SWANA issues report on practices for reducing curbside recycling contamination

A new report developed by the Solid Waste Association of North America’s (SWANA's) Applied Research Foundation (ARF) addresses the issue of increased contamination in curbside recycling programs in recent years and its effect on costs and safety at material recovery facilities (MRFs).

The ARF report, “Reducing Contamination in Curbside Recycling Programs,” identifies and addresses the key reasons why residents place contaminants in their recycling bins. A better understanding of what causes these recycling behaviors should enable recycling and sustainability program managers to develop and implement more effective anti-contamination programs that address the underlying reasons for curbside recycling contamination, SWANA says.

“This new ARF report provides useful and actionable information to recycling managers throughout the United States and Canada that can be used to reduce contamination and program costs,” David Biderman, executive director and CEO of Silver Spring, Maryland-based SWANA, says. “We hope local governments and companies take full advantage of the insights and analysis in the report.”

In response to contamination concerns, many state and local governments are implementing “recycle right” programs that provide clearer and simplified instructions to residents on what recyclables are included in their curbside programs. SWANA supports these efforts and anticipates this report will serve as a resource. The report looks at local governments that have implemented cart inspection and tagging options to reduce contamination and increase public awareness as well as what to do to enforce rules for noncompliant households.

“We appreciate the support and involvement of our Sustainable Materials Management Group subscribers who submitted and voted for this important research topic and provided funding support for the research effort,” SWANA Director of Applied Research Jeremy O’Brien says.

The full report is currently available only to SWANA ARF subscribers. SWANA members receive free access to ARF industry reports one year after publication.

To learn more about the report and to download the executive summary, visit SWANA’s website.