Dry mixed recycling
Mixed recycling is collected by our bin lorries. When the lorries are full, the mixed recycling is taken to a transfer station in Waterbeach. It is then collected and taken to a sorting plant, called a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) at Re-GEN Waste, in Newry, Northern Ireland.
Once at the MRF, a variety of magnets, eddy currents (reverse magnets), size-sorting equipment and conveyor belts separate the different materials. The materials are then baled and sold to processors who melt, pulp or crush them to make new products.
This is fully tracked in accordance with strict guidance from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). This is recorded on the national Waste Data Flow website. Materials are only sent to sites which have a permit to recycle them legally.
General waste
General waste which is not recyclable is taken to the Thalia Waste Management site at Waterbeach and sent for disposal in landfill. Find out more information on the Cambridgeshire County Council website.