Why proper sorting and recovery is key

After being placed in the bin, the recovered recyclable materials arrive at the sorting center, where equipment and employees sort them in several stages. The goal is to remove everything that can't be recycled or might jam or break the equipment mechanisms, catch fire or explode. Propane tanks and lithium batteries fall into this category. In the event of a fire or breakdown, the whole sorting line stops. This situation is more common than one might think. Materials accumulate and this causes delays on the whole system. Its a risk that needs to be taken seriously. 

Broken equipment and fires aren’t the only hazards at the sorting centre. Employees also handle mouldy objects, chemical or organic waste, and dangerous items such as used syringes. In addition to injury risks, toxic fumes and mould sometimes affect the health of employees in contact with the materials on a daily basis. Even if accidents don’t occur every day, health of employees is a priority. Every material put in the bin has an impact : let’s make sure it’s a positive one. 

When a bin is filled correctly, the whole system runs run more smoothly and efficiently. These good habits also have positive effects on the circular economy. But what is the circular economy? It’s a model of production and consumption that aims to create value without depleting the planet’s resources. Instead of throwing out recyclable materials and producing new ones, we recycle and transform them. We give them a second life.  What's more, we create jobs and stimulate the local economy