ASTRX Review of Material Flow at MRFs and Reprocessors

ASTRX is on a mission to learn more about the U.S. recycling system and use that knowledge to help capture and recycle more materials. In 2018, the ASTRX team focused on two key pieces of that system: the MRF and the reprocessor. ASTRX conducted a series of contextual interviews with MRFs and reprocessors in order to better understand what types of packaging consistently present problems for one or both pieces of the recycling system. This research identifies areas where changes to packaging design or infrastructure could help the end-of-life outcomes for all packaging.

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Appendices

Appendix A: Questionnaire for MRFs

Appendix B: Questionnaire for Reprocessors

Appendix C: Matrix Summary of Navigating the Recycling System Worksheet

ASTRX developed the Navigating the Recycling System guide to serve as a resource to anyone interested in developing a better understanding of how a particular package flows through the five steps of the recycling system. The guide poses a series of questions to be used as a starting point for a conversation about the recyclability of a product. We consider this tool a jumping off point for discussions of product recyclability. For the purposes of this report, ASTRX adapted the Navigating the Recycling System guide into the regional example shared below, which shows how materials might flow in one part of the country. We do not consider the matrix to be comprehensive, as it does not include the same level of details as Navigating the Recycling System, but is rather a way to view summary level information about materials discussed in this report at a glance, for one region of the country.

How Materials Flow Through The Recycling System:

Paper

Window Envelopes

Access
What access is available?
Curbside or
Drop-off?
Does this item have the potential to contaminate other items?
This item is often included in mixed paper.

It has implied access.
Sortation
Will the package get sorted successfully in a material recovery facility (MRF)?
If no, do we know the reason? (Wrong bale, too small, etc.)
Sorts with mixed paper.
Reprocessing
Can the material be successfully reprocessed? (paper mills, plastic reclaimers, etc.)
Is there an accepted industry test to prove it can be reprocessed?
There is confusion about whether the windows cause issues in reprocessing.

Western Michigan re-pulpability test may provide definitive answer.
End Markets
Is there demand to use the recycled material in products? (feedstock for manufacturing)
If no is this temporary or regional?
The presence of window envelopes does not devalue a mixed paper bale.
Volume
What percent of the stream is this item?
The volumes are small in a mixed paper stream. Could be a problem if a bale from a converter was 100% window envelopes.
Other
Is there any additional information such as LCA data on environmental benefits? Are there recommended solutions to any issues that have been identified?

Gable Top and Aseptic Cartons

Access
What access is available?
Curbside or
Drop-off?
Does this item have the potential to contaminate other items?
Cartons have greater than 60% access nationally.
Sortation
Will the package get sorted successfully in a material recovery facility (MRF)?
If no, do we know the reason? (Wrong bale, too small, etc.)
Sorts with RMP or into a carton bale, depending on the MRF.
Reprocessing
Can the material be successfully reprocessed? (paper mills, plastic reclaimers, etc.)
Is there an accepted industry test to prove it can be reprocessed?
Requires shipment to specific mills for reprocessing
End Markets
Is there demand to use the recycled material in products? (feedstock for manufacturing)
If no is this temporary or regional?
Markets for cartons exist overseas and in some parts of the U.S., but are still developing.
Volume
What percent of the stream is this item?
Low volumes.
Other
Is there any additional information such as LCA data on environmental benefits? Are there recommended solutions to any issues that have been identified?
Cartons are an excellent example of producers leading on outreach for their material type at the MRF and community level.

Mixed Paper

Access
What access is available?
Curbside or
Drop-off?
Does this item have the potential to contaminate other items?
Greater than 60% access nationally.
Sortation
Will the package get sorted successfully in a material recovery facility (MRF)?
If no, do we know the reason? (Wrong bale, too small, etc.)
Sorts well but becomes contaminated with other materials..
Reprocessing
Can the material be successfully reprocessed? (paper mills, plastic reclaimers, etc.)
Is there an accepted industry test to prove it can be reprocessed?
Contamination affects reprocessing.
End Markets
Is there demand to use the recycled material in products? (feedstock for manufacturing)
If no is this temporary or regional?
Poor end markets due to contamination.
Volume
What percent of the stream is this item?
High volumes.
Other
Is there any additional information such as LCA data on environmental benefits? Are there recommended solutions to any issues that have been identified?

