6. Glass Separation
Glass is typically separated early in the sorting process using trommel screens or vibrating machines that break it into small
pieces. These glass shards are directed to a specialized area for further processing, where they are cleaned and sorted by
color before being sent to manufacturers to make new glass products.
7. Final Quality Control
After all mechanical and optical sorting steps, the separated materials are subjected to quality control checks, often involving
manual inspection. Workers ensure that only clean, uncontaminated recyclables make it through. Any items that were improperly
sorted or missed by machines are removed at this stage.
8. Baling and Shipping
Once materials are fully sorted, they are compacted into bales—large, condensed blocks of recyclables like paper, plastic,
metal, or cardboard. These bales are then sold to manufacturers who use the recycled materials to produce new products.
For example, paper might be recycled into packaging, and plastics into new bottles.
9. Organic Waste and Energy Recovery
For organic waste, such as food scraps and yard waste, Waste Management in Phoenix often diverts these materials to
composting facilities or anaerobic digesters. Composting turns organic waste into nutrient-rich soil for landscaping or agriculture,
while anaerobic digestion can convert waste into bio-gas, a renewable energy source.
Non-recyclable waste that cannot be processed any further is often used in waste-to-energy facilities, where it’s incinerated
to generate electricity, further reducing the need for landfills.
This advanced sorting process enables Waste Management to maximize the recovery of valuable materials, minimize contamination,
and significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. Through this system, they contribute to a circular economy where more
resources are reused and less is wasted.
DTPR SEPTEMBER THROUGH OCTOBER 2025 / CONSERVATION & SUSTAINABILITY
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