What happens after sorting?

Once materials are sorted at a MRF, the usual destination for them is into the recycling industry. Paper, plastic, and glass are prime examples of materials that are recycled extensively. After being sorted and baled (put into compact cubes) at the MRF, these materials are sent to specialized recycling facilities. For example paper undergoes a process of pulping, where it is transformed into new paper products. Plastics are melted and reformed into pellets that can be used to produce a wide range of new items, anything from bottles to packaging materials. Glass is crushed into cullets, which can be melted and molded into new glass products, reducing the need for virgin materials.

Metals, both ferrous (containing iron) and non-ferrous, are highly recyclable and have a huge market value. After being sorted at a MRF, metals such as aluminum, steel, and copper are sent to specialized scrap yards or metal recycling facilities. These facilities use advanced techniques to process and recover metals from the scrap. Metals are melted down, purified, and shaped into ingots (sheets of metal) ready to be transformed into new products.

Some materials that pass through a MRF may not be suitable for recycling due to contamination or limited recycling options. However, these materials can still find a valuable purpose through energy recovery. Non-recyclable waste, such as certain plastics and organic matter, can be processed at specialized waste-to-energy facilities. Through processes like incineration or gasification, waste is burned in order to create heat. This heat then used to boil water, creating steam. This steam is then used in order to create mechanical energy. In Syracuse, a fairly recent plant, Covanta, partnered with OCRRA to create a waste to recovery site that takes in waste from several local businesses.

Organic waste, such as food scraps and yard trimmings, takes a different path after being sorted at a MRF. Instead of heading to recycling or energy recovery facilities, organic waste is often directed towards composting facilities. Composting is a natural process that breaks down organic matter into nutrient-rich compost. This compost can be used to enrich soil, improve agricultural productivity, and promote sustainable gardening practices.

In conclusion, the journey of materials after going through a material recovery facility is a multifaceted process that involves recycling, energy recovery, composting, and ongoing innovation. As we continue to seek sustainable solutions for waste management, it is crucial to support research and innovation that explores new frontiers in recycling, develops advanced technologies, and promotes the principles of a circular economy. By doing so, we can ensure that our resources are maximized, waste is minimized, and we move closer to a more sustainable future.