Recycling is a form of helping the environment. But, if we consider eco recycling, or taking a look at the energy economics of recycling, are we doing it in the most efficient manner?
These days curbside recycling has become easier for the common household. Now we have a single bin system in place that we can use to consolidate all of our materials into one place. These bins often resemble our standard trash cans. In the past, and in certain locations today, the homeowner would sort the materials themselves making the single bin very enticing. But, how effective is the one bin system?
First, we have to take into consideration the facilities where the mixed materials end up. Imagine a conveyor system where employees on either side sort out the various recyclables. This can be likened to the example where the homeowner sorts the materials prior to sending them away.
Looking even deeper, it would appear that the single bin system is wasteful in the total eco balance. Employees must burn fuel to get to the location. The building or buildings must be heated or cooled to some extent for the employees. And, there are also electricity costs to be factored in for the equipment. The total energy equation associated with single bin recycling would be an interesting observation.
There are benefits to the one bin system that must be mentioned. First, it encourages more people to get involved in recycling. It really makes the process easier. Second, and most importantly, it reduces the use of landfill space.
The point is that in the overall scheme of recycling, I think we could be accomplishing the task more efficiently. Only looking at the amount of material saved from a landfill without taking into the consideration the total energy equation related to the process can lead to further problems.