Where do Recyclables Go?
Recyclables go through many steps in the journey from bin to store. Once recyclables enter a WWRA drop off or curbside bin, materials are separated from contaminates and by type. They are compacted into bales and sold to recycling facilities, who specialize in specific recycled materials. Let’s look at where the WWRA’s recyclables go:
Graphic Packaging (Kalamazoo, MI): The WWRA’s paper and cardboard bales are shipped to Graphic Packaging in Kalamazoo, Michigan. There, the WWRA’s paper bales are turned into packaging for Kellogg’s cereal, Barilla pasta, Kleenex, Milwaukee Brewing Co. and Meijer! Roughly 30% of consumer food boxes are made at Graphic Packaging. Check for a GP logo on the bottom of your product when you break down the box.
Clean Tech (Dundee, MI): #1 and #2 plastics are shipped to Clean Tech in Dundee where they are washed, shredded, and then turned into pellets. These pellets are used to make bottles for brands such as Absopure and Tide. Some plastic is also used for synthetic clothing for companies like Northface and Patagonia.
Local Scrap Yards: The metal that the WWRA processes is baled and shipped to local scrap yards for scrap-management programs throughout the United States and eastern Canada. Their clients include automotive OEMs, Tier 1 & Tier Il suppliers, steel processors, steel mills, foundries, wire and cable producers, utilities, and telecommunications companies.
Strategic Material (Chicago, IL): The WWRA’s glass is shipped to Strategic Material in Chicago, IL. There, glass is turned into fiberglass insulation, Highway bead, Sandblasting material and glass bottles.
Mel Tech Plastic (Ontario, CA): Rigid plastics are shipped to Mel Tech Plastic Corporation in Canada. There, plastics are ground into pellets and recycled into plastic bins and totes.
Recycling Revolution (Boca Raton, FL): Plastics #3 – #7 are shipped to Recycling Revolution in Boca Raton, FL where they are resold.