Single Stream recycling allows residents to put all paper products, glass jars and bottles, aluminum and steel cans, and plastic containers (#1-#7) into one collection container. The materials are then separated and processed at a MRF (Material Recovery Facility) and sold to end-markets.
The City of Manchester began a curbside dual stream recycling program back in 1996. In 2011, we collected 4,400 tons of recyclables. This equates to a 10% recycling rate. With the move to single stream recycling, we hope to increase the recycling rate to 25% thus keeping approximately 10,000 tons of material out of the waste stream. Here is a chart showing how we are doing with our single stream recycling:
Note: May 2012 tonnage is high due to some people getting their carts during the month of April and holding on to their recycling until single stream began the week of April 30-May 4.
Everything goes in one cart - it's that easy! Please make sure that you break down cardboard boxes before putting them into the cart. Remember that your cart has to be at least 3 feet from any object, such as a trash can, mailbox, telephone pole AND that the handle has to face your house. The pictures below depict how your recycling cart is emptied.
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