What is single stream recycling?
Single stream also known as “fully commingled or single sort” recycling refers to a system in which all paper fibers, plastics, metals and other containers are mixed in a collection truck. They are then sorted by a processing center into separate commodities.
History of single stream recycling
It began in California in the 1990s it then continued across the United States.
Did you know?
If we recycled all newspapers, we could save over 250 million trees each and every year.
If you live in RCI West Point Family Housing, you can no longer recycle cardboard or any other recyclables at the Recycling center.
All residential recycling and bulk waste must be done curbside at your house. Do not use GOV dumpsters.
The West Point Transfer Station is permanently closed and will NO longer provide the “Ditty Move” scale & weighing services.
Marangi Inc has taken over operation of the former recycling site under the new solid waste contract for GOV facilities, cadets and garrison activities. The Contractor will not accept RCI residential drop-offs to include cardboard from unpacking during PCS moves.
RECYCLING
Single stream is easier
9 out of 10 people said they would recycle if it were “easier”. Since consumers/individuals don’t have to do the sorting this makes recycling easier as everything is recycled in a single bin. Cardboard is recycled into our 8YD blue containers located throughout West Point. For some buildings such as Bldg. 667, Bldg. 745 C, Bldg. 655, Bldg. 681, Bldg. 622, Bldg. 626, Bldg. 752, they have grey 96-gallon toters that they can recycle ink cartridges in. (Please see schedule for pick up days)
Goal of recycling
The goal of recycling is to lower waste products in landfills, by recycling people can make an impact on earth’s overall health and keep the water, air and land clean and can help the environment, reduce pollution and slow global warming. By recycling and reducing the amount of waste products in landfills, this will result in less harmful emissions like methane gas that is released into the earth’s atmosphere.
What is recycling?
Recycling is a process to create new items from old and used materials. It can also help reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in the oceans harming marine animals, fish and birds. There is a prediction that by mid-century the oceans will contain more plastic waste than fish. With small intentional changes daily we can be part of making the difference so that does not happen.
What can be recycled in single stream toters?
Glass
Aluminium
Food & Drink Cans
Don't flatten or crush
Paper
Food & Beverage Cartons
File folders, opened mail, magazines, brochures, newspapers, paper-back books, white or pastel office paper
Empty Aerosol Cans
No caps
Plastic Bottles & Containers
Do NOT recycle
Do not put the following items in a single stream toter.
NO PLASTIC BAGS OR FILM
NO HAZARDOUS WASTE
NO FOOD WASTE
NO STYROFOAM
NO DIAPERS OR BIO-HAZARDOUS WASTE
(Syringes, needles or any other sanitary products)
RECYCLING FACTS
- If we recycled all newspapers, we could save over 250 million trees each and every year.
- The U.S. recycling rate is around 34.5%. If we’re able to get the rate to 75%, the effect will be like removing 50 million passenger cars from U.S. roads.
- Over 11 million tons of recyclable clothing, shoes, and textiles make their way into landfills each year. ( Think of recycling clothes by donating to someone in need)
- The majority of the 4 million tons of junk mail that Americans receive annually ends up in landfills. ( Think of going paperless)
- The average office worker in the United States goes through roughly 500 disposable cups annually. ( Think of bringing your own mug)
- 91% of plastic isn’t recycled.
- 70% of the total waste in offices is paper waste.
- Recycling a single aluminum can saves enough energy to power a TV for three hours.
- 80% of the items buried in landfills could have been recycled.
- It takes 70% less energy to recycle paper than to make it from raw material.
- 2000 pounds of recycled paper can actually help to save 17 trees, over 350 gallons of oil, and a lot of landfill space. That also means less air pollution!
- Americans waste 4.5 million tons of office paper a year. Ask yourself… do I really need to print that?