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SOURCE SEPARATION AND PICKING (LOW-TECHNOLOGY METHODS) <br /> <br />If source separation of materials is deemed a cost-effective <br />aba~ement strategy, what level of commitment to source <br />separation should be required of local governments and private <br />industry? <br /> <br />A source separation program requires the individual homeowner and <br />business to separate recyclable materials from the remainder of the <br />solid waste. The degree of separation may vary from separation of <br />newspapers only to include metals, glass, textiles, yard wastes, food <br />wastes, rubber and plastics. Once separated, the materials can then <br />be brought to recycling centers or picked up.as in municipal refuse <br />collection. If picked up, the materials must be put on the curbside <br />in separate containers or piles in the case of yard waste. The <br />hauler can then place the items on separate collection racks attached <br />to the truck. Alternatively, the recyclable items can have a <br />separate collection system utilizing specialized vehicles and <br />possibly separate management and operating staff. One possible <br />scenario would be for haulers to pick up mixed waste while a <br />municipal crew or contractor could p~ck up recyclable items. <br /> <br />There is also one low-technology form of off-site processing known as <br />picking or salvaging. Picking is the process of removing valuable <br />materials from the mixed waste stream for later sale or reuse. <br />Picking is typically an unstructured system that can occur at any <br />point along the collection and.disposal route. <br /> <br />The limiting factor in a source separation program or picking opera- <br />tion is the need for a buyer or market for the recycled materials. <br />It is import'ant to have a guaranteed base purchase price for <br />materials with the buyer to guard against fluctuating markets prices. <br /> <br />Other issues regarding source separation and picking include: <br /> <br />4a. <br /> <br />Should source separation programs be mandatory or voluntary <br />for homeowners or for commercial and industrial establishments? <br /> <br />4b. <br /> <br />What types of economic incentives and public education <br />measures could be used to improve public participation in <br />source separation programs? <br /> <br />4Co <br /> <br />How should source separation programs be structured and <br />financed to adequately address added operational costs? <br /> <br />4d. <br /> <br />If separate collection, processing or disposal of yard waste <br />is determined to be an effective abatement strategy, how should <br />these additional operatons be funded? <br /> <br />4co <br /> <br />Should government allow and encourage picking or salvaging <br />operations? <br /> <br /> <br />