In the world of waste and recycling, there are a lot of terms that might sound like a different language if you're not familiar with them. You might have heard of a "MRF", but what is it and why does it matter to your business? To help your business understand more about the waste and recycling industry, we defined some commonly used terms every business should know, so your business can get the most out of its services!
API
Annual Percentage Increase Annual price increases introduced yearly. Typically ranges between 5-20%
depending on operations
Container Options
The type and size of materials you recycle will determine your container options
Haul Cost
A set-cost that is associated with each pick-up
MRF
Materials Recovery Facility
These facilities receive, separate and prepare recyclables for the end user
Pick-up Frequency
A service that is picked up with the same frequency each week or month
Tonnage
The amount of materials produced measured in tons
Carbon Footprint
The measurement of the amount of carbon dioxide our activities produce
Contamination
Any material, substance or object that decreases the value of your materials or make them unrecyclable
Landfill Diversion Rates
The amount of waste that is diverted from landfill, as a result of effective recycling or waste reduction
MSW
Municipal Solid Waste
Everyday trash or garbage thrown away and taken to landfill
The percent of materials that your business successfully recycles
Waste Corral
Area where receptacles are staged outside of your business
Compost
Organic materials (such as food scraps and yard waste) used to create a nutrient-based soil
E-Waste
Electronic waste that can be reused, such as computers, phones, televisions, etc.
Mixed Recycling
The collection of plastic, certain metals and glass
OCC
Old Corrugated Cardboard
Sustainability
Meeting our own environmental needs without hurting the ability of future generations to meet their needs
Zero-Waste To Landfill
A strategy that states 99% of the waste your business produces will be diverted from landfill meaning all waste is recycled
Do you have other waste and recycling terms you need help defining? Leave us a comment below and we will be happy to help you! You can also always get in touch with us here. Thank you for reading!
