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:
Otsego Paper (Otsego, MI): The WWRA’s corrugated cardboard bales are shipped to Otsego Paper in Otsego, MI. Transportation is handled by Metro Recycling, a third party logistics company. At Otsego Paper, the WWRA’s cardboard bales are turned into pulp, mechanical pulp, paper and paper board. These raw materials are then used to make construction material, such as drywall, sheetrock, cement board, ceiling tiles, and panels.
Ox Engineered Products(Constantine, MI): The WWRA’s mixed newspaper and office paper bales are shipped to Ox Engineered Products in Constantine, MI. Transportation is handled by Metro Recycling, a third party logistics company. At Ox, the paper is broken down to be used as construction home wrap, floor coverings, sheathing, and insulation.
Tabb Packaging (Plymouth, MI): The WWRA’s PET (#1) and HDPE (#2) plastic goes to Tabb Packaging in Plymouth, MI. Tabb Packaging are industry experts on plastic recycling, and are the supplier for numerous businesses in search of recycled plastic pellets. Recycled plastics #1-#2 are made into new packaging, or mixed with Virgin Plastic to create more rigid products.
Razorback Metals (Dexter, MI): The metal that the WWRA processes is baled and shipped to Razorback 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.
Brighmark Plastics (Ashley, IN): Remaining mixed plastics #3-#7 are purchased in bulk by Brightmark Plastics. At Brightmark, plastics are processed to create PyBright (a liquid resin for plastic production) and CarbonBright (a plastic recycling byproduct that can be used in asphalt or filtering).