Recycling Process

• When trash is recycled, it undergoes a procedure that involves collection and processing and the manufacturing and purchasing of recycled products. Recycled materials are processed through four primary methods, including curbside pick-up, drop-off centers, buy-back centers and deposit/refund programs. Trash is either recycled totally or partially by manufacturers. Once government, businesses and consumers purchase recycled products, it completes the last stage of the recycling process.
  
  

Curbside Programs

• There are five major materials that are commonly recycled: aluminum, paper, plastic and steel. Curbside recycling is the most popular form of recycling, and it involves three processes, including dual-stream recycling, single-stream recycling and pay-as-you throw. Dual-stream recycling involves separating recyclable materials into separate bins and placing them curbside for collection. Single-stream recycling involves placing recyclable materials into one collection bin. Pay-as-you throw is a program that some communities have o pick-up trash thrown to the curb. Once the trash is hauled away, they pay a small fee for recycling the material, or the community provides the service for free.
  
  

Drop-off and Sorting

• Materials for recycling can be dropped off at a sorting center, and once they arrive, they are separated, washed, dried, ground and heated. Chemical recycling can also be a part of this process. Depending on the program, not all materials are recyclable. Some materials are not recycled because they're not cost effective, there isn't enough of the material to recycle or the material has to be accepted by a recovery facility before recycling.
  
  

Manufacturing and Purchasing

• Recycling centers sell recycled materials to manufacturers as raw materials. Once manufacturers receive recycled raw materials, they make new products. Once government, businesses and consumers purchase recycled products it completes the last stage of the recycling process, and for recycling to be effective, there has to be a market for recycled products.