What is dry mixed recycling?
Modern businesses are facing various challenges, particularly surrounding their waste management processes. Dry mixed recycling is a simple yet cost-effective solution to disposing of commercial waste in an eco-friendly manner, helping to preserve our environment for generations to come.
Understanding how to effectively manage your business’ dry mixed recycling can be a daunting task. In today’s blog, we delve into everything you need to know about DMR, and explain why McCarthy Marland should be your first choice for dry mixed recycling and recovery bin hire.
The definition of dry mixed recycling
Dry mixed recycling (DMR) is a quick and efficient type of recycling that allows you to dispose of various recyclable materials in one bin. These materials do not need to be separated and can be processed from a single waste stream – metal, paper, cardboard and plastic products can all be sent off together for recycling. As the name suggests, waste materials must be dry before they can be processed for DMR. If materials are wet, they should be dried or disposed of in general waste to prevent contamination.
What can go in dry mixed recycling bins?
Most products that are clean, dry and made from recyclable materials can be placed inside a DMR bin. Acceptable types of mixed dry recycling waste include:
- Metal materials such as aluminium cans, food trays, and foil
- Paper products including newspapers, magazines, and receipts
- Cardboard boxes and food packaging
- Plastic waste such as bottles, cups, and containers
What can’t go in dry mixed recycling bins?
Some items are not accepted in DMR bins and should be disposed of elsewhere to minimise the risks of contamination. These products include:
- Food waste including leftover food scraps and excess ingredients
- Hazardous waste like batteries, asbestos, and paint tins
- Sanitary waste including nappies and sanitary products
- Liquids such as drinks, lubricants, and other fluids
- Glass bottles, jars, and pots
- Single-use packaging including crisp packets, coffee cups, and plastic bags
- Wood waste, textiles, ceramics, and polystyrene
The dry mixed recycling process
Collection
Once you have gathered all your recyclable waste materials together and disposed of them in a dry mixed recycling bin, a waste collection company such as McCarthy Marland will come to your premises and take away the waste. Our recycling collection vehicle only needs to visit your site once, making it a much more environmentally-friendly method of waste disposal.
Sorting
All dry mixed recycling waste will then be transported to a specialist recycling facility for sorting and processing. Many modern commercial recycling centres, like ours at McCarthy Marland, use a combination of mechanical and manual sorting processes to separate different types of waste materials for recycling.
Processing
After the materials have been sorted, they will undergo further processing such as shredding, melting, or pulping. Here at McCarthy Marland, we use state-of-the-art recycling technologies to refine and recover the maximum amount of recyclable waste possible, with our recycling centres achieving an average recycling rate of 95%. All residual waste material is then transformed into a Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) to recover energy lost during the process.
Transformation
The final step to the dry mixed recycling waste process is transforming raw materials into new products. For example, recycled paper and cardboard can be turned into new paper products, and recycled plastics can be reused for bottles and packaging. This mitigates the need for new material production and promotes a circular economy.
The benefits of dry mixed recycling
Cost Savings
Did you know that implementing a strong DMR programme can actually help your business save money in the long run? As of 1st March 2024, the standard landfill tax rate is a colossal £103.70 per tonne. By reducing the amount of general waste sent to landfill, your company can cut costs and improve its bottom line, whilst paving the way for more sustainable waste disposal processes.
Sustainability
Landfills produce the harmful greenhouse gas methane, which is a significant contributor to climate change. DMR bins ensure that recyclable materials do not end up in landfills and promotes the conservation of natural resources, helping to reduce the environmental impacts associated with waste disposal. Your business can rest assured in the fact that you are contributing to a healthier, more sustainable planet.
Reputation
Today’s consumers are becoming increasingly concerned with environmental issues, with many choosing to partner with forward-thinking businesses that demonstrate a clear commitment to sustainability. Prioritising recycling processes can help your business enhance its reputation and attract eco-conscious customers and stakeholders, presenting valuable opportunities for growth.
Why hire McCarthy Marland’s dry mixed recycling & recovery bins?
If you’re searching for dry mixed recycling and recovery bin hire in the South-West, look no further than McCarthy Marland. Our DMR service is suitable for all recoverable and recyclable waste disposal, excluding food and drink waste – allowing your business to spend less time worrying about recycling, and more time serving your customers.
Get in touch today to enquire about our industry-leading recycling and recovery wheeled bin hire.