Kerbside collection

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Contents

Kerbside collection (British English), curbside collection (American English) is the practice of collecting household waste. It is most commonly referred to as a strategy of local authorities to collect recyclable items from the household alongside normal mixed waste collections. Kerbside collection is considered a low risk strategy to reduce waste volumes and increase recycling rates. Materials are typically collected in large bins, colored bags, or small open plastic tubs, specifically designated for content.

Recyclable materials that may be separately collected from municipal waste include:

Biodegradable waste component

Other recyclable components

Kerbside collection of recyclable resources is aimed to recover purer waste streams with higher market value than by other collection methods. If the household incorrectly separates the recyclable elements they load may have to be put to landfill if it is deemed to be contaminated.

Kerbside collection and household recycling schemes are also being used as tools by local authorities to increase the public's awareness of their waste production.

Kerbside collection is commonly considered to be completely environmentally friendly. This may not necessarily be the case as it leads to an increased number of waste collection vehicles on the road, contributing to global warming through exhaust emissions.[citation needed]

New and emerging waste treatment technologies such as mechanical biological treatment may offer an alternative to kerbside collection through automated separation of waste in recycling factories.[citation needed]

[edit] Kerbside collection by country

[edit] Canada

Halifax Regional Municipality in Nova Scotia, Canada, with a population of about 375,000, has one of the most complex kerbside collection programs in North America. Based on the green cart, it requires residents to self-sort refuse and place different types at the kerb on alternating weeks. As shown in the photo at left, Week 1 would see the green cart and optional orange bags used for kitchen waste and other organics such as yard waste. Week 2 would permit non-recoverable waste in garbage bags or cans. Blue bags are used for paper, plastic and metal containers. Together with used grocery bags containing newspapers, they may be placed on the kerb either week. In summer, the green cart is emptied weekly due to the prevalence of flies. HRM has achieved a diversion rate of approximately 60 percent by this method.
Halifax Regional Municipality in Nova Scotia, Canada, with a population of about 375,000, has one of the most complex kerbside collection programs in North America. Based on the green cart, it requires residents to self-sort refuse and place different types at the kerb on alternating weeks. As shown in the photo at left, Week 1 would see the green cart and optional orange bags used for kitchen waste and other organics such as yard waste. Week 2 would permit non-recoverable waste in garbage bags or cans. Blue bags are used for paper, plastic and metal containers. Together with used grocery bags containing newspapers, they may be placed on the kerb either week. In summer, the green cart is emptied weekly due to the prevalence of flies. HRM has achieved a diversion rate of approximately 60 percent by this method.

Canada uses "green bins" for kerbside recycling

[edit] New Zealand

By 1996 the New Zealand cities of Auckland, Waitakere, North Shore and Lower Hutt had kerbside recycling bins available. In New Plymouth, Wanganui and Upper Hutt recyclable material was collected if placed in suitable bags.[1] By 2007 73% of New Zealanders had access to kerbside recycling.[2]

Kerbside collection of organic waste is carried out by the Mackenzie District Council[3] and the Timaru District Council. Other councils are carrying out trials.[3]

[edit] United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, the Household Waste Recycling Act (2003) will require local authorities to provide every household with a separate collection of at least two types of recyclable materials by 2010.[4]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ The State of New Zealand's Environment. Ministry for the Environment (New Zealand) (1997). Retrieved on 2008-03-27.
  2. ^ Ministry for the Environment (December 2007). Environment New Zealand 2007. Ministry for the Environment (New Zealand). ISBN 978-0-478-30192-2. Retrieved on 2008-03-27. 
  3. ^ a b Options for Kerbside Collection of Household Organic Wastes - Appendix 1: Kerbside Kitchen Waste Collections in New Zealand [Ministry for the Environment]
  4. ^ http://www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/waste/news/recycling_bill_success.html, Friends of the Earth.

[edit] External links

v • d • e
Topics related to waste management
Languages