Dry Mixed Recycling 101: Maximising Efficiency in Your Business Waste Management

Dry mixed recycling is one of the most effective and sustainable ways to handle recyclables. This recycling stream simplifies recycling by allowing businesses to dispose of various recyclable materials in one bin.  

The success of this stream relies on education and participation, as it must be sorted correctly with minimal contamination, thus ensuring maximum recycling efficiency. 

Here are some essential tips to ensure correct usage of the stream and make sure your business is reaping the full benefits of dry mixed recycling. 

Watch Out For Contamination

Recycling contamination is a common waste management challenge,. Caused by items placed in the wrong waste stream, or when items are placed in the correct stream but are not in a suitable condition to be recycled.  

The consequences can be significant. A single contaminated item can make entire batches of recyclable materials unusable, leading to increased waste and reduced efficiency. Not only does this waste resources, but it also diminishes the environmental benefits of dry mixed recycling.  These rejected batches of recycling often end up as general waste.  

Before throwing anything into the bin, it is important to understand what waste can go into the dry mixed recycling stream. To help, Recorra has developed new and updated signage that can be placed near bins, providing clear instructions on what is acceptable to go in the dry mixed recycling bin. These visual aids can reduce confusion to ensure efficient sorting at the source. 

Rinse and Dry Items

Recycling contamination also occurs when items which have food or drink residue on them are put in the dry mixed recycling bin. Materials like paper and cardboard rely on the integrity of their long fibres to be recycled and reprocessed into new products. When these fibres are weakened by exposure to moisture or food, the materials lose their recyclability. 

A simple solution is to rinse and dry items before putting them in dry mixed recycling. Did you know that recycling just one tonne of paper saves enough energy to power an average home for six months? Imagine the collective impact your business could achieve by adopting these practices and spreading awareness. By making small efforts, businesses can preserve the value of materials and contribute to a more sustainable recycling process, as well as reducing their own operational costs from contamination. 

At Recorra, our Sustainability Team offer a range of events aimed at maximising efficiency by teaching practical skills for effective recycling. One example is our ‘Lunch and Learn’, where we address common recycling mistakes like contamination, helping businesses to recycle correctly.  

Dry mixed recycling is not just about convenience; it’s a crucial step towards a more sustainable future. Recycling paper, cardboard, metals, and plastic has many benefits. These include removing the need to extract raw materials, saving energy, and reducing the volume of general waste which is incinerated. For businesses, embracing dry mixed recycling enhances corporate responsibility and demonstrates commitment to a more circular economy.