said he expects about a 25 percent increase in Athens.

“We’re doing this to increase the recyclable materials and reduce what goes to the landfill,” he said.

It’s also about money. Converting the county’s recycling facility will cost about $1.2 million to $1.5 million. But many recyclables are worth money, so the county government will recoup the investment by processing and selling more recycled materials, Reddish said.

Will we see single stream recycling in Gwinnett County? We sure hope so!

Green In Gwinnett Area – Keeping Gwinnett Green and Sustainable

Suwanee, Lawrenceville, Buford, Duluth, Norcross, Dacula, Snellville, Grayson, Lilburn, and all areas of Gwinnett County please recycle.