Co-Mingled Recycling: Everything You Need to Know

Recycling has emerged as a practice that can help in reversing the impact done by decades of improper waste disposal practices. Although it is not sufficient in itself to eliminate large-scale problems like global warming and pollution, it’s a step in the right direction. Today, we’ll take a look at co-mingled recycling, a method used to recycle various items like glass, paper, plastic, and much more.   

 

What is Co-Mingled Recycling? 

 

For many years, we’ve been taught to keep different kinds of waste items separate from each other to ensure they’re processed with ease. However, this method can change with the help of co-mingled recycling, also known as single-stream recycling. In this recycling practice, a single collection truck is used by waste collection companies to gather all types of waste materials including glass, paper, metals, plastics, etc.   

 

This is a completely new approach as compared to traditional practices where many municipality-run sanitation and recycling programs had a different pickup day for separate waste items. In the new recycling approach, the single collection truck takes all types of waste items directly into advanced recycling facilities where the entire waste collection is sifted and separated.   

 

Contrary to what it seems, separating the various waste items doesn’t take a significant amount of time, as state-of-the-art processing facilities are used for separating instead of manual methods. Modern waste recycling facilities are well-equipped to handle a completely co-mingled mixture with ease.   

 

Why Co-Mingled Recycling?  

 

Even though recycling and its wide range of benefits have been popularised by awareness programs and inclusions in the syllabus of schools, people still fail to dedicatedly recycle their residential and commercial waste for a plethora of reasons. Among these reasons, the complicated process and requirements to implement proper waste recycling emerge as the top reasons preventing people from getting started on recycling.  

 

Co-mingled recycling is the perfect solution as tenants and employers no longer have to use multiple containers for storing different types of waste. They can easily use a single container for all types of waste and simply let the professional waste disposal crew collect it regularly. This makes recycling hassle-free and encourages more people to prevent environmental damage when disposing of their waste.  

 

Benefits of Co-Mingled Recycling for the Environment  

The current recycling methods that are prevalent all around the world can still be improved with modern tools, technologies, and unique methodologies. Single-stream recycling is one such methodology that proves to be beneficial for the environment because it requires the use of single-compartment trucks that are affordable and easier to operate. Since all the waste is collected from a single waste container, the overall time a truck takes to cover a certain area is reduced, helping lower the overall carbon emissions in the collection process.   

 

Another major benefit for the environment includes increased waste collection, which is a result of the ease of storing all your waste in a single container. This is beneficial because, in conventional methods, people need to be aware of which bin to use for specific waste. Not only does this sometimes discourage them from using bins every time they have something to dispose, but it also means putting the wrong type of waste in a container would eventually mean it isn’t processed properly.   

 

Does Co-Mingled Recycling Have Any Disadvantages?  

Of course. Every new method, be it for industrial waste management or residential waste reduction, will always have some disadvantages in one form or the other. The same can be said for single-stream recycling as the primary issue remains the cost of implementation which includes the use of new containers, carts, collection vehicles, and processing facilities.   

 

Trusting Reliable Waste Management Experts for Recycling 

 

The time is nigh to adopt an aggressive approach and eliminate improper waste disposal practices. We’ve done enough damage in the last century as well as the current one to create issues like global pollution and warming. Further, improper waste disposal also poses a threat to the environment and various living forms, which is why we should exercise caution when disposing of residential, commercial, and industrial waste. Limited resources and poor quality of life are areas that require our attention as future generations could suffer because of our rash decisions.   

Richmond Waste: One-Stop Destination for All Co-Mingled Recycling Needs  

If you’re looking for exceptional recycling services, you can rely on Richmond Waste as they provide a wide range of state-of-the-art waste management services including document destruction, liquid waste disposal, skip bin hire, and much more. Visit the website to learn about their solutions, vision, and commitments.