Single-stream recycling involves placing all of your recyclable materials in the same container for curbside collection. Dual-flow recycling requires the separation of recyclable materials into different containers. Paper and cardboard products in one, plastic in the other, etc. Many people say that the single flow is more expensive because of the cost of the equipment and the lack of separation capacity due to the extreme pollution caused by the mix of materials.
However, to help you more closely evaluate the costs and benefits of both options, we'll take a closer look at both single-stream and double-stream recycling. The popularity makes sense given that single streaming is practical and 66 percent of people surveyed by Harris Poll last October said they wouldn't recycle anything if it weren't easy to do so. The single flow refers to the process of mixing recycling materials (categories of 1% 26), which includes glass, paper, plastic and metal. While the single flow makes it easier for consumers to recycle, consumers sometimes feel that the double flow involves more work.
The biggest advantage of single-stream recycling is customer convenience; the public doesn't have to do the sorting themselves. Municipalities that practice double-flow recycling provide consumers with two separate containers or containers for curbside pickup. If you're looking for a way to improve your single- or dual-stream recycling system, contact General Kinematics. Double-flow recycling, on the other hand, consists of the consumer classifying their recycled products before they are collected by the recycling plant.
While both types of recycling help to process different categories of materials, they work innately differently. Studies have shown that people choose to put more things on the sidewalk for recycling when they have a single sorting system. As you can see in the diagram below, General Kinematics' vibratory recycling equipment has three vibrating screens and two airflow filters that help separate materials more effectively. There is also a greater risk of contamination causing dual-current problems due to the specific processes of each type of material.
In addition, several analyses have shown that single-flow systems also cost more to operate, due to the increase in costs associated with classification and the reduction in the value of contaminated recyclable materials when selling them. When weighing the advantages of double-flow and single-flow recycling, it quickly becomes apparent that both offer significant benefits.
