How is recycling separated?
In our daily lives, we often come across the ubiquitous "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" mantra. But have you ever wondered what happens to your recyclables once they leave your curb? How are these materials separated and processed to ensure they can be transformed into new products? Let's dive into the fascinating journey of recycling separation.
The collection phase
Recycling begins at home, where individuals sort their waste into designated recycling bins. These bins typically include separate containers for paper, plastics, glass, and metals. Once collected, these bins are transported to a Materials recovery facility (MRF).
Arrival at the MRF
At the MRF, recyclables undergo a series of steps to separate the different materials. Here's a breakdown of the process:
Initial sorting
Conveyor belts: Upon arrival, recyclables are loaded onto conveyor belts where large contaminants, such as plastic bags and non-recyclable items, are manually removed.
Rotating screens: These screens are used to separate cardboard and paper products from heavier materials like glass and metals.
Magnetic separation
Ferrous metals: Magnets are used to attract and separate ferrous metals (those containing iron) from the rest of the recyclables.
Eddy current separators: These machines use a magnetic field to repel non-ferrous metals (like aluminum), causing them to jump off the conveyor belt into a separate bin.
Optical sorting
Infrared sensors: These sensors identify different types of plastics based on their polymer structure. A burst of air then directs each type of plastic into the appropriate bin.
Density separation
Air classifiers: These machines separate materials based on weight. Lighter materials like paper are blown into a separate bin, while heavier materials fall onto another conveyor.
Glass separation
Crushers and screens: Glass is broken into small pieces and sorted by size using vibrating screens. Any remaining contaminants are removed through additional air and magnetic separation processes.
Quality control
Manual checks: Workers perform manual quality checks at various stages to ensure contaminants are removed and materials are properly sorted.
The final steps
Once separated, each type of recyclable material is compacted into bales and transported to specialised recycling plants:
Paper and cardboard: These are sent to paper mills where they are mixed with water, pulped, and then reprocessed into new paper products.
Plastics: Plastics are cleaned, melted, and remolded into new plastic items.
Glass: Glass is crushed, melted, and reformed into new glass containers.
Metals: Metals are melted down and reformed into new metal products.
Why proper sorting matters
Proper sorting of recyclables at home significantly enhances the efficiency of the recycling process. Contamination can lead to entire batches of recyclables being sent to landfill, undermining the recycling effort. Here are a few tips to ensure your recyclables are sorted correctly:
Rinse containers: Remove food residue from containers to prevent contamination.
Know your plastics: Check local guidelines to know which plastics are accepted.
Separate caps: Remove caps and lids from bottles and jars.
Avoid bagging recyclables: Place items loose in the bin to facilitate sorting at the MRF.
Conclusion
Recycling is a complex but crucial part of waste management. Understanding how recyclables are separated can help us appreciate the importance of proper sorting at home. By doing our part, we can contribute to a more efficient recycling system, ultimately reducing waste and conserving natural resources. So, the next time you toss something into the recycling bin, remember the intricate journey it embarks upon to become something new.
Learn more about Rubbish Snooker and view the litter art here.