Recycling is the process of taking used materials such as paper, glass, aluminum and plastic and converting them into reusable raw materials instead of funneling them into landfills. Waste recycling centers are an important part of streamlining the recycling process. Communities typically offer either curbside pick up of recyclable material or drop-off centers.
Commingling
When recycling began, consumers were typically required to sort their recyclable materials. Even glass had to be sorted by color. With the advent of waste recycling centers, most community pickup services accept commingled materials, making the process much easier and faster.
Material Recovery Facility
The material recovery facility, or MRF, pronounced "murf," is the first stop for collected recyclables. MRFs in large, metropolitan areas are designed to handle up to 1,000 tons of material daily. That's 1,000 tons of solid waste that is diverted from landfills, saving precious space. Materials are dumped onto a giant conveyor belt. Paper, glass, aluminum, steel and plastics are sorted as the conveyor belt moves through the MRF. Each type is then baled and sent to reclaimers and other manufacturers for re-use. Recycled paper is made into new paper products, aluminum cans are recycled into new cans, and glass and plastics are recycled into new glass and plastic products.
These waste recycling centers are important because they facilitate and expedite the recycling process. When it's fast and easy, more consumers and communities will recycle, and recycling has many benefits.
Landfill Space
Recycling materials saves landfill space. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, people in the United States generate 4-1/2 lbs. of trash per person per day. About 30 percent of the trash you generate is recycled. Every pound of solid waste that can be diverted from the trash stream by recycling saves landfill space.
Economic Benefits
In addition to reducing stress on your landfill, recycling offers economic benefits as well. The EPA estimates that 1 million jobs are created by the recycling industry. It also estimates that recycling contributes $236 billion to the U.S. economy. The MRFs add efficiency to the recycling process, which makes it less expensive than dumping or incinerating.
Energy Savings
Making products from recycled materials saves energy. According to Recycling Revolution, using recycled materials takes less energy and water and creates less air and water pollution. For example, making aluminum cans from recycled aluminum uses 95 percent less energy than using virgin raw materials. Recycled plastic products use 70 percent less energy, and recycled glass uses 40 percent less energy.
e-Cycling
With the growing use of electronics such as computers and cell phones, disposal of the hazardous materials used inside them is growing as well. Waste recycling centers that accept these materials provide a critical service and help reduce the levels of heavy metals and pollutants that can accumulate in landfills and possibly leach into the water supply.
Member Comments