Is all the stuff we recycle really recycled? I've seen the truck that recycyles?

Question

and everything is lumped altogether. Is the stuff really separated or is it thrown in the trash? It seems with all the stuff that is recycyled that we should see more recycled stuff.

Answer 1

When combined recyclables are unloaded, there is a long conveyor belt at the site and the items are separated. White and colored glass are separated, as are paper, newspaper and plastic. There are six kinds of plastic, which can all be sent to recycling; however, only #1 and #2 (in the triangle on the bottom of plastic containers) have any commercial value--the rest usually ends up in the landfill.

There are companies trying to figure out ways to recycle all the plastic, but some types are very hard. So far, styrofoam cannot be sent to recycling centers but that may change as there is now a commercial use for used styrofoam.

Much of the recycled material is used in commercial applications and that's why you don't think you see it. It is used in construction, recycled into aluminum products, made into "fake lumber" for park benches and in some areas, housing material, and sometimes just for fill (to fill in big holes).

The rest that isn't recycled and can't be used is sent to a landfill or an incinerator where it is burned to ash. Sometimes it can be burned and used for energy.

Answer 2

My husband picks up the recycle bins and claims that all contents are dropped off at a company called "Dasma".
They separate all the goods. He is unsure where they go from there - but they are definitely taken to a recycling place.
Hope this info helps!

Answer 3

i really dont know ..but when we had to buy ~the so call sticker to get are tree limbs picked up..i know for a fact that .i seen the trash man came i got the garbage & went around the block and throwed the tree limbs right in with the trash! so i know for a fact they were ripping us off on that!as far as recycyle in why dont you do what i do ..i keep all my pop cans and take them in myself .you can always give the extra cash you get and give it to someone in need!why give it to someone you dont know what there doin with it.they may there self taking it to the scrap yard and putting the money in ther pocket,SAVE IT~TAKE IT TO THE SCRAP YARD YOUR SELF AND GIVE THE MONEY TO .THE PEOPLE THAT ARE IN NEED!.THERE MANY PEOPLE ARE OUT THERE IN NEED.
JOHN