How Single-Stream Recycling Works

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Large metering bin is loaded with mixed recyclables at the start of the single-stream system.
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Metering bin and incline conveyor moves materials to pre-sort line.
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Pre-sort line. Materials too large for the downstream system to process are removed by hand prior to entering the OCC separation screens.
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The first OCC separation screen. All bulky cardboard is removed from the mix at this location and sent to a baler.
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View of maintenance platforms, which provide access to the equipment.
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A second set of polishing screens continue separating fibers from plastic bottles, tin and aluminum cans, and aseptic containers (paper cartons).
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Final polishing screens remove any remaining fiber and send it to the fiber sort line.
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View of fiber sort line. Recycling staff will sort separated materials into the proper bins at this location.
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Bin where all sorted containers are stored prior to processing through the optical sorters.
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One of four Green Eye optical container sorters used to separate plastic bottles by type; also pictured is the bag vacuum system blower unit.
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Green Eye high intensity lighting system. Floods the accelerator belt with light enabling vision system to collect the data it needs to fire air jets and remove desired recyclable products.
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Green Eye Optical Sorting Systems high speed accelerator belt. Travels at 500 feet per minute and evenly disperses material load so that optical sensors can identify isolated containers for sorting.