J&B Recycling Knowledge

In today's fast-paced world, waste generation is inevitable. Yet, the way we manage and dispose of this waste can profoundly influence our environmental impact. One of the foremost topics in waste management discussions is mixed recyclables, and for a good reason!

What are Mixed Recyclables?

Mixed recyclables refer to a combination of various recyclable materials collected together, such as plastics, paper, cardboard, glass, and metals. Instead of separating these materials at the source, they are co-mingled in a single container, streamlining the initial collection process.

Pros and Cons of Mixed Recyclables

While mixed recyclables offer convenience at the collection phase, they present unique challenges during the sorting and processing stages. Contamination is a significant concern. For instance, food residues on plastics or paper can compromise the quality of recycled output. Additionally, the increasing diversity in plastic and packaging types, and the presence of non-recyclable materials, can hinder the efficiency of recycling processes.

That said, mixed recyclables present a user-friendly approach to waste disposal, significantly contributing to increased recycling rates. By allowing consumers to dispose of various recyclables in one container without the need for meticulous pre-sorting, the barrier to recycling is lowered, encouraging broader participation. This convenience fosters a recycling culture, ensuring more waste is diverted from landfills and incinerators. Higher recycling rates have numerous environmental benefits: they lead to reduced extraction of virgin resources, conserve energy by lowering the need for producing new materials, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions, which are typically associated with traditional waste disposal and manufacturing processes. In essence, by simplifying the recycling process with mixed recyclables, we're facilitating a greener, more sustainable future for our planet.

J&B Recycling at the forefront of mixed recyclables

At J&B, our commitment to the environment isn't just a statement; it's a practice etched in every facet of our operations. Our Material Recycling Facilities (MRF) stand as a testament to this dedication, processing hundreds of thousands of tonnes of co-mingled household recyclables sourced from local authorities and businesses across the North East of England. Whether it's dual-stream collections like plastic and cardboard or plastic and cans, or even fully co-mingled materials, we handle it all seamlessly. Our services are not only comprehensive but also in strict compliance with our ISO14001 and ISO9001 standards. Plus, we adhere diligently to all pertinent legislation, ensuring a transparent and fully auditable recycling process.

Recognising the challenges businesses face in waste management, especially with limited space for multiple containers, J&B has crafted solutions that cater to diverse needs. From SMEs and educational institutions like schools and colleges, we've executed a recycling scheme that parallels the household kerbside box/bin system. Our all-inclusive wheelie bins, designed to accommodate recyclables like card, paper, plastic bottles, cartons, and metal cans, simplifies the collection process. Once filled, these bins are transported to our facility for meticulous sorting and recycling.

At the heart of our operations is our state-of-the-art MRF plant, a marvel of modern recycling technology. With equipment ranging from Bag Splitters and Trommels, Ballistic Separators to overband magnets and optical sorting mechanisms, we've minimised manual intervention. This ensures not only safety and efficiency but also amplifies the recyclable potential of every material we receive.

But our journey doesn't end at efficient collection and sorting. Further cementing our position in the recycling industry, the materials processed at our facility find their way to esteemed re-processors. These industry giants have a commendable reputation for converting waste into source material. This process significantly diminishes the demand for new resources like aluminium and fossil fuels for plastics.

By choosing J&B, you're not just opting for a recycling service; you're aligning with a vision - a sustainable, efficient, and eco-friendly future.

J&B Recycling provide waste management solutions for business across the North of England. Our main Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) is based in Hartlepool and we have a second site in Middlesbrough, making us ideally placed for collections across Teesside (Hartlepool, Stockton, Middlesbrough and Darlington). We also have a site in Washington and we operate established collection routes throughout Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, Sunderland, North Tyneside and Northumberland. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if we can help with your waste collection.