What is dry mixed recycling?

Dry mixed recycling refers to a method of waste management that involves collecting various types of recyclable materials together in one bin or container, rather than separating them by type. This is in contrast to source-separated recycling, where different types of recyclables like paper, plastic, glass, and metal are collected separately.

In dry mixed recycling, commonly recycled items such as cardboard, paper, plastic bottles, cans, and some glass containers are all accepted together in a single recycling bin. The purpose of this approach is to make recycling more convenient for households and businesses, reducing the effort required to sort and separate materials.

Once collected, the dry mixed recycling is transported to a materials recovery facility (MRF), where it undergoes a sorting process. At the MRF, various techniques like conveyor belts, screens, optical scanners, and manual sorting are used to separate the different materials. Paper, cardboard, plastics, and metals are sorted and baled before being sent to recycling facilities for further processing and manufacturing into new products.

Dry mixed recycling has several benefits. It helps to conserve natural resources by reducing the need for raw materials used in the production process. It also reduces the amount of waste sent to landfill, helping to minimize environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions associated with landfilling. Moreover, dry mixed recycling makes recycling more accessible and encourages more people to participate in recycling efforts.

However, there are also challenges and considerations associated with dry mixed recycling. Contamination can be a problem, as non-recyclable or contaminated items may be mistakenly included in the mixed recycling bins, potentially reducing the quality of the recyclable materials. Education and awareness campaigns, along with effective communication and labeling, are necessary to avoid contamination issues. Additionally, the sorting process at MRFs can be complex and expensive, requiring the use of advanced technology and skilled workers.

Overall, dry mixed recycling offers a convenient and efficient approach to waste management, simplifying recycling for individuals and promoting greater participation in recycling programs. It is an important part of efforts to reduce waste, conserve resources, and move towards a more sustainable and circular economy.