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Single Stream Simplifies Curbside Recycling
The Town is introducing the Single Stream recycling method in Arlington. Also known as ‘No Sort’ recycling, Waste Management Inc. (WM), the Town’s trash and recycling collection contractor, has started an early implementation of the program. Now residents have the convenience to commingle recyclable paper and mixed containers, such as glass, cans, and plastics in one container for easier collection.
The convenience of Single Stream recycling greatly increases participation, resulting in the recovery of up to 30 percent more recyclable materials. Because Single Stream recycling is easier for residents, more waste will be recycled and less waste will go to the incinerator as trash. In addition to greener practices, there is a potential cost savings for Arlington. For every ton of trash that ends up being recycled the Town saves $64. In FY2009 the Town recycled 4,100 tons of recyclable materials. If there is a 10% increase of recycling being diverted from the waste stream in FY2010, the Town would save approximately $26,000.
For Waste Management, Single Stream allows for efficient fleet utilization and route optimization by cutting down on specialized recycling collection vehicles and allowing greater material compaction. Over time, this reduces the energy required during collection through greater payloads and a "one route, one truck" collection methodology.
To implement Single Stream, Waste Management will be rolling out new vehicles, but in the meantime they are using existing trash equipment for recycling collection until the new equipment is put into service by the end of this year.
Residents can use any container up to 32 gallons (a regular trash barrel) clearly labeled “Recycling” and bring it to the curb by 7 a.m. on your regular recycling collection day. The container can contain mixed paper (newspapers, magazines, cardboard, junk mail), glass, aluminum and tin cans, and plastic (1-7), but should not exceed 50 lbs. If it does, please use a second container labeled “Recycling.”
Recycling stickers can be obtained at the DPW yard at 51 Grove Street (Monday-Friday 7am-4 pm) and at Town Hall Annex, 730 Mass Ave, 2nd Floor (Mon-Wed 8am-4pm, Thurs 8am-7pm, Friday 8am-noon). You can also make your own sign or download and print a ‘DIY Recycling’ label at arlingtonma.gov/recycle.
Please note, sorted recycling will still be collected, but fewer containers at the curb will improve collection efficiency and is encouraged. For a detailed list of items that can recycled curbside with Single Stream please click here.
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