How All-in-One Recycling Systems Function

In the early 1990s, as recycling gained momentum in the United States, people were instructed to sort their recyclables by category: paper in one bin, plastic in another, and glass separated by color. By the end of the decade, the advent of single-stream recycling technology eliminated the need for sorting, making recycling accessible even for the least motivated individuals.

With the single-stream recycling method, all recyclables are placed in one bin. At the recycling facility, materials are sorted on a conveyor belt using various techniques: iron-based metals are lifted away, paper is blown off the line with bursts of air, and more.

Single-stream recycling has made curbside collection a breeze, but getting recyclables to the curb in the first place can still be a hassle. When temperatures drop to 10 degrees below zero (Fahrenheit or otherwise), who feels like taking a can to the recycling bin? Handling trash is easy enough with kitchen bins, so why don't we have dedicated recycling bins? It’s simple to buy a plastic bin or use a bag to collect recyclables until you're ready to dispose of them. But like any trash bin, these containers can fill up quickly.

Introducing the all-in-one recycling system. These bins allow you to dispose of all types of recyclables—glass, paper, plastic, cans, and more—into a single multi-gallon container. A lot of the recycled material gets compacted, saving you from making frequent trips to the curb in the cold or dealing with a kitchen overflowing with recyclables.

Learn more about this innovation on the next page.

Advantages of All-in-One Recycling Systems

One could argue that any bin designated for recyclables in your kitchen could be considered an all-in-one recycling station. After all, putting paper, plastic, and glass together in one container technically forms an all-in-one system, though more advanced and high-tech options are available today.

Why invest in an all-in-one recycling system? It turns out that there are many benefits to having one in your kitchen. For starters, it’s simple to use: Having a designated place for all your waste is convenient, but having a machine that reduces the need for frequent trips to the outside bin is even more appealing.

The all-in-one recycling system, designed by American company Mode Products, comes equipped with a crusher that reduces recyclables to about one-third of their original size. Plastic bottles and cans are no match for the mechanical crusher situated at the top front of the unit. With a push of a lever at the bottom, the crusher compresses recyclables and sends them into the 8-gallon (30.3-liter) waste bin. As it’s mechanical, the compactor doesn’t require electricity, adding to its eco-friendliness.

Be mindful of what you place in the recycling bin. It’s not ideal to compact everything. Why? Many recycling centers, which use magnets and lasers to sort materials, struggle to turn a profit from residual waste such as crushed glass, especially when shards of different colors are mixed together. Mode Products seems to have anticipated this issue with their design. The rear slot in the 30-inch tall by 15-inch (38.1-centimeter) wide unit directly feeds into the eight-gallon bin, allowing glass bottles to be added without breaking.

At the front of the unit is a slot with an awning designed to accept paper waste like junk mail and newspapers. This leads to a separate five-gallon bin for paper recyclables. So, in total, you have two bins with a combined capacity of 13 gallons (49.2 liters) for recyclables. That’s great, but what if you forget to take the bin liners to the curb for collection? Mode Products' all-in-one recycling system includes an alarm that can be set to notify you when recycling day is approaching. If you’re someone who appreciates reminders from your devices to stay eco-conscious, this system is perfect for you. The same digital display also shows a running total (in pounds) of all the recyclables you’ve processed over time.

If single-stream and all-in-one recycling systems are any indication, it won't be long before robots start hauling our recyclables to the curb for us. No robe required.

For more details on all-in-one recycling systems and related topics, head to the next page.