Growing curbside efficiencies

Article Abstract:

Local governments throughout the US are trying to improve their curbside recycling programs from economic and technology investment perspectives. While the economics and the end use markets are crucial to the success of recycling programs, substantial improvements can still be achieved in the area of collections. It is generally assumed that the cost-effectiveness of curbside recycling programs can be enhanced by increasing the amount of materials collected. A discussion of the curbside recycling programs of New York City, Philadelphia and Chicago is also presented.

Economic aspects, Refuse and refuse disposal, Waste disposal, Local government

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Curbside programs go beyond PET and HDPE

Article Abstract:

Plastic curbside programs have increased the supply of scrap, driving down prices of plastic. Some communities use purchasing policies to improve the marketability of collected plastics while others maintain high quality separated resins. In Massachussetts, households participate in the curbside project and include commingled material such as paper. Plastics are separated into categories of polyethylene terephthalate and high density polyethylene. This process is cost-effective because the value of recycled plastic is in individual resins and the quantity is high.

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A small town becomes part of the chain

Article Abstract:

Households in Emmaus, Pennsylvania are starting to collect polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) containers for recycling. The HDPE containers are processed to produce ground and pelletized postindustrial and postconsumer plastic. PET undergoes the same process but is used in packaging, engineered resins and textiles. The resins are compounded with other plastics and used to create furniture and car parts.

Emmaus, Pennsylvania

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