How does curbside recycling collection work?

Curbside recycling, also known as source separation, is a waste management practice where individuals collect recyclable materials—such as newspapers, bottles, and cans—separately from their regular garbage and place them at the curb for municipal collection.1

Depending on the community, this process may involve:
* Commingling: Residents place nonpaper recyclables (glass, metal, and plastic) into a single container.1
* Source-Separated or Dual Stream: Residents sort materials into specific categories, such as separating paper from other recyclables.12

Once collected, these materials are transported to a material recycling facility (MRF). At the facility, the items are processed using a combination of manual labor and automated technology—such as magnets, vibrating screens, and optical scanners—to sort the materials by type. After sorting, the materials are prepared for market by being baled, shredded, or pulped, and are then sold to manufacturers to be used as raw materials for new products.123

While curbside collection is more expensive than standard refuse collection, it is considered a best practice because it reduces contamination, resulting in higher-quality recyclables compared to those recovered from mixed waste streams.12