Recycle Bag®
Energy Answers patented the Recycle Bag® system to eliminate the costly need for separate collection vehicles for recyclable materials and to provide residents with a convenient way to participate in community recycling efforts.
The Recycle Bag® encourages waste reduction through recycling. Recovery and processing of materials which can be recycled is an important part of a integrated solid waste management plan. In order for any recycling program to be effective and gain wide community support, it must be convenient and cost effective. Many standard programs require special bins or containers with separate pick up, which translates into high costs and inconvenience.
By contrast, the Recycle Bag® program was originally developed for use in a solid waste management program that utilizes a transfer station or waste-to-energy facility. The Recycle Bag® is a heavy duty, woven polypropylene trash bag that will hold all typical curbside recyclable materials and has shown a +99% bag survival rate in testing under actual conditions using compactor trucks. When filled, the Recycle BagŪ is set at the curb with other bagged trash for collection or can be dropped off at the local transfer station. The only effort required of residents is the segregation of recyclables into the special bag.
The Recycle Bag® is a more cost effective approach to recycling because:
- one truck collects both recyclables and MSW on the same route at the same time.
- no special equipment or manpower is needed to handle collection.
- it integrates smoothly into the current trash collection system.
- less supervision and maintenance are required.
- program start-up time is immediate.