Dry mixed recycling
Dry mixed recycling (DMR) consists of mixed recyclable material that can include paper, cardboard, metal cans, and plastic collected and processed as a single waste stream.
Dry mixed recycling bins and services for UK businesses
At Reconomy, we are committed to promoting sustainable practices and protecting the environment. One way we achieve this is through our efficient dry-mixed recycling process. We understand the importance of recycling and its positive impact on our planet, which is why we have developed a state-of-the-art facility to handle all your recycling needs.
Dry mixed recycling (DMR) consists of mixed recyclable material that can include paper, cardboard, metal cans, and plastic collected and processed as a single waste stream.
Materials classified as DMR are no different from local authorities asking to separate domestic
black bag general waste at home. Aluminium drinks cans and empty food containers, like baked bean tins, clean cardboard, paper and plastic drink/food containers are all examples of what can be mixed and classified as DMR.
Food, coffee cups, textiles and plastic bags are all examples of what DMR isn’t and mixing these waste streams with those classed as DMR will result in the waste being deemed as general waste, reducing the recycling value, and ultimately increasing disposal costs.
DMR consists of mixed recyclable material that can include paper, cardboard, metal cans and plastic collected and processed as a single waste stream. It is any substance or object that the holder discards or intends to discard or is required to discard.
The EWC code for dry mixed recycling (DMR) is 20 03 01, this covers mixed municipal waste like organic waste and packaging. Using the right EWC code ensures a business is helping with correctly handling of waste at recycling facilities. Additionally, a transfer note should include a written description to identify the main components of the waste.
Mixing DMR and non-DMR waste streams will result in the material being classed as a General Mixed Waste stream. As a result the opportunity to maximise the recycling value is reduced, and will result in higher disposal costs. Here is a breakdown of what can/cannot go into DMR (please note, this may differ in Wales where new legislation has been rolled out):
- Metal containers
- Cardboard (flat packed)
- Paper
- Plastic
The following waste streams cannot be mixed with DMR under any circumstances:
- Food waste
- Crisp packets
- Polystyrene
- Electronics (WEEE waste)
- Textiles
- Coffee cups
- Wood waste
- Clingfilm
- Plastic bags
- Tissues
DMR is a less common waste stream across sites where the on-site activity focuses on construction, demolition, housebuilding, and civil engineering. In instances where DMR is segregated and removed, it’s done so normally as scheduled collections of waste from site, or head office locations.
We tend to find the industries of retail, leisure, hospitality, manufacturing, and Facility Management to be the biggest producers of segregated DMR waste, examples include large amounts of soft plastic wrapping and cardboard packaging from store deliveries. Large office recycling complexes will also produce high volumes of office paper, plastic/aluminium drinks containers from canteen facilities and waste cardboard packaging from the
manufacturing operations.
DMR bins and containers available
The type of container used to hold and remove the waste differ depending on the type of work being undertaken and the volume of DMR waste being produced.
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