# How Material Processing Technology and Access Have Influenced Recycling Evolution - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/04/how-technology-and-access-have-influenced-the-evolution-of-recycling/ - Published: 2022-04-08T16:26:07-04:00 - Author: greenlivingguy ![Material process recycling](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/ 2022/04/sigmund-aI4RJ-Mw4I-unsplash.jpg?resize=420%2C280&quality=52&ssl=1) Most pieces of today’s material process recycling [technology](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/06/recycle-that-heat-hyundai-and-kia-turn-up-ev-efficiency-with-new-heat-pump-technology/). I mean such as a [vibrating table](https://www.generalkinematics.com/blog/vibrating-tables/) and a rotary trommel. All were inspired by a long line of equipment that has shaped the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the industry. Some of the [material process](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/04/cloud-computing-saves-energy-5-ways-its-green/) machines that have most influenced the recycling process include: ## **Balers** [Recycling](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/05/u-s-consumers-redeem-billions-of-used-beverage-containers-through-tomra-reverse-vending-machines-in-2018/) balers use compression to condense the materials into a compact size. The resulting shape is more suitable and [convenient](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/07/re-bin-offers-a-stylish-twist-to-the-traditional-recycling-bin/) for stacking and transporting. Balers are ideal to use with metals, paper, cardboard and plastic. ### **Compactors** A compactor is a mobile container that compresses and stores [recyclable](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/06/nuterra-breaks-ground-on-state-of-the-art-haines-city-organics-recycling-facility/) materials up to a maximum volume. Once it reaches this volume, the container goes to a processing facility. Compactors can greatly improve waste reduction rates.  ### **Granulator** A granulator is a piece of equipment that can break down plastic. Its main component is a series of slicing blades. The blades reduce the size of the material process improving the ease of handling. ### **Grapplers** The purpose of grapplers is to more easily move around piles of recyclable material processes. A claw, usually attached to a long arm, grabs, maneuvers, and then releases large amounts of scrap.  ### **Scrap Handling Magnet** Large, industrial magnets are used at facilities to separate the different metals and the different commingled materials. ## **The Evolution of the Recycling Collection Process ** People who wanted to recycle before the 1970s were responsible for delivering their materials process. Especially to the closest processing facility. However, curbside recycling programs started to manifest nationally in the 1970s and the 1980s. Municipalities would send their trucks to private residences to collect recyclables. Moreover, the convenience of curbside collection directly helped to improve participation rates. This trend continued to evolve through the end of the 20th century with the implementation of single-stream programs. Single-stream recycling, also referred to as commingled. However it is the materials processing of collecting paper, cardboard, aluminum and other recyclable materials. Especially together in the same bin.  The [materials are then separated at municipal recycling](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/10/battery-ev-recycling-material-a-renewable-future/) facilities and sometimes resold to independent businesses.  ## **The Evolution of Recyclable Materials** Historically, the most commonly recycled materials have been: 1. Paper 2. Cardboard 3. Glass 4. Plastic 5. Metal As the digital age of televisions, computers, and other electronic devices continues to rapidly grow, so does the need to dispose of these items. Electronic waste, often referred to as [e-waste](https://www.epa.gov/international-cooperation/cleaning-electronic-waste-e-waste), carries with it many significant problems if it is mismanaged. Moreover, this includes the release of toxic pollutants into the ground, water, and atmosphere. As a result, the following process represents the best practice to responsibly recycle e-waste: #### **Collection ** Many municipalities have established electronic take-back programs with collection sites. If you are not sure where this is near you, a simple internet search usually can provide some location options.  #### **Safe Containment** Some materials are sensitive to process and reactive. Especially to environmental factors such as precipitation, heat, or cold. The facility will store the e-waste accordingly, taking the proper precautions to prevent the escape of any pollutants. ### **Sorting and Processing** Once the e-waste is ready for materials processing, the recyclables are manually sorted because different electronics often require different disposal methods. After this is a more thorough disassembly to further separate the individual materials. #### **Conclusion** Advancements in equipment and access together make the evolution of recycling an integral part of environmental protection and preservation. **_Author: Finnegan Pierson_** ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)