How are recyclable materials separated? June 24, 2016 Recyclable materials can be separated at many different stages in the recycling process. The initial user of the item, who sorts it into the proper recycling bin, can separate them or the person who collects the recyclables. It can be commingled until it reaches the MRF (Materials Recovery Facility) where it can be separated by machines and/or individuals. At the MRF, the recyclables are separated based on their material type – paper, plastics, aluminum, or glass. The…

When your computer, cell phone or tablet finally gives out, what do you do? You go to your local electronics store and buy a replacement, of course! We don’t always think about what happens to the old one we got rid of, the e-waste we’re generating, and what will happen to it once it’s thrown in the trash and forgotten about. Electronic Waste or e-waste can be any electronic device that is obsolete, broken or is simply not wanted anymore. In 2014, Canada generated 799,000…

What is single-stream/commingled recycling collection? June 24, 2016 Single-stream recycling collection, also known as commingled recycling collection, is a system where all recyclable materials are collected in one location and are not separated based on their materials. The collected material is usually then taken to a Municipal Recycling Facility (MRF) where the recyclables are separated and processed before being sold to manufacturers who will use the materials to make new products. The advantage of this system is that it spares people from having to separate…

What is Recycling and how does it work? May 19, 2016 Recycling is taking something that has been used in its current form for as long as it can be useful and repurposing it into something new that can be used instead of throwing it away. Typically, recyclables are collected at your home, work or school and sorted into bins. A hauler then takes them to a facility where the materials are recovered. Once the materials are separated, they are sold to companies that reformat…

What is Waste? May 19, 2016 Waste is something that is thrown away because it is no longer useful. Items should only be considered Waste if they cannot be recycled. Generally, Waste is disposed of by curbside collection or personal delivery to a landfill where it can be properly handled so it cannot contaminate groundwater or harm the surrounding environment. The amount of Waste being produced is a growing problem that affects not only the environment but also humans. If not disposed of properly, Waste…