Single Stream Recycling

Single-stream recycling makes recycling SO easy, almost as easy as using the trash can. And, it’s getting us closer to having zero waste communities.

How it works: Through single stream recycling, all of your recyclables are collected in one bin. That means throwing paper, plastics, glass, etc., into one container instead of separating them. Another bin can be used for composting food scraps and yard waste and your third bin is the trash can (but you’ll be taking out the trash a lot less if you’re using single stream recycling).

Now, there’s no excuse. Many American’s don’t recycle because they are confused on what can and cannot go in certain bins. They also feel like it takes too much time and effort (laziness!). Now, you can throw everything together (as long as it is recyclable) and let the recycling center take care of the rest! Many communities are using single stream recycling to help them meet their goals of becoming a Zero Waste community and incorporating the three bin method talked about above.

Conservatree has interviewed participants using sign stream recycling for the past three years and have found there are different points of view about the system. Some systems are good, some are bad, however from each they are learning and tweaking to create what is needed to make single stream recycling the best it can be. Read more about this specific topic at Conservatree.