Stage 1: Collection, Sorting and Cleaning
It all starts with you! Utilizing your neighborhood's recycling collection system is the first step in the process. Typically, recyclable materials are collected curbside, at drop-off recycling centers or via deposit programs. Check with your local municipality for more information.
Once the recycled materials have been collected, they next go to a recovery facility where they are sorted. The sorting process usually involves a combination of mechanical sorters, magnets, forced air, optics and manual sorting by workers. Next up is the processing facility, where the sorted materials from the recovery facility are converted into usable material. Plastics are shredded and paper is soaked in water.
