CRR member embraces commingled collections

Berryman Glass expects to be processing mixed cans, plastics and glass from householders by January and while it is remaining tight-lipped about specific details, it has insisted that it should not be dubbed a MRF (materials recycling facility) just because it is sorting commingled collections.

CRR

This is because the company, based in South Kirby, Yorkshire, is a member of the Campaign for Real Recycling, which has criticised the quality of kerbside commingled collections which are later sorted through MRFs (see letsrecycle.com story).

Berryman's general manager Mick Keogh said Berryman's new equipment – which has yet to be given a name – will be producing a much higher quality of sorted material than a MRF. One reason for this, Mr Keogh said is because “generally when facilities take commingled collections, glass gets broken up in a trommel and we won't be breaking the glass”.

He explained that by keeping the glass pieces “large”, you can maintain the quality of the plastic, aluminium and the glass because small, barely visible slivers of glass will not be mixed in with the other material.

The CRR has argued that separating material at source is the best way to keep contamination levels down but Mr Keogh said: “More and more local authorities are going down the commingled route because collection costs are cheaper. We have got to find a solution.

“Of course we would like everyone to collect separately but commingled kerbside collections have snowballed in recent years and we have got to look at how we address the situation,” he added.

Paper

Berryman will not be sorting paper but Mr Keogh said if the equipment can be further refined, it could become a possibility. However, he added: “Keeping the paper separate is the best thing to do and this shouldn't be a problem because it is put out by householders in such large quantities.”

Although the recycler won't be sorting material until January, it is ready to take material from local authorities and waste management companies.

Mr Keogh explained: “We are ready to begin negotiations now with local authorities and waste management companies because we are in a position to take material. It can be stored until operations begin.”

The general manager has said there is no limit on the amount of material that can be taken because “we can add capacity as we need it. The first sorting facility will be based at a Berryman site but Mr Keogh has said the technology can be contracted out to waste management facilities.