Can they lead to higher recycling rates?
Local authorities throughout the UK are under growing pressure to maximise the volume of waste directed away from landfill and divert it instead towards various treatment processes. As local authorities look to identify ways to increase efficiencies whilst simultaneously increasing recycling levels, commingled collections are becoming increasingly attractive. Many local authorities look to achieve better performance through the use of co-mingling because of the perceived benefits. For instance: • As materials are collected in a mixed form, then only one collection container is required; • There are limited restrictions on the differing types of material collected and less issues when bringing new materials into the collection stream; • Lower cost standard RCVs can be utilised, maximising the flexibility of waste collection fleets and potentially reducing running costs; • The ease of use and understanding for residents could lead to higher participation levels and capture rates. As more
