Comingled

Comingled, also often spelled commingled, is the past participle of comingle and functions as an adjective meaning blended or merged. It is used to describe things that were originally separate but have been combined, either intentionally or as a result of process or circumstance. The term appears across diverse fields, with slightly different emphasis depending on context.

In law and finance, "comingled funds" describes the mixing of money belonging to different clients, or of client funds with the fiduciary’s own money, in a single account. Because separate accounting and custody are typically required, comingling is often prohibited or heavily regulated. Violations can undermine fiduciary duties, trigger disciplinary actions, and require restitution or penalties. In many jurisdictions, safeguards include dedicated trust accounts, commingled asset disclosures, and regular audits.

In recycling and waste management, "comingled" or "comingle" recycling refers to mixed recyclables collected together in a single bin—such as paper, plastic, and metal—which are then sorted at processing facilities. The approach contrasts with source-separated recycling, where materials are kept separate by type from the point of collection.

In archaeology, forensics, and biology, "comingled remains" or "co-mingled remains" describe human or animal remains recovered in close association from the same context, where bones from multiple individuals are intermingled. Analysts work to identify and separate individual remains for interpretation, sometimes using osteological markers or genetic data.

In textiles and manufacturing, "comingled fibers" or "comingle" describes the blending of different fiber types in the material stream, creating yarns or fabrics with combined properties.