Tracking Curbside Recycling: Where Does It Really Go?

A 13 Investigates Report Reveals the Truth Behind Curbside Recycling Programs

As more and more people become conscious of their environmental impact, curbside recycling programs have gained popularity across the country. But do these programs truly recycle the materials they collect, or do they end up in landfills? This question has sparked skepticism and concern among many residents, prompting an in-depth investigation by the 13News VERIFY team. By utilizing undercover surveillance and cutting-edge technology, 13 Investigates tracked the journey of recyclable materials from the curb to their final destination. The findings of this investigation shed light on the reality of curbside recycling and challenge common misconceptions.

How Curbside Recycling Was Tracked

To uncover the truth about curbside recycling, 13 Investigates collaborated with local families and employed a combination of undercover surveillance and advanced technology. Each participating family had an electronic tracking device placed inside a plastic bottle, which was then placed in their curbside recycling bin. These tracking devices, equipped with GPS and Wi-Fi technology, allowed 13News to remotely monitor the location of each plastic bottle as it was picked up by a recycling truck. Undercover cameras and drones were also used to document the journey of the recycled materials.

Tracking Republic Services

One family, the Bradshaws, agreed to participate in the investigation. As their recycling bin was picked up by a Republic Services truck, 13News followed closely behind. The truck traveled through various neighborhoods before arriving at a large property owned by Republic Services. Inside a warehouse on the property, the truck unloaded its contents, and the electronic tracker placed in the Bradshaws’ recycling bin indicated that it had reached its intended destination. This observation provided evidence that Republic Services does indeed process the recyclable materials collected from curbside bins.

Tracking Waste Management

Another family, the Griffins, allowed 13 Investigates to track their recycling picked up by a Waste Management (WM) truck. The truck made its way to a large warehouse in an industrial complex, where the recyclable materials were dumped. The electronic tracker placed in the Griffins’ recycling bin indicated that it had also reached the WM recycling facility. This confirmed that Waste Management fulfills its commitment to recycling curbside materials.

What Happens Inside the Recycling Centers

To gain a deeper understanding of the recycling process, 13 Investigates toured the Republic Services and WM recycling facilities. These facilities not only process curbside recycling but also handle materials dropped off at community recycle bins. The recycling materials are sorted using a combination of manual labor and automated machinery. Optical sorters, magnets, and other equipment separate different types of materials such as plastic, glass, and paper. Once sorted, the materials are baled and transported to other companies for further processing into new products.

The Challenge of Contaminants

One significant challenge faced by recycling companies is the presence of contaminants in curbside recycling. Many items that cannot be recycled, such as bowling balls, garden hoses, and paint, often end up in recycling bins. These items not only damage the sorting equipment but also pose a risk to the workers. Additionally, some items may look recyclable but contain components that cannot be processed by the machinery. Educating the public about proper recycling practices is crucial to ensure that only recyclable materials are placed in curbside bins.

The Reality of Landfill Disposal

Despite the best efforts of recycling companies, a portion of the materials collected from curbside bins does end up in landfills. Local recycling companies estimate that up to 30% of the materials placed in recycling bins are unrecyclable. These items, along with any materials that are not sorted during the recycling process, are sent to landfills. However, both Republic Services and Waste Management have a vested interest in recycling as it is more profitable than landfill disposal. Therefore, their commitment to recycling is genuine.

Conclusion:

The 13 Investigates report on curbside recycling provides valuable insights into the journey of recyclable materials and dispels common misconceptions. Through undercover surveillance and advanced tracking technology, the investigation confirms that both Republic Services and Waste Management fulfill their promises to recycle curbside materials. However, the presence of contaminants and unrecyclable items highlights the importance of proper recycling education. By understanding what can and cannot be recycled, individuals can contribute to the success of curbside recycling programs and minimize the amount of waste sent to landfills.


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