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Mixed Recyclables Waste Management and Disposal

Mixed Recyclables: Streamlining Waste Management in the Northeast

In today’s fast-paced world, waste generation is inevitable. However, the way we manage and dispose of this waste can have a significant impact on the environment. One key topic in waste management is mixed recyclables, and for 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.

Dry Mixed Recycling
Dry Mixed Recycling

Pros and Cons of Mixed Recyclables

Pros

  • Convenience
    Mixed recycling simplifies waste disposal by allowing various recyclable materials to be placed in one container. This ease of use encourages higher participation rates from businesses and individuals, making recycling more accessible for everyone.
  • Higher Recycling Rates
    With a simpler process, more waste is diverted from landfills and incinerators. This reduces the demand for virgin materials, conserves natural resources, and significantly lowers greenhouse gas emissions linked to traditional waste disposal and production methods.

Cons

  • Contamination Risks
    Food residues or non-recyclable items (like certain types of plastic) can reduce the quality of recyclable materials. Contamination can cause entire batches of recyclables to be rejected, undermining the efficiency of recycling efforts.
  • Sorting Challenges
    The increasing variety of packaging materials presents a challenge for recycling facilities. Non-recyclable items mixed in with recyclables can complicate sorting and processing, requiring advanced technology and additional resources to separate materials effectively.

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.

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