Single Stream Recycling Sorting Process
1. Recycling bins are collected at the curb by a local authority or contractor, and transported to a special processing plant called a material recovery facility.
2. Materials are unloaded from trucks and placed onto conveyor belts.
3. The recyclable items are then sorted both manually by employees and mechanically. All recyclables pass through a series of presorting, screening, and quality control.
4. Recyclable items are sorted by commodity type and baled by commodity. The bales are then shipped to recycling plants at home or abroad.
5. Manufacturers buy the bales in order to turn the commodity into brand new products.