13 Investigates Uncovers the Truth Behind Curbside Recycling
Curbside recycling has become a common practice for many households, but there has always been a lingering question: Does the recycling actually get recycled? Recent social media posts claiming that curbside recycling ends up in landfills have fueled skepticism among the public. To shed light on this issue, 13 Investigates embarked on a three-month-long undercover investigation, working with local families to track their curbside recycling. Through the use of surveillance and technology, the team followed recyclable materials from the curb to their final destination. The findings of this investigation may surprise you and make you think twice about what you put in your recycle bin.
How We Tracked the Recycling
13 Investigates collaborated with local families and employed a combination of undercover surveillance and electronic tracking devices to monitor the journey of recyclable materials. By placing tracking devices inside plastic bottles and then placing them in the families’ curbside recycling bins, the team could remotely track the location of each bottle. Undercover cameras and drones were also used to document the process and ensure the accuracy of the data transmitted by the tracking devices. This comprehensive approach allowed 13News to gain valuable insights into the fate of curbside recycling.
Following Republic Services
One family, the Bradshaws, participated in the investigation by allowing 13News to track their curbside recycling picked up by Republic Services. The team followed the recycling truck for almost 90 minutes before it arrived at a large property owned by Republic Services. Inside the property, a materials recovery facility (MRF) processed the recyclable items. The tracking device placed in the Bradshaws’ recycling bin confirmed that their materials were indeed processed at Republic’s recycling center. Another Republic truck was also tracked, further validating the company’s commitment to recycling.
Following Waste Management
Matt Griffin, another participant in the investigation, expressed uncertainty about where his recycling was going after his local recycler, Ray’s Recycling, was acquired by Waste Management. Tracking his curbside recycling, 13 Investigates discovered that Waste Management’s primary recycling processing center in Indianapolis was the destination for Griffin’s recycling, as well as that of another participant residing in Westfield. The tracking devices confirmed that Waste Management’s recycling center was indeed processing the materials collected from these households.
What Happens Inside the Recycling Centers
During a comprehensive tour of both Republic Services and Waste Management recycling centers, 13 Investigates observed the intricate process of recycling. Once the piles of recycling are dumped onto the floor, front loaders transport the materials to a sorting machine with conveyer belts. The material goes through a series of sorting mechanisms, including optical sorters and magnets, to separate different types of recyclables. Eventually, each type of material is baled and shipped off to other companies to be transformed into new products. The process is fast-paced and rigorous, ensuring that the recyclables are properly sorted and prepared for their next life.
“Um, You Can’t Recycle That!”
Unfortunately, a significant portion of the material collected by both Waste Management and Republic Services cannot be recycled. Items such as bowling balls, rolls of carpet, and garden hoses pose a risk to the sorting equipment and the workers. These non-recyclable items often end up in the trash pile. Local recycling companies estimate that up to 30% of the materials placed in recycling bins cannot be recycled. Educating the public about what can and cannot be recycled is crucial to ensure that the recycling process is efficient and effective.
“Why Is That Recycling Truck Pulling Into a Landfill?”
The investigation took an unexpected turn when tracking the recycling of Debbie Horn. The tracking device placed in her recycle bin showed that the recycling truck made a stop at a Waste Management landfill in Morristown. However, the truck did not dump anything at the landfill and instead drove to a nearby transfer station. Two days later, the recyclable material from the transfer station arrived at Waste Management’s recycling facility in Indianapolis. This unexpected twist revealed that not all recycling trucks that enter a landfill are actually depositing recyclables there.
What to Put in Your Curbside Recycle Bin (and What to Keep Out!)
Both Waste Management and Republic Services provided guidelines on what items should be placed in curbside recycle bins. The general rule is to rinse containers, remove caps, and flatten cardboard. Items such as batteries, wrapping paper, and non-recyclable plastics should not be included. Educating the public about proper recycling practices is crucial to ensure that the materials collected can be effectively processed and recycled.
Conclusion:
The investigation conducted by 13 Investigates provides valuable insights into the fate of curbside recycling. Through the use of undercover surveillance and tracking devices, the team was able to verify that the majority of curbside recyclables collected by Waste Management and Republic Services in central Indiana are indeed recycled. However, the investigation also highlights the importance of educating the public about proper recycling practices and the consequences of including non-recyclable items in curbside bins. By understanding the recycling process and making informed choices, individuals can contribute to a more sustainable future.
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