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Tequesta advisory committee recommends keeping dual‑stream recycling after contamination review
Summary
After reviewing market shifts and contamination risks since foreign import changes, committee members concluded dual‑stream collection yields cleaner, more marketable recyclables and voted to close further action on switching to single‑stream.
The Village of Tequesta Environmental Advisory Committee reviewed single‑stream versus dual‑stream curbside recycling and concluded dual‑stream collection produces a cleaner, more marketable product now that major overseas buyers have tightened acceptance standards.
Committee members reviewed changes in international recycling markets since 2018, when China and several other importers substantially reduced acceptance of mixed recyclables. Members noted that single‑stream collection can increase participation but also raises contamination — broken glass and food residue mixed with paper and cardboard — which can make material unsaleable.
"We thought collecting more would yield more recyclable material, but contamination means buyers reject larger portions of single‑stream loads," a committee member said. After discussion, members agreed that the village's existing dual‑stream system yields higher‑quality recyclables and should remain in place until sorting technology and markets improve.
The committee moved to close further action on changing collection format and the motion carried.
Next steps: staff will consider the committee's recommendation when advising council and will monitor emerging sorting technologies and market conditions that could alter the village's approach in the future.
