Recycling bank
Recycling plant
How does recycling happen?
If you put all your recyclables in one bag or box, they will initially be sorted by hand at a recycling facility. Large cardboard boxes, plastic bags and unsuitable waste will be removed before more thorough sorting starts. Automated machines can pick out certain substances e.g. magnets attract steel and lighter plastics and paper can be separated from heavier glass.
Thanks to engineers who have been working on the problem, the sorting process is becoming more automated. New facilities can empty and separate a lorry of mixed recyclables in less than an hour without much help from people.
Find out about the recycling of: