What happens to my recycling? [ Infographic ]

Recycling has become a cornerstone of waste management in many parts of the world. While tossing recyclables into the appropriate bin may seem like the end of the journey, it’s actually just the beginning of a complex process that transforms waste into valuable resources. Here’s a detailed look at what happens to your recycling from the moment it leaves your home.

 Collection and Transportation

 The recycling process starts with collection. Depending on where you live, recyclables are either picked up curbside by a recycling truck or taken to a drop-off centre. In many municipalities, residents use single-stream recycling, where all recyclables are placed in one bin, or dual-stream recycling, where materials like paper and plastic are separated at the source.

Once collected, the recyclables are transported to a Material Recovery Facility (MRF). These facilities are designed to handle large volumes of mixed recyclables and are equipped with advanced technology to sort and process materials.

 Sorting at the MRF

Upon arrival at the MRF, recyclables go through a sorting process. This is a combination of manual and automated sorting designed to separate materials by type. The process typically includes:

1. Pre-sorting: Workers manually remove contaminants like plastic bags, electronics, and non-recyclable items that can damage machinery.
2. Mechanical sorting: Machines like conveyor belts, rotating drums, and screens are used to separate materials based on size and weight.
3. Magnetic separation: Magnets extract ferrous metals such as steel and iron.
4. Eddy currents: Non-ferrous metals like aluminium are separated using an eddy current separator, which repels these materials away from the other recyclables.
5. Optical sorting: Optical scanners use light to identify and sort plastics by type. Each type of plastic has a unique optical signature, allowing the scanners to sort them with high accuracy.
6. Air classification: Lightweight materials like paper and certain plastics are separated from heavier items using air jets.

Cleaning and Processing

 After sorting, the recyclables are cleaned to remove any remaining contaminants. This can involve washing plastics, de-inking paper, and removing labels and adhesives. Cleaned materials are then processed into raw forms that manufacturers can use to create new products.

 – Plastics: Plastics are shredded into small pellets or flakes, which are then melted and reformed into new plastic products. Different types of plastics (PET, HDPE, PVC, etc.) are processed separately to maintain material integrity.

– Paper: Paper is pulped, which involves mixing it with water to break it down into fibres. Contaminants are filtered out, and the pulp is cleaned and de-inked before being pressed and dried into new paper sheets.

– Glass: Glass is crushed into cullet, which is cleaned and sorted by colour. The cullet is melted and moulded into new glass products.

– Metals: Metals are melted down in a furnace. Steel and aluminium, the most commonly recycled metals, are reformed into sheets or blocks for use in manufacturing.

Manufacturing and End Products

Reprocessed materials are sold to manufacturers who use them to produce new goods. The market for recycled materials varies based on demand and the quality of the recyclables. So, high-quality materials fetch better prices and are more likely to be used in high-end products.

 – Plastics: Recycled plastics can be used to make a wide range of products, from clothing and outdoor furniture to new containers and packaging.

– Paper: Recycled paper is turned into office paper, cardboard, newsprint, and tissue products.

– Glass: Recycled glass is commonly used to make new bottles and jars, but it can also be used in construction materials like fibreglass and concrete.

– Metals: Recycled metals are essential in producing new cars, appliances, construction materials, and packaging.

Challenges and Improvements

While the recycling process is effective, it faces several challenges. Contamination remains a significant issue; non-recyclable items and dirty recyclables can spoil entire batches. Thus, Public education on proper recycling practices is crucial to minimise contamination.

Economic factors also play a role. Thus, fluctuations in the global market for raw materials can impact the profitability of recycling. During periods of low demand, recyclables may be stockpiled or, in the worst cases, landfilled.

However, advancements in technology and increased awareness are driving improvements. Enhanced sorting technologies and better recycling infrastructure are making the process more efficient. Innovations such as chemical recycling, which breaks plastics down to their molecular level, offer promising solutions to current limitations.

Recycling is a journey that transforms waste into valuable resources, playing a crucial role in sustainable waste management and environmental conservation. Therefore, by understanding and participating in the recycling process, individuals contribute to a cycle that reduces waste, conserves natural resources, and supports a circular economy. So next time you toss something into the recycling bin, remember the remarkable journey it embarks upon, and the positive impact it has on our planet.

Contact us

Furthermore, If you’re still wondering What happens to my recycling? Why not get in touch? One of our friendly team will be happy to tell you more about our recycling services in Rotherham and let you know exactly what you can and can’t dispose of. We can answer all your questions and queries. Call us on 01709 645038 to discuss your requirements. Alternatively, request a callback or send us a message via our website.