Getting your recyclable materials to a collection point is the first step of the process in the recycling system. A variety of businesses play roles in the recycling industry. Some are small, some are large. Some offer specific services, while others are involved in all aspects of recycling. Collection - the gathering and accumulation of waste materials, followed by their movement to a point of processing.
Collectors are individuals or businesses that collect recyclable materials.
However, pickups are made at several businesses on each collection run. In general, milk run collectors will pick up smaller quantities of materials from businesses than on-call collectors. Site Separators - these businesses collect some recyclables as part of mixed waste trash collection. The recyclable materials are separated from unusable waste at a secondary location. This separation process is often done manually, although processes are being developed for extracting recyclables using automated equipment.