Split back rear loading packer trucks collect recyclables together for transport to a single-stream facility. Trash and recyclables are placed in separate compartments, loaded through the back of the vehicle, and are not mixed together.
	Side loading packer trucks collect recyclables together for transport to a single-stream facility. These vehicles are loaded from the side and sometimes carry both trash and recyclables.
	Rear loading packer trucks collect recyclables together for transport to a single-stream facility. Haulers toss all recyclables into the back of the truck and compact them, but not with trash.
	The Trough Type Truck can be used by haulers who participate in either single- or dual-stream recycling. This truck features compartments at the truck's side which are designed to separately accommodate recyclable paper and containers.
	"Eager Beaver" is the nickname for the two compartment recycling truck used by haulers who participate in dual-stream recycling. This type of truck has two separate compartments which are used to collect recyclable paper and containers.

Each week, Onondaga County residents do a terrific job of sorting their recyclable materials from their trash, and placing their Blue Bins at the curb for pick-up by their waste hauler. In fact, our community is on track to recycle another 40,000 tons of material this year through OCRRA’s curbside blue bin program.

Perhaps you’ve noticed changes in how your hauler is collecting and transporting your blue bin materials.

• Have you seen a new or different type of collection vehicle picking up your recyclables?
• Have you seen your hauler mix your recyclable papers with your recyclable containers?
• Are your recyclables going into an opening on the side or back of a vehicle, and then your trash is being thrown into the same area?

Before we discuss the simple answers to these important questions, you may want to know the bottom line and here it is: OCRRA assures you that the materials you place each week in your blue bin are being recycled. Please, keep up the good work!

THE PROCESS:

• First you set your recyclables out for collection.
• Then your hauler picks them up and delivers them to a single-stream recycling center where they are sorted and baled (more on this process below).
• Next the bales are sent to mills where they are reprocessed into new items.

HAULER COLLECTION VEHICLES:

The images on the right show some of the many different hauling vehicles that are in use in our community.

More and more commonly, haulers are collecting trash AND recyclables in ONE vehicle. These vehicles have a “split” body, meaning the truck compartment is divided with one side for trash, one side for recyclable materials. From a collection standpoint, this is a more efficient process than using separate collection vehicles for trash and recyclables, and reduces greenhouse gasses.

As a result, residents may see their trash and recycling going into the same area in the vehicle, and think their carefully sorted recyclables are being trashed! Not so.

For "rear loading” vehicles (see top picture at right) there are two separate receiving compartments; one for trash, and one for recyclables. From the side, however, it may appear that trash and recyclables are mixed together; they are not.

For “side loading” vehicles (see second picture from top), there is a lever which directs the trash to one compartment and the recyclables to another. Again, it may appear that the trash and recyclables are being mixed together, but they are directed to separate compartments on the truck.

Here’s one more hauling approach that also can be a bit confusing: Because all of the recyclables can be mixed together in the collection vehicle and properly sorted at the recycling center, some haulers use a “rear loading” vehicle, with one compartment, for picking up recyclables only (see third picture from top). What can make this confusing is that many people view this type of vehicle as a “trash truck.” However, if these “rear loaders” with a single compartment are used for only collecting recyclables, and don’t mix trash in too, then that works fine!

If upon close inspection you still suspect your recyclables are being trashed, please contact OCRRA and we will look into your concern.

SINGLE-STREAM RECYCLING CENTERS:
You may also wonder why haulers toss recyclable papers together with your recyclable containers in the collection vehicle. The haulers transport the mixed recyclables to a recycling center that utilizes “single-stream sorting.” This is a process that uses automated systems, complemented by manual labor, to separate various types of paper from recyclable containers. The end result: separate bales of paper, cans, and plastic items, each weighing hundreds of pounds.

Check out this video showing the single-stream process.

How to Prepare Your Blue Bin(s)

So, if recyclables are all mixed together by your hauler, should you separate your recyclable papers from your recyclable containers? It’s up to you!

Many residents find that they can prevent litter on a windy day by placing a blue bin filled with recyclable containers on top of a bin with their recyclable papers. (Learn how to do this without paper bags!)

If separating your recyclables into two bins works for you, feel free to continue doing it. However, if you find it easier to mix papers and containers into one bin, you can do that too.

To receive immediate notification about changes in the recycling program, sign up for OCRRA’s email list.