Recycling
Recycling refers to the removal of items from the waste stream to be used as raw
materials in the manufacture of new products. Thus from this definition recycling occurs
in three phases: first the waste is sorted and recyclables collected, the recyclables are
used to create raw materials. These raw materials are then used in the production of new
products.
The sorting of recyclables may be done at
the source (i.e. within the household or
office) for selective collection by the
municipality or to be dropped off by the
waste producer at a recycling centres. The
pre-sorting at the source requires public
participation which may not be
forthcoming if there are no benefits to be
derived. Also a system of selective
collection by the government can be
costly. It would require more frequent
circulation of trucks within a
neighbourhood or the importation of more
vehicles to facilitate the collection.
Another option is to mix the recyclables with the general waste stream for collection and
then sorting and recovery of the recyclable materials can be performed by the
municipality at a suitable site. The sorting by the municipality has the advantage of
eliminating the dependence on the public and ensuring that the recycling does occur. The
disadvantage however, is that the value of the recyclable materials is reduced since being
mixed in and compacted with other garbage can have adverse effects on the quality of the
recyclable material.