Simply put, backhaul recycling is sending the truck back tothe distribution center full of recyclable materials. Scrap paper, cardboard, plastic bags, stretch film (shrink wrap), pallets, etc.

This technique is a economy of scale play. Each store’s volumes may be too low to encourage store level recycling or individual market areas may or may not viable  recycling programs for a given material. By backhauling the recyclables, chain retailers amass enough volume of each material to be able to get preferred pricing and make a lower investment in compactors and balers and otehr recycling equipment.

Retailers may even backhaul sufficient volumes of recyling materials that the recycler will “spot a truck” at the loading lock or the retailer may be able to deal “mill direct,” where they can negotiate directly with the paper mill or what have you.

The United States Postal Service has a Zero Waste Initiative which involves backhauling. Check out a presentation called Implementing Backhaul Recycling here.