Where do all the recyclables go?
The paper is collected in the large blue paper dumpster by Waste Management Services blue recycling truck. This truck collects only paper for recycling. The containers are collected, mixed together (commingled) in recycling carts, and collected by a different Waste Management Services recycling truck. Paper and containers are delivered to the City of Ann Arbor’s Material Recovery Facility or MRF (a.k.a. “murf”). At the MRF there are two sorting lines, one for paper and one for mixed containers. Conveyor belts, blowers, and screens help separate the glass, steel, aluminum, and plastics. A work crew of about 12 people further sort recyclables from contaminants. The paper line is completely manually sorted (mainly to pull out contaminants).
