Let's talk trash.
I live in the USA in a condominium complex, and previously we had to sort our recyclables into separate bins such as for plastic bottles only, aluminum/tin cans only, newspapers only, glass bottles only. Some of us recently noticed that when the recycle truck came, it was dumping each bin into the same area in the truck. We were told by the driver that due to new technology, all of the recyclables could be combined BECAUSE THEY WERE SORTED DOWN INTO SEPARATE CATEGORIES at the waste management recycling center. Of course, we didn't believe him. How could they possibly do that?!!!
We contacted our local waste management service who said, yes, this was true as of the summer of 2006 for us. They said many customers nationwide did not particularly like sorting recyclables in their homes/businesses because they had bins all over the place, thus many didn't do it at all. So the industry had to come up with new technology. What is that old saying?: "Necessity is the mother of invention."
What I like about it is that it frees up space in my very small laundry room when I can put everything in one bin.
I googled and found a video on the separating process. I had NO, and I do mean NO, idea that recycling was such a huge industry. If I knew anything about investing, I would buy stocks in it. If nothing else, I find it comforting to know that the tremendous amount of waste produced is ACTUALLY BEING RECYCLED!!! link
You know what's really sad is that in my city, we've NEVER had a manditory recycling program. I don't even think our trash companies support it.. so everyone has to take stuff to drop-off points themselves if they choose to. Consequently, many people like me don't even bother. I don't have transportation for such things :(
I suppose it's possible that the companies are separating stuff themselves like what you're talking about here, as long as there's money in it for them :-P
Recycling is not mandatory where I live but we still do it. We still have to separate our stuff though as far as I know. My garbage company has never sent me any notice saying I don't have to sort it anymore.
Neat video! Thanks for sharing.
deleted user 10.01.2007 21:53
My school used to recycle paper, which I think was very good, but since Katrina there's barely any recycling anywhere.