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Recycling Center Tour
Watch our video tour for an inside look at how it all works!
See Our State-Of-The-Art Recycling Center in York, PA
Located in York County, PA, Penn Waste’s innovative single-stream recycling facility is dedicated to reducing waste and preserving resources.
In 2023, Penn Waste's recycling facility underwent major upgrades, including the installation of advanced optical sorters, additional fiber screens, and single-cell robotics, to improve material recovery and processing capacity.
These improvements have made Penn Waste's facility one of the most advanced and efficient recycling centers in the country.
Creating a Green Community Together
Penn Waste encourages all of our residential and commercial customers to recycle. By taking just a few simple steps, we can reduce the waste sent to landfills and work together to preserve our community and planet for future generations.
How Your Recyclables Are Processed
The Recycling Process at Penn Waste
Below is a list of the steps your recyclables take on their journey to being fully recycled.
Collection & ArrivalPenn Waste collects recyclables and transports them to our York facility, where they are weighed, unloaded, and prepared for processing.
SortingAdvanced technology and manual inspections ensure proper sorting into categories like plastics, glass, and cardboard for optimal recycling.
Preparation & ShippingAfter sorting, materials are baled and shipped to be repurposed into new products, contributing to a sustainable environment.
Collection & Arrival
The Beginning
Residents and businesses across South Central PA fill their recycling bins with items like newspapers, glass, plastic bottles, cartons, and cardboard. No sorting is necessary, making it easy for everyone.
Penn Waste trucks collect the materials and transport them to the single-stream processing facility in York, PA. Upon arrival, the trucks are weighed, and their contents are unloaded for processing.
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Sorting at Recyling Facility
The Sorting
Once unloaded, the sorting process begins. Materials are divided into key categories such as:
- Newspaper
- Cardboard
- Plastics
- Cartons
- Cans
- Glass
High-tech sorting machines move the materials throughout the facility.
Penn Waste employees identify and remove non-recyclable items by hand, inspecting the materials to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Sorted items are baled and prepped for shipping in just a few steps.
Preparation & Shipping
The Final Destination
Recycled items are shipped across the country and worldwide for reuse in various ways.
- Cardboard you recycle can be processed and shipped within two days.
- Recycled cat litter containers are repurposed for use in Mondo Blocks, which are used in highway guardrails.
No matter where your recyclables end up, your efforts make a positive environmental impact.
