The Solid Waste Association of North America’s (SWANA) Applied Research Foundation (ARF) report addresses the issue of increased contamination in curbside recycling programs in recent years and its effect on costs and safety at material recovery facilities (MRFs).
The ARF report, Reducing Contamination in Curbside Recycling Programs, is now available for download to SWANA Members.
Reducing Contamination in Curbside Recycling Programs identifies and addresses the key reasons why residents place contaminants in their recycling bins. A better understanding of what causes these recycling behaviors should enable recycling and sustainability program managers to develop and implement more effective anti-contamination programs that address the underlying reasons for curbside recycling contamination.
“We are pleased to make this important ARF report available to all SWANA members. It provides useful and actionable information to recycling managers throughout the U.S. and Canada that can be used to reduce contamination and program costs,” stated David Biderman, SWANA’s Executive director & chief executive officer. “We hope local governments and companies take full advantage of the insights and analysis in the report and join the ARF to help guide our future research efforts.”
In response to contamination concerns, many state and local governments are implementing “recycle right” programs that provide clearer and simplified instructions to residents on what recyclables are included in their curbside programs. SWANA supports these efforts and anticipates this report will serve as an important resource. The report looks at local governments that have implemented cart inspection and tagging options to reduce contamination and increase public awareness as well as what to do to enforce rules for non-compliant households.
The full report, Reducing Contamination in Curbside Recycling Programs, is currently available to SWANA ARF subscribers and members. The general public will receive free access to the ARF industry report in March 2022.