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, instead of being sorted by the depositor into separate commodities (newspaper, paperboard, corrugated fiberboard, plastic, glass, etc.)

The increased flow of decreased quality recyclables from Europe and North America in part due to single-stream recycling was part of China's motivation for launching its Operation National Sword policy.

[4] Proponents of single-stream recycling note several advantages:[5] Potential disadvantages of single-stream recycling may include: A single-stream system is a complex network of machinery that uses a combination of newer and older technologies to sort materials for recycling, including PET, HDPE, aluminum, tin cans, cardboard and paper.

A contract was awarded to CRCInc in 1992, and its MRF, the first large-scale recycling facility to process commingled materials in North America, began operation in 1993.

[10][11] Subsequently, many large and small municipalities across the United States began single-stream programs.