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How it works

 
plastic automated sorting machine
The Materials Recycling Facility uses many machines to separate the recycling material, and there is some really clever science going on behind the scenes.


And because it’s all so hi-tech, we have created a page full of pictures to help you learn about how the machines work. Click on an image to view a larger version.

Trommel screen

trommel screen – click on image to view it full-size in a new browser window
The turning of this huge drum – 12 times a minute – creates centrifugal force, which throws the contents outwards. Lighter objects fly out further and fall out through the holes of the trommel. Heavier objects stay near the centre and are retained.

Trommel screen – full-size image

Eddy current separator

eddy current separator – click on image to view it full-size in a new browser window
This machine injects a magnetic charge, which is picked up by the aluminium cans. Small magnets in the drum also carry the same charge. As like charges repel, the charged aluminium cans will bounce off the magnets into a chute.

Eddy current separator – full-size image

Cascade tower

paper cascade tower – click on image to view it full-size in a new browser window
Powerful fans in the cascade tower open up large pieces of paper – such as newspapers – and then blow them out of the top of the tower. Heavy material such as cardboard, bottles and pieces of glass drop to the bottom.

Cascade tower – full-size image

Disc screen

disc screen – click on image to view it full-size in a new browser window
Metal discs mounted on shafts rotate to move the plastic bottles and broken glass. The smaller pieces of crushed glass fall easily through the small gaps between the discs, leaving the plastic bottles at the top.

Disc screen – full-size image

Find out where your recycling ends up
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