These are really good points Judith. There are still many locations that use a dual stream system to at least keep paper/cardboard separate to reduce contamination. Everything just depends on each facilities’ capabilities within their budget. Maybe we’ll have more locations moving to separate bins, but for now we need to work with what the system is like in order to improve our recycling recovery rate now.

Of course, feel free to share!

Thank you for your additional advice, although it is location dependent. What you’re describing is a duel stream recycling system which requires residents to keep containers and fibers separate. Most municipalities utilize a single stream recycling system where residents can place all allowable recycling in one curbside bin which is sorted at the recycling facility. Also, placing items in a bag is location dependent. Many municipalities prefer recyclable materials to be loose in the bin to make it easier for machine sorting. Please check with your municipality before placing your recycling in a bag, as many locations do not accept items that are bagged and will send them to landfill if they can’t see what is inside.

Great comment! The idea is good, but the implementation would be tough. In order to require all companies to add something to their label, it would take a unified legislation across the country to require something new on the label of all products from all manufacturers. There is also the factor that every recycling facility has different rules for acceptance based on what their facility has the capacity to process, and what manufacturers they are able to sell recycled materials to. The Recycle Coach app is an easy way to sort this all out since it has municipality specific information based on municipality participation and input. You just type in the item you’re unsure of and it will tell you where it goes based on your specific location.