Containers are made in a wide range of sizes and types, suitable for a large variety of applications. Examples of these containers are listed below:

• Personal desk-top office paper recycling containers,
• Centralized recycling containers,
• Containers for residential recyclables, and
• Modified trashcans that have been compartmentalized to permit the separation of household kitchen wastes (e.g., cans, glass, plastic, and compostables).

Source separation of recyclables by the waste generators requires consistent education and program support to prevent recyclables from becoming contaminated with other materials. All recycling containers should be clearly labeled with the types of material that are accepted posted on the container, as well as the name and phone number of a contact for further information. Color-coded containers for each material type will help users quickly identify the proper container. A trash can should be placed next to all recycling stations to reduce contamination. Regularly publicizing the location and availability of the containers will bring in new users as well as secure existing users.

In an office, recycling containers should be placed in easily accessible locations so that using them is as convenient as putting the material in the trash. For material such as office paper that is generated sheet by sheet, desktop or individual containers are recommended. For less commonly generated items, such as aluminum cans, a centralized set of containers should suffice. A single bin that is compartmentalized for different materials may be difficult to empty unless special handling equipment is purchased. Containers that contain single material types are more suitable for collection.

The use of collection containers for recycling offers a simple and effective pollution prevention opportunity. Normal office and household wastes are recycled without producing any new waste streams. Their use also helps to foster pollution prevention awareness among the office and residential areas where they are used.

The compliance benefits listed here are only meant to be used as a general guideline and are not meant to be strictly interpreted. Actual compliance benefits will vary depending on the factors involved, e.g. the amount of workload involved.

• Reduction of landfilled waste through recycling and composting.
• Lower processing costs for recyclables.
• Separating recyclables and/or compostables at the source of generation reduces the level of manpower required for material sorting at a material recovery facility

• Mixing of material types often occurs and the material may require further sorting.
• Some participants who do not understand which materials belong in a category, or find it too difficult to separate the materials, may interfere with effective source separation.

Containers range in size and functionality from small household or office bins, to wheeled carts, to single or multiple material drop-off containers. The approximate costs of some types of containers are listed below. The exact cost will depend on quantity ordered and shipping distance.

MULTIPLE COMPARTMENT COLLECTION CONTAINERS

Semi-automated collection container with three 96-gallon carts: $1,200
Six compartment manual collection container: $1,000

SINGLE COMPARTMENT COLLECTION CONTAINERS

Automated 3.5-cubic yard collection container: $540
Automated 4.0-cubic yard collection container: $580
Automated 4.0-cubic yard paper collection container: $660
Manual collection container with bags: $560
Manual collection container with two 96-gallon carts: $770
55-gallon drum cover: $150

WHEELED RECYCLING CARTS

96-gallon cart: $55
64-gallon cart: $50

DESKSIDE AND STATION CONTAINERS

13-quart rectangular container: $5
28-quart rectangular container: $7
41-quart rectangular container: $11
12.5-gallon box: $14
23-gallon square container: $41