Table 2: Recycling collection system options

Receptacle characteristics

• MRB 240L, 120L and 140L are most common.
• Containerised systems for all recyclables (includes paper collection) produce the highest yield.
• MRBs are not always suitable for rural collections (ease of handling issue).
• Some residents (eg, disabled or elderly) have difficulty handling large crates.

• 45L, 60L and 70L are the generally accepted sizes.
• One crate may not be large enough for recyclables from large households.
• Some residents (eg, disabled or elderly) have difficulty handling large crates.

• 60L.
• Suitable for rural collections.

• Supermarket bag.

Frequency of collection

• Can be longer periods between servicing (eg, fortnightly).  If so, it can be economically efficient by reducing the number of vehicle movements.

• Weekly.

• Weekly or fortnightly.

• Weekly.

Method of collection

• Mechanical lifting of MRB reduces safety risks.
• Contamination can be between 15 and 20%, but depends on the receptacle used for residual waste (eg, a split MGB/MRB for residual waste and recycling may have as high as 38% contamination).
• MRB yields are higher than crate systems but contamination is also higher.
• Monitoring the content of the MGB for potentially hazardous, commercial refuse or green waste can be undertaken with collection vehicle-mounted equipment.

• Spread of recyclable material by wind, animal and vandal attack are common issues.  Lids are available.
• Sorting of recyclables frequently occurs at kerbside, which increases the quality of materials arriving at the processor and also educates residents in what is not recyclable, as non-collectable materials can be left at kerbside for disposal by the resident.
• Low contamination at 2 to 8%.
• Safety issues exist with some manual collection methods (eg, repetitive lifting and hazards working on the road).

• There are sorting issues.
• Contamination is high due to the ability to ‘hide’ non-complying waste in the bag.
• Health and safety issues occur in relation to possible inclusion of sharp or other dangerous materials in the bag that are not obvious to the collector.

• There are sorting issues.
• Contamination is high due to the ability to ‘hide’ non-complying waste in the bag.

Cost

• Significant capital costs depending on the amortisation period.  Most MRBs have an effective life of 15 years.
• Options for contractor or principal to own MRB.
• Contractor ownership option: paid for up front or over the term of the contract as a component of the collection rate (with or without a residual amount at the end of the contract).  Ownership is retained by contractor.  Maintenance of bins and replacements for stolen bins are the contractor’s responsibility.  Usually transferred to principal’s ownership at the end of the contract term.
• This option may preclude smaller operators due to capital requirement.
• Principal ownership option - paid for by principal, who carries risk.
• There are additional costs relating to maintaining and administering an MRB database.
• There are reductions in service costs related to MRB usage related to a higher recycling yield and reduced landfill disposal costs.

• Low cost compared to MRB.
• More likely that principal has ownership of crates due to ‘portability’ of crates by residents.  Contractor is usually responsible for the initial supply and delivery of crates, with payment by principal on delivery to properties.
• Stock for replacement and additional crates is held by contractor at their cost - payment on delivery to properties.

• Low cost compared to crate and MRB.  Not reusable.
• Suitable for user pays.

• No capital requirements.