That's a great question, and it's one that many cities and environmental groups are actively debating. In my opinion, having separate compartments in a public waste bin is generally much better for effective recycling, though its success isn't guaranteed.
The core benefit is reducing contamination. When all waste—plastic bottles, food scraps, paper—gets tossed into one hole, the recyclables become soiled and often unrecoverable. Separate slots for "Recyclables" and "General Waste" guide people at the point of disposal. This simple act of sorting right away keeps materials cleaner, which significantly boosts the quality and quantity of what can actually be recycled.
However, the system only works with clear signage and public cooperation. Compartments need universal, easy-to-understand icons and words. Without public education, people might ignore the labels or wish-cycle—placing non-recyclable items in the recycling slot out of hope, which ironically contaminates the whole stream.
So, while a single-stream bin is cheaper and simpler, compartments create a crucial physical reminder to sort. They make the choice for sustainability the easier choice. For true effectiveness, they must be part of a larger effort that includes consistent bin design across a city and ongoing public awareness campaigns. The compartments are a vital tool, but an informed public is the key that makes them work.