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<\/a>Together we are the\u00a0Recycling Mythbusters<\/em>.<\/p>\n We don’t just tell the myths, we put them to rest.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n There is a term we like to use at Campus Recycling for individuals who recycle items regardless if they\u2019re accepted in a recycling system or not. This term is \u201cwishful recyclers.\u201d While such people may have the best intentions, it doesn\u2019t change the fact that some items just aren\u2019t accepted at Materials Recovery Facilities (MRF<\/a>).<\/p>\n Here\u2019s the thing: It\u2019s not anyone\u2019s job at a MRF to sort through each individual item to determine whether or not it is recyclable. Instead, workers are given a specific item or type of item which is a common contaminant to remove during the sorting process. Some examples include: plastic bags, coffee cups, and clamshells.<\/p>\n Much of the sorting process is automated, or is facilitated by a handful of workers to make sure things run smoothly. This video<\/a> demonstrates the entire process at a MRF, showing how the items are sorted, and what they are made into.<\/p>\n As you can see, recyclables are moving along a conveyor belt at breathtaking speeds. There isn\u2019t enough time to investigate an individual item to determine if it could be recycled or not.<\/p>\n Other times, a wishful recycler will put a commonly removed item in the recycling, because it was made of a material which was recyclable. For example, let\u2019s say someone put a plastic clamshell<\/a> in the recycling here in Corvallis, because the resin code <\/a>of this particular clamshell was the same as that of one of the four shapes of containers collected. Once the clamshell hit the sorting facility, it would be removed anyway, since clamshells are more commonly made of recyclables that possess no market value, and run the risk of food contamination.<\/p>\n The cost of recycling increases each time a contaminant enters a MRF, due to the need for removal. This, in turn, makes the process less efficient and economically sustainable.<\/p>\n For these reasons, it\u2019s important that we as recyclers know that what were are putting into the recycling is actually recyclable, as well as keep up to date on any changes that may occur. For students on campus<\/strong><\/strong>, visit our OSU recycle guide<\/a> to learn about what is recyclable on campus. <\/strong><\/strong>Residents living off campus<\/strong><\/strong> can check out \u00a0Republic Service’s recycling guide<\/a> to see what is accepted in the curbside bins.<\/strong><\/p>\n Next week, we’ll take a look at what happens when contaminants are not removed, and the costs and damages that are caused.<\/p>\nMyth: Items placed in a recycling bin are sorted individually.<\/h3>\n
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