Recycling Contamination: What Material Recovery Facilities Can Do

Recycling contamination remains a challenge for Material Recovery Facilities (MRF). According to the Environmental Protection Agency, as much as 25% of all recycled refuse is contaminated. That number may be a low estimate, as other research ranges as high as 40%.

Education can certainly help consumers prevent contamination, but by the time MRFs are receiving refuse, the consumer is mostly out of the picture. How can MRFs contribute to cleaner, less contaminated recycling streams — and optimize efficiency in the process? 

Collecting Contamination Data Through Material Audits

To deal with a problem, you need to establish the scope of that problem. Comprehensive material audits allow plant operators to establish the extent of contamination — and identify the repeat offenders that are contributing to the problem.

A thorough on-site audit can yield several key benefits:

• Businesses and public organizations that frequently submit contaminated trash can be informed (and gently educated about landfill tip fees). 
• Data can be used in public awareness campaigns. A community approach is vital for proactively reducing contamination due to aspirational recycling, and data can help plant operators make the case in a compelling way.
• Plant operators can identify opportunities for changing key processes. A thorough audit isn’t just about identifying contaminants; it’s about addressing the entire material flow and finding ways to improve safety, ergonomics, and efficiency. 

Audits take time, but they’re essential for making the most of equipment investments. They’re also important for maintaining a safe facility — and since waste collection is regularly ranked as one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States, safety is a key point of concern.

Recycling Contamination Strategies for MRFs

The most obvious path for improving quality control at MRFs is automation. If equipment can automatically identify nonrecyclables and food waste, the investment is certainly worthwhile. 

Sorting equipment falls into several categories: 

• Magnetic separators, which remove ferrous metals from the waste stream.
• Eddy current separators, which separate non-ferrous metals from the waste stream.
• Ballistic separators, which sort and separate materials based on density and size.
• Optical sorters, which use sensor technology to identify (and separate) materials based on color, shape, and other factors. While optical sorters are expensive, they’re accurate, and A.I. technology could yield further improvements in accuracy in the near future. 

Automation is critical for the future of the recycling industry. However, research shows that facilities that use manual sorting strategies report less downtime and higher sorting efficiency. 

And ideally, contamination strategies will start before the contaminated material makes its way to sorting lines. The more proactive the approach, the better. 

Material Handling Equipment for Recyclers 

If an MRF relies on human workers, it has a responsibility to support those workers. That means eliminating potential ergonomic hazards and simplifying material handling tasks. 

As OSHA notes, the General Duty Clause applies to many of the standards in green industries, and employers must use the necessary controls to protect workers. But material handling equipment (MHE) isn’t just about compliance; it’s about productivity. 

When workers don’t have to bend, twist, or lift heavy loads, they can be more effective — particularly when sorting. That leads directly to fewer stoppages, greater output, and a more consistent product. 

To that end, MRFs should outfit their facilities with appropriate tools for the job: 

• Bin Dumpers efficiently unload recycling containers, reducing manual labor and minimizing the risk of workplace injuries.
• Tilt Tables and Lift Tables position loads of any size at optimal heights, enabling workers of all sizes to perform tasks ergonomically.
• Sorting tables with adjustable heights, which can be larger than standard Lift Tables. Solus Group carries Adjustable Packing Desks, and custom units are available on request.
• Conveyor systems, which minimize manual lifting and carrying. Conveyors with adjustable heights are particularly effective for MRFs that utilize manual sorting.

Custom Material Handling Solutions for Material Recovery Facilities

The concept of Prevention through Design (PtD) is crucial for all industries, but it’s especially powerful in growing fields. MRFs that take a proactive approach to material handling can work with engineers to support a safe workflow — and reduce contamination while achieving a higher standard of output. 

If you’re ready to explore custom material handling solutions for your MRF, Solus Group can help. Call our sales team at 314-696-0200 or contact us online for more information.