Information on Recycling Centers

Recycling centers accept different forms of recyclables. The presence of recycling centers in a locality increase participation of the residents recycling. Recycling centers provide service in a number of ways, including curbside pickup, drop-off centers, buy-back centers and deposit/refund programs.

Curbside Pick-Up

With curbside pick-up, special trucks fitted with independent containers travel the city streets to reclaim various recyclable materials. Sometimes, residents are required to sort the recyclables themselves. At times, to increase the participation rate, workers are employed to do some basic sorting. The most commonly collected materials are aluminum, paper, glass, plastic and steel. According to estimates by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of USA, almost 75 percent of what is thrown in the trash can be recycled. EPA estimates that out of this 75 percent, only 25 percent is being recycled as of May 2010. Curbside recycling encourages more households to participate in the recycling program. It can exists in several ways such as the dual-stream recycling program, single-stream recycling program or pay-as-you-throw program.

Dual-Stream Recycling

In dual-stream recycling, containers are collected in one bin and papers (including newspaper, magazines and mails) are collected in another. On the day of pickup, both the bins are set out on the curb.

Single-Stream Recycling

In single-stream recycling, only one cart is provided where all the materials are collected. The household need not sort out the materials. This method is easy and therefore generally preferred by haulers and households. But, there is criticism that this method increases the chances of contamination of the materials.

Pay-As-You-Throw

Pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) program charges residents for each trash bag. But, the recycling is generally offered at zero cost. The benefits to this program are that it encourages residents to reduce trash and increase recyclables since the latter is free.

Drop-off Centers

Drop-off center is a dedicated place in a locality which accepts recyclable materials. The homeowners have to transport the recyclables themselves. It is sometimes combined with curbside recycling; wherein these centers recycle hazardous materials like paint and propane gas.