Here's what happens to your recycling | On Location

WIRED UK


Summary

The video showcases the Veolia recycling centre in South London, responsible for managing waste from over two million Londoners. It details the accepted metal items for recycling, dispels common recycling myths, and explains the intricate sorting process using disc screens. Viewers learn proper recycling practices for plastic bottles and the advanced technologies utilized, such as magnetic fields and near-infrared sorters. The transformation of materials post-sorting is explored, highlighting the global recycling industry's significant value and growth potential, with materials being exported worldwide.


Introduction to Veolia Recycling Centre

Learn about Veolia recycling centre in South London and its role in handling waste from over two million Londoners.

Metal Items Recycling

Discover what metal items are accepted for recycling at the centre, including tin cans, computer hard disks, and circuit boards.

Misconceptions About Recycling

Explore common myths about recycling, such as the acceptance of specific items and the importance of cleaning materials before recycling them.

Sorting Process of Materials

Understand the detailed sorting process of materials through disc screens that differentiate between various plastics and other recyclable items.

Recycling Plastic Bottles and Cans

Learn the proper way to recycle plastic bottles, including keeping the lid on, and the process of recycling solid plastic trays and cans without the need for cutting or removing materials inside.

High-Tech Machinery

Discover the advanced technology used in the recycling process, such as magnetic fields to extract metals, near-infrared sorters, and human sorting to ensure purity of materials.

Processing Materials

Explore the transformation of materials post-sorting, including paper being pulped up at a paper mill and plastics processed into pellets for milk bottles.

Global Recycling Industry

Understand the scale of the global recycling industry, valued at £161 billion in 2017 and projected to continue growing, with materials being exported to Asia, Europe, and remaining in the UK.


FAQ

Q: What role does the Veolia recycling centre in South London play?

A: The Veolia recycling centre in South London handles waste from over two million Londoners.

Q: What metal items are accepted for recycling at the Veolia recycling centre?

A: Metal items accepted for recycling at the centre include tin cans, computer hard disks, and circuit boards.

Q: What are some common myths about recycling mentioned in the file?

A: Common myths about recycling include the acceptance of specific items and the importance of cleaning materials before recycling them.

Q: How are materials sorted at the Veolia recycling centre?

A: Materials are sorted through disc screens that differentiate between various plastics and other recyclable items.

Q: What is the proper way to recycle plastic bottles according to the information provided?

A: The proper way to recycle plastic bottles is to keep the lid on.

Q: What advanced technology is used in the recycling process at the Veolia centre?

A: Advanced technology used includes magnetic fields to extract metals, near-infrared sorters, and human sorting to ensure purity of materials.

Q: How are plastics transformed post-sorting at the recycling centre?

A: Plastics are processed into pellets for milk bottles after sorting at the recycling centre.

Q: What is the scale of the global recycling industry as mentioned in the file?

A: The global recycling industry was valued at £161 billion in 2017 and is projected to continue growing.

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