Single Stream Recycling

Single-stream recycling is a system in which all recyclable materials are placed, unsorted, in one recycling bin, and sorted by state-of-the-art processing equipment at a regional recycling center.

Examples

Containers

  • Aluminum
  • Glass
  • Plastic
  • Steel

Fiber

  • Cardboard
  • Catalogs
  • Junk mail
  • Magazines
  • Mixed paper
  • Newspaper

Recyclable Items

The following items can be recycled:

  • All paper products (clean and dry)
  • All plastics (except Styrofoam and film bags)
  • Aluminum cans and foil
  • Aseptic and gable top containers (milk and juice cartons)
  • Glass bottles and jars
  • Steel/tin cans

More Convenient

Residents and collectors are no longer required to separate paper and containers, making curbside recycling much more convenient. Because there’s no sorting at curbside, haulers can use automated collection using 64-gallon, as opposed to the familiar 18-gallon recycling bin, so residents can recycle more with each collection.

Advantages of Single-Stream Recycling

Residents

Convenience increases dramatically for residents, especially with automated collection that uses much larger wheeled recycling carts since it does not require separation of paper and cardboard from containers. The wheeled carts reduce litter and contamination because they have lids that seal tightly.

City

The City saves money by paying for disposal of less solid waste in the landfill. Collection costs are reduced because trucks can be automated, increasing route efficiencies while reducing fuel consumption, employee injuries, and worker’s compensation costs.

State

Single-stream recycling will be the largest factor in increasing participation and recycling rates, helping the state reach the goal set in Florida’s Solid Waste Management Plan of recycling 75 percent of all solid waste by 2020. 

Environment

  • Single-stream recycling conserves more natural resources and decreases raw materials used.
  • More recycling means less trash delivered to trash-to-energy facilities or trucked to landfills.
  • Easier recycling means greater residential participation that drives up recycling rates and reduces trash disposal, lowering costs to municipalities and homeowners.
  • Automated collection means more efficient routes, decreasing truck emissions, and fuel consumption.