Former Times

摘要

Two decades ago, some municipalities were encountering obstacles as they switched to using plastic collection bags instead of traditional containers and bins. Despite growing interest in the collection method - paper went into one bag, bottles and cans went into another - materials recovery facilities (MRFs) were reporting longer processing times, increased labor expenses and a reluctant domestic market for the bags themselves. In at least 60 recycling programs nationwide, ranging in size from those serving less than 1,000 residents to New York City's recycling program serving 7.3 million, municipalities were testing the waters of collection by the bag and finding, for the most part, encouraging results. By using the plastic, typically blue, bags for collection, municipalities did not have to invest in recycling containers and bins. In addition, residents were often expected to purchase bags on their own - another cost-saving advantage for municipalities - and waste haulers were able to pick up trash and recyclables simultaneously or separately, limiting runs and saving time.