An Intermediate Processing Center (IPC) is a recycling center that is between the municipal collection program and the Municipal Recycling Center (MRC). Much like the MRC, the IPC separates recyclable refuse into different groupings based on their material so they can be resold to manufacturers for production.

The material is first brought to the IPC by collection trucks. In the separation process, paper is removed before the commingled materials (plastic, aluminum and glass) is sent by conveyor belt for further separation. Along the belt, a magnetic belt moving above pulls metal products away while plastics and glass are separated from below. The now separated materials are then sold or sent for use by factories for reuse in the manufacturing of goods.

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Other Sources

“Intermediate Processing Center (IPC).” http://www.ecologydictionary.org/QSUgS/PeeKX/EU-Bio-Glossary/Intermediate_Processing_Center_(IPC). Accessed May 27, 2016.

Forbes, Tench C. and John A. Mathews. “A Comparison of Intermediate Processing Center Reference Designs and Costs.” http://www.seas.columbia.edu/earth/wtert/sofos/nawtec/1992-National-Waste-Processing-Conference/1992-National-Waste-Processing-Conference-42.pdf. Accessed May 26, 2016.