Single Stream Works for Us!
2006 ANNUAL MEETINGCOLORADO ROCKY MOUNTAIN SWANA
CHAPTEROctober 5th and 6th, 2006
Alamosa, Colorado
Tom Strickland, Recycling Program AdministratorCity and County of Denver, Denver Public Works
Solid Waste Management, Denver Recycles
Which came first single stream or automated carts?
Factors Leadingto Change
Recycling rate was at about 6%. Increasing requests from residents to take
more types of material. Plateau on new customer signing up for
recycling services. Worker injuries increasing. Fleet of trucks due for replacement.
What to do?
Road to Change
Shift from Dual Stream collection to Single Stream Collection – no separation required.
Add new materials to collection program.
Replace 18 gallon bins with 65 gallon carts.
New recycling collection trucks .
New processing center capabilities.
Benefits toSingle Stream
Residents no longer need to sort out recyclables placed at the curb.
Residents pleased with being able to recycle more materials.
1) Increased customer satisfaction:
Benefits toSingle Stream
2) Increased efficiency:
Utilization of truck’s full capacity.
Able to use other trucks for collection if needed. (Split trucks not needed)
Single StreamEducation
Post Card MailerRecycling Guide
Single StreamEducation
Shelf Talkers
Truck Signs
Single StreamEducation
New PSA
Printed Ads
Single StreamEducation
Neighborhood Events and Fairs
Benefits toAutomated Carts
1) Increased customer satisfaction:
The new carts make it easier for residents to move since they have wheels.
Carts hold more materials.
Carts don’t require lifting.
Carts have lids so the carts can be store outside and materials still keep dry.
Benefits toAutomated Carts
2) Improved collection efficiencies:
The automated trucks and containers allow more collections per route.
Able to reduce number of collection routes from 14 to 10.
Reduced recycling fleet, thus savings on program operations & personnel.
Benefits toAutomated Carts
3) Reduced worker injuries:
Crew members will no longer need to continually pick up heavy recycling bins.
Improved the health and safety of employees.
Saving the City money through reduced worker compensation claims and lost time.
Tonnages from Jan. ’05 – Aug. ’06
250
300
350
400
450
500
Time
To
ns
Co
llec
ted
Single StreamLaunch, June ‘05
Phase 1 of Carts, Oct. ‘05
Phases 2 & 3 ofCarts, June ‘06
What about contamination
you ask?
Recycling CompositionPrior to Single Stream
Newspaper74%
Contamination & Residue
1%
Glass19%
Plastic3%
Aluminum1%
Steel2%
Recycling CompositionAfter Single Stream
Newspaper51%
Cardboard7%
Phonebooks2%
Mixed Paper13%
Steel2%
Plastic4%
Glass18%
Contamination & Residue
2%
Aluminum1%
Data from combined January 2006 Material Sorts
Audit Tags
Drivers tag on collection
Random Route checks
Trouble Area checks
Field Audits
So far, So good!
Residents pleased with not having to sort materials.
Increased efficiencies as finalizing shift to automation.
Challenges in 2007 and beyond: Increase tonnages Increase participation level
Conclusion
Contact Information
Tom Strickland
720-865-6813
or
Charlotte Pitt
720-865-6816