Dry Mixed Recycling
Dry mixed recycling waste services
Countrystyle Recycling’s dry mixed recycling (DMR) collection and processing services can help your business reach its own recycling goals.
At Countrystyle Recycling, we have invested in leading technologies and infrastructure to develop one of the largest mixed recycling facilities (MRF) across Kent and the Southeast.
Our commercial recycling contracts are both affordable and flexible, and we tailor our services to meet the needs of your business. Get in touch to arrange a free quote and find out how we can boost your business’s green credentials.
40
11
What can go in dry mixed recycling bins?
Dry mixed recycling bins can be used for single waste streams (such as tin, paper, plastic), or as co-mingled DMR bins. The types of waste that we accept in our bins include:
- Cardboard
- Office paper
- Envelopes
- Magazines and journals
- Junk mail
- Clean food and drink cans (steel and aluminium)
- Plastic bottles
- Shredded paper
- Clear plastic film (LDPE or ‘low density polythene’)
All recyclable waste should be loose or placed into clear bin bags. Do not place DMRs into black bin bags used for general waste. View our DMR Waste Specification sheet for further advice on what can and cannot be placed in your DMR waste bin.
How can your business benefit from recycling DMRs?
Compliance
Active recycling through dedicated bin collections will help your business adhere to its environmental responsibilities.
Businesses have a legal duty of care to manage waste in line with the Environmental Protection Act of 1990. The act outlines the responsibility of businesses to ensure the separate collection of dry recyclable materials, along with authorised disposal.
At Countrystyle Recycling, we offer a professional service and expert advice to help you manage your trade waste and maintain compliance. Our services are comprehensive and include recycling performance reporting with a full audit trail.
Sustainability
The recycling of reusable materials is vitally important for the environment. It helps to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The process provides raw material substitutes for manufacturing, helping to save on natural resources. It is also cheaper to dispose of DMRs and reduces the waste disposal costs to your business.
Circular economy
Dry mixed recycling plays a crucial role in the circular economy by ensuring that recyclable materials are collected, sorted, and transformed into new products, reducing the need for new resources. By reprocessing recyclables into valuable raw materials, this form of waste processing not only promotes sustainability but conserves resources and reduces your business’s environmental impact.
By adhering to recycling regulations and standards such as the Waste Framework Directive, as well as the UK government’s recycling targets, businesses using DMR contribute to a greener, cleaner economy.
Competitiveness
Recycling dry mixed recyclables enhances your business’ competitiveness by reducing waste disposal costs, enhancing sustainability credentials, and meeting eco-conscious consumer demands. By disposing of your waste correctly, your business is able to demonstrate corporate responsibility and its commitment to the environment, strengthening brand reputation and potentially attracting environmentally-focused partners and customers.
How we process DMR waste.
Materials are collected on our fleet of waste vehicles then delivered to our DMR Materials Recycling Facility in Ridham, Kent.
We receive materials as either segregated single waste streams such as paper and plastic bottles, or as co-mingled Dry Mixed Recyclables. Here, all recyclable waste is mechanically and positively picked into recyclable streams and packed ready for further processing.
- Advanced machinery mechanically sorts materials into different recyclable categories.
- Positively picked items are separated by trained staff for quality control.
- Sorted materials are compacted and baled for further recycling or reuse.
Our material recycling facility
Countrystyle Recycling has developed one of Kent and the South East’s largest processing facilities.
The evolution of the main Ridham Dock site has enabled us to receive and process our customer’s recyclables collected on our fleet vehicles including Dustcarts, Roll-On Rolls-Off bins and Artics.
As the leading independent waste management company in Kent, London and the South East, our service covers many sectors. We hold many contracts including the collection of DMR material from Kent Schools and Public Properties. Our company is also a UK end recycler for paper/card, glass, plastic and metal.
At Countrystyle Recycling, we work hard to ensure that the dry mixed recyclables we process are free from contamination. Contamination of DMR waste occurs when non-recyclable items or incorrect materials are mixed in. Not only does this reduce the quality of the recycling process but it increases processing costs and, in some cases, can even cause loads to be diverted to landfill.
To avoid this, we rely on an effective combination of advanced sorting technology, manual quality control, and strict material guidelines to uphold excellent waste disposal standards.
