NYC considers single stream. (Municipal Recycling).

New York City is considering using a single-stream collection program to make its recycling program more successful, according to local press reports.

The single-stream method is one of several options New York City's recycling task force is looking at as it attempts to alter and adjust its recycling program to fiscal solvency. Last year, because of budget problems, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and City Council opted to drop plastics and glass from the residential collection program, leaving paper and metals as the commodities collected.

Bloomberg and City Council created the task force that decided to remove glass and plastic last year as a compromise to scrapping the recycling program entirely. The task force had planned to release its recommendations during the week of March 17.

The six-member task force has been looking at ways to improve the cost effectiveness and to increase the environmental benefits of the recycling program.

Officials familiar with the other recommendations said they include reducing collection costs through biweekly pickups, examining a pay-as-you-throw system and restoring plastic and beverage container recycling by July. However, glass pickup would likely not be a part of the new program, at least in the near term.

According to the New York Times, New York City may not meet its July 2004 deadline for bringing back glass recycling, as the task force has concluded that the deadline may not be feasible. Although the task force has not signed off on a final report, a working draft declares, "This reinstatement should not occur until such time as the city is able to adequately address the problem of glass breakage and contamination of the mixed recyclable stream," adding that the city needs to find better markets for used glass.