What is “Source Separated Recycling” and where does it go?

All-In-One: All trash and recyclables are disposed of in one container with no separation. This material then proceeds to a sorting facility to sort out the recyclables.

• Pros: Requires no active participation from the user and is the most convenient.
• Cons: The potential for contamination is extremely high, due to co-mingling with trash, and contaminated materials require extra processing or are rejected and sent to landfills.

Single Stream: All recyclables, regardless of type, are disposed of in a container separate from the trash. The recyclables proceed to a sorting facility where they are sorted by type.

• Pros: Recycling is more convenient because all recyclable materials go into one container.
• Cons: The quality of the material can be degraded due to contamination, meaning some or all materials could be unrecyclable and sent to landfills.

Source Separated: Recyclables are sorted by type when discarded directly at the facility.

• Pros: Materials from source separated recycling are generally higher in quality, because there is less contamination.
• Cons: Requires more effort by the user to either leave sorted items at their curb or take them to a drop-off site.