Ever wonder what actually happens after you put your recycling in the bin and it gets picked up? While it may disappear from the curb, the truth is that a very important journey has just started. In fact, BC has one of the most efficient recycling programs in Canada. Understanding where your recyclables go, and how recycling programs work, can help you make more informed decisions that truly make a difference.

Step 1: Collection and transportation

Once your recycling is picked up, it’s transported to a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). In places like Chilliwack and across the Fraser Valley, these facilities are designed to handle large volumes of mixed recyclables efficiently. This is where the real sorting begins. 

Step 2: Sorting and separating

Inside the facility, items move along conveyor belts where they’re sorted using various technologies and manual labour, and staff also play a key role in removing contaminants and items that don’t belong in recycling. Contamination can disrupt the entire process and can even result in otherwise recyclable materials being sent to landfill.

Step 3: Baling and distributing

Once the items are sorted, they’re compacted into large bales—think tightly packed cubes of paper, plastic, or metal. These bales are then shipped to specialized recycling facilities, sometimes locally and sometimes internationally, depending on the material and market demand. Here, the materials are prepped for their next life as new products.

Step 4: Processing into new materials

At designated recycling plants, materials are cleaned and processed into raw forms that manufacturers can use. Paper is pulped and turned into new paper products; plastics are shredded and melted into pellets; and metals are melted down and reformed. This stage closes the loop turning your recyclables into usable resources again.

How can I be a better recycler?

Simple actions like rinsing containers, double checking your items are actually recyclable, and proper sorting all make a big difference in ensuring your items have a second life. Always follow local guidelines for your municipality, and do your part to reduce and reuse items, too.

Recycling doesn’t end at the curb. By bettering your understanding of how recycling works, you can be confident that your efforts are helping create a more sustainable future one step at a time.Curious about how we can help with your recycling needs? Contact our Valley Waste team today to learn more and get started.