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What Is Dry Mixed Recycling & Why Is It Important In 2023?

The dry mixed recycling guide

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Dry mixed recycling (DMR) is a waste management system where different types of recyclable materials such as paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, and glass are collected together in a single bin or container for processing.

The materials are then sorted and processed at a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) where they are separated, cleaned and processed for recycling.

Waste managed have been granted the WMEA Dry Mixed Recycling award for 2 consecutive years and we aim to acheive this again in 2023.

We understand that dry mixed recycling is important because it helps to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills, conserves natural resources, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Get in touch if you require guidance on DMR collection plans.


What is Dry Mixed Recycling?

Commercial dry mixed recycling is an effective way to reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and minimise the environmental impact of waste disposal.

Any recyclable materials that can be placed together within one unit for collection falls into this category.

The following materials may be placed in a DMR bin:

  • card
  • paper
  • aluminium
  • glass
  • plastic
  • metal

It is an important component of sustainable waste management and is becoming increasingly popular as businesses and institutions seek to reduce their carbon footprint and meet their sustainability goals.


What can go into Dry Mixed Recycling?

A DMR (Dry Mixed Recycling) bin is designed for recycling a range of materials that are dry, clean, and not contaminated with food or other substances.

The following items and materials can typically be placed in a DMR bin:

  • Paper: newspapers, magazines, junk mail, office paper, envelopes, and cardboard (flattened).
  • Cardboard: boxes and packaging, including corrugated cardboard.
  • Plastic: bottles, containers, pots, tubs, and trays (please rinse first).
  • Glass: bottles and jars (please rinse first).
  • Metal: cans, tins, aerosols, and foil (please rinse first).
  • Cartons: drink and food cartons (please remove plastic caps).

It’s important to note that different recycling facilities may have different guidelines for what can be placed in DMR bins, so it’s always a good idea to check with your local recycling authority or facility for specific guidelines.

Additionally, it’s important to make sure that materials are not contaminated with food or other substances, as this can cause contamination and make the recycling process less effective.


Can glass go in dry mixed recycling?

In general, glass is recyclable, but the accepted types of glass and the collection methods vary depending on the recycling program.

Some recycling programs accept all types of glass, including clear, brown, and green glass bottles and jars.

Other programs may only accept certain types of glass, such as clear glass bottles and jars. Some programs may also require that the glass be separated by color.

In terms of collection, some programs may collect glass separately from other materials in a designated bin, while others may collect glass as part of a mixed recycling stream.

If glass is collected separately, it is important to ensure that only accepted types of glass are included in the bin.

To determine whether glass can go in dried mixed recycling in your area, it is best to check with your local recycling program or waste management department.

They can provide you with specific guidelines and instructions for recycling glass in your community.


( MDR) Dry recyclable waste examples

See our detaled guide below on common materials that people are unsure of when placing them into a MDR bin.

Some suppliers will differ and we always recommend checking with us first to confirm accepted types of recycling in your area.

What can you put in a mixed recycling bin?


How often is my bin collected?

Your MDR bin can be collected as frequently as your site requires.

Frequency of collections is dependent on the number of routes opperating in the area.

Most of our clients opt for weekly, fortnightly or monthly MDR bin collections.


How much do dry mixed recycling bins cost?

WasteManaged offer free bin rentals to new customer for commercial recycling collections throughout the UK.

We have been commended by the WMEA (Waste Management & Environmental Agency) for providing a first-class, reliable and affordable service.

We are willing to match our competitors prices in cases when it will not impact the quality of service we can offer.

New customers who sign up for mixed waste recycling collections will receive a MDR Certificate of Complience to demonstrate their involvement in zero-to-landfill practices.


How can I reduce the cost of mixed recycling?

There are several ways to reduce dry mixed recycling costs. Here are a few suggestions:

Review your waste management process and evaluate your current waste management process to identify areas where you can make improvements. For instance, you can look at your recycling program to determine if you can reduce the volume of materials being recycled.

Conduct a waste audit to identify the type and amount of waste your business produces. This will help you identify areas where you can reduce your waste output and minimise recycling costs.

Based on the results of your waste audit, develop a waste reduction plan that includes strategies for reducing waste output and increasing recycling efficiency. Consider implementing policies such as reducing paper usage, reusing materials, and encouraging employees to recycle.

The more materials you recycle, the lower your overall recycling costs. Consider increasing your recycling volume by implementing a recycling program that encourages employees to recycle more.

Negotiate with your waste management company to get a better rate for your recycling services. You can also explore alternative waste management companies to see if they offer more affordable services.

You can also try partnering with other businesses in your area to pool your resources and reduce costs.

This can be done through shared recycling programs or by negotiating better rates with your waste management company.

Overall, reducing dry mixed recycling costs requires a holistic approach that involves evaluating your waste management processes, implementing waste reduction strategies, and exploring options to reduce costs.


United Kingdom mixed recycling stats

WRAP published a report on the UK’s mixed recycling system, which found that the average rate of contamination (non-recyclable items in mixed recycling bins) was around 21%.

This contamination can lead to lower recycling rates and higher costs for processing facilities.

The report also found that the most commonly collected materials in mixed recycling streams were paper and cardboard, followed by plastic bottles and metal cans. Glass, plastic film, and other plastics were also commonly collected, but at lower rates.

How to get mixed waste recycling certificates

Overall, the UK has made progress in increasing recycling rates and reducing waste, but there is still work to be done to improve the quality and efficiency of mixed recycling systems.


What is single stream recycling?

Single stream recycling is a system of collecting and processing mixed recyclable materials in which all types of recyclables are collected together in a single bin or container, rather than being sorted by the person disposing of them.

This system is designed to make recycling more convenient for people and increase the overall amount of recyclable materials that are collected and processed.

In a single stream recycling system, materials such as paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, and metal are all placed together in a single recycling bin.

The materials are then transported to a materials recovery facility (MRF), where they are sorted and processed using specialised equipment.

This equipment uses a combination of mechanical, optical, and manual sorting methods to separate the different types of materials so that they can be sent on for further processing or reuse.

Single stream recycling has become increasingly popular in recent years because it is easier for people to participate in and can increase recycling rates.

However, it is important to note that contamination can still be an issue with single stream recycling, as non-recyclable materials can end up mixed in with mixed recyclable materials and cause problems during the sorting and processing process.

Therefore, it’s important to follow local mixed recycling guidelines and only put approved recyclable materials in the single stream recycling bin.


Do you need dry MDR collections for your business?

Fill out our quick quote form to see our fees.

All new customers receive a free bin for as long as needed as well as a certificate in MDR complience.

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