Dry mixed recycling bins
We offer a range of commercial Dry Mixed Recycling bins to suit your business needs. Our bins include Wheelie Bins, Rear End Loaders, and Roll-On Roll-Off Bins. We also provide portable static and mobile compactors in a variety of sizes as well as on-site balers which helps businesses manage waste more efficiently. Whether you’re a small business or an industrial manufacturer, we offer flexible collections to manage your recyclable waste.
Commercial dry mixed recyclables (DMR) bins
Wheelie bins
Our Wheelie Bins are available in 2 or 4 wheeled options. They come in four sizes including 240, 360, 660, and 1,100 litres. We offer options with lockable lids for enhanced safety and protection.
Rear end loaders (RELs)
Rear End Loaders are ideal for businesses that generate a significant amount of trade recyclable waste. They come in 6, 8, and 12 cubic yard options with lockable lids for added peace of mind.
RoRo's for DMR Waste
Roll-On Roll-Off skips (RoRo’s)
Roll-On Roll-Off Skips are best suited for large commercial or industrial operations that produce high volumes of Dry Mixed Recycling waste. Sizes include 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 cubic yard containers. Our RoRo’s have lockable rear doors and are available as compaction and non-compaction bins. Choose from open-top or fully enclosed to suit your requirements.
DMR vs other recycling type
- Dry mixed recycling is the optimal recycling method for businesses as it is convenient and simple, allowing businesses to mix paper, plastics, and metals in one bin. Although there is a risk of contamination, with proper signage and company training on the importance of recycling correctly, this can be managed easily.
- While single-stream recycling also allows all recyclables to be mixed, this method often leads to higher contamination rates and additional processing.
- Source-separated recycling is where materials like paper, glass, and plastic are sorted at the source. While this method offers clean, high-quality recyclables and reduces contamination, it requires more effort, bins, and space for businesses.
DMR is a balanced solution, combining ease of use with efficient processing, making it ideal for many businesses.
Our DMR waste services in action
Countrystyle Recycling manages the dry mixed recycling, confidential, food and general waste for over 500 schools and universities and fully understands the needs and demands of the education sector.
With a particular focus on increasing source-segregated recycling, Countrystyle Recycling works with its education partners by providing collateral including informative posters, internal hexagonal bins and supporting graphics, to reduce contamination rates.
Dry mixed recyclables FAQs
Find answers to your most common questions about dry mixed recyclables (DMR), from accepted materials to contamination prevention and the benefits of recycling with Countrystyle Recycling.
What are dry mixed recyclables?
Dry Mixed Recyclables (also known as ‘DMR) are a collection of dry, clean recyclable materials such as paper, cardboard, plastics, and metals. These can be recycled without the need for separation by the user.
Does DMR include glass?
Traditionally, glass is not accepted in dry mixed recycling as it can contaminate other recyclable materials. If you’re looking to recycle glass, head over to our Glass Waste page.
Is polystyrene dry mixed recycling?
The following materials are typically not permitted in dry mixed recycling bins as they can contaminate the waste. However, as above, many of these waste types can be recycled separately with specialist methods by Countrystyle Recycling:
- Food waste
- Liquids
- Green waste
- Glass
- Polystyrene
- Plasterboard
- Hazardous materials (like batteries)
No, polystyrene is not widely recyclable and is not accepted in dry mixed recycling because it can easily contaminate other materials. We can, however, recycle other specialist items such as wood, plasterboard, and even coffee grounds.
What materials are not allowed in DMR bins?
The following materials are typically not permitted in dry mixed recycling bins as they can contaminate the waste. However, as above, many of these waste types can be recycled separately with specialist methods by Countrystyle Recycling:
- Food waste
- Liquids
- Green waste
- Glass
- Polystyrene
- Plasterboard
- Hazardous materials (like batteries)
What happens if there is contamination in a DMR bin?
Unfortunately, sometimes dry mixed recycling gets contaminated (usually by incorrectly recycled items). If there is contamination in a DMR bin, the entire load may require additional sorting or, in severe cases, be rejected and sent to landfill. This significantly increases costs and reduces recycling efficiency, so always check exactly what’s going into your business’ bins.
Quick Links
Get a quote for dry mixed recyclable collections
Contact the helpful sales team here at Countrystyle Recycling for more information on our cost-effective Dry Mixed Recycling (DMR) bins and collection service contracts.
We operate throughout Kent, London and the South East.