Plastic lined or coated paper packaging, fast food paper packaging

Access
What access is available?
Curbside or
Drop-off?
Does this item have the potential to contaminate other items?
Less than 20% access nationally (may be rising, however.)
Sortation
Will the package get sorted successfully in a material recovery facility (MRF)?
If no, do we know the reason? (Wrong bale, too small, etc.)
Degrades paper bales, sortability concerns as dimensional food service items could sort with plastics.
Reprocessing
Can the material be successfully reprocessed? (paper mills, plastic reclaimers, etc.)
Is there an accepted industry test to prove it can be reprocessed?
Unknown - some mills are beginning to reprocess it successfully.
End Markets
Is there demand to use the recycled material in products? (feedstock for manufacturing)
If no is this temporary or regional?
Markets may be improving but are still immature
Volume
What percent of the stream is this item?
Volume unknown as access is currently low.
Other
Is there any additional information such as LCA data on environmental benefits? Are there recommended solutions to any issues that have been identified?

Molded Pulp

Access
What access is available?
Curbside or
Drop-off?
Does this item have the potential to contaminate other items?
Implied access.
Sortation
Will the package get sorted successfully in a material recovery facility (MRF)?
If no, do we know the reason? (Wrong bale, too small, etc.)
Unknown
Reprocessing
Can the material be successfully reprocessed? (paper mills, plastic reclaimers, etc.)
Is there an accepted industry test to prove it can be reprocessed?
Unknown
End Markets
Is there demand to use the recycled material in products? (feedstock for manufacturing)
If no is this temporary or regional?
Weak end markets
Volume
What percent of the stream is this item?
Low volumes.
Other
Is there any additional information such as LCA data on environmental benefits? Are there recommended solutions to any issues that have been identified?

Old Corrugated Cardboard

Access
What access is available?
Curbside or
Drop-off?
Does this item have the potential to contaminate other items?
Cardboard has greater than 60% access nationally.
Sortation
Will the package get sorted successfully in a material recovery facility (MRF)?
If no, do we know the reason? (Wrong bale, too small, etc.)
Sorts well.
Reprocessing
Can the material be successfully reprocessed? (paper mills, plastic reclaimers, etc.)
Is there an accepted industry test to prove it can be reprocessed?
Reprocesses well.
End Markets
Is there demand to use the recycled material in products? (feedstock for manufacturing)
If no is this temporary or regional?
Strong end markets.
Volume
What percent of the stream is this item?
Volumes are high.
Other
Is there any additional information such as LCA data on environmental benefits? Are there recommended solutions to any issues that have been identified?

Paperboard

Access
What access is available?
Curbside or
Drop-off?
Does this item have the potential to contaminate other items?
Paperboard has greater than 60% access nationally.
Sortation
Will the package get sorted successfully in a material recovery facility (MRF)?
If no, do we know the reason? (Wrong bale, too small, etc.)
Sorts well.
Reprocessing
Can the material be successfully reprocessed? (paper mills, plastic reclaimers, etc.)
Is there an accepted industry test to prove it can be reprocessed?
Generally ends up in RMP bales.
End Markets
Is there demand to use the recycled material in products? (feedstock for manufacturing)
If no is this temporary or regional?
Prices for mixed paper are currently very low.
Volume
What percent of the stream is this item?
Volumes are high.
Other
Is there any additional information such as LCA data on environmental benefits? Are there recommended solutions to any issues that have been identified?

Shredded Paper

Access
What access is available?
Curbside or
Drop-off?
Does this item have the potential to contaminate other items?
May have implied access through mixed paper.
Sortation
Will the package get sorted successfully in a material recovery facility (MRF)?
If no, do we know the reason? (Wrong bale, too small, etc.)
Contaminates other materials.
Reprocessing
Can the material be successfully reprocessed? (paper mills, plastic reclaimers, etc.)
Is there an accepted industry test to prove it can be reprocessed?
Contaminant in other materials.
End Markets
Is there demand to use the recycled material in products? (feedstock for manufacturing)
If no is this temporary or regional?
Volume
What percent of the stream is this item?
Other
Is there any additional information such as LCA data on environmental benefits? Are there recommended solutions to any issues that have been identified?

Plastic

#1 PET Bottles/Jugs and Jars

Access
What access is available?
Curbside or
Drop-off?
Does this item have the potential to contaminate other items?
PET bottles/jugs and jars have greater than 60% access nationally.
Sortation
Will the package get sorted successfully in a material recovery facility (MRF)?
If no, do we know the reason? (Wrong bale, too small, etc.)
Sorts easily.
Reprocessing
Can the material be successfully reprocessed? (paper mills, plastic reclaimers, etc.)
Is there an accepted industry test to prove it can be reprocessed?
No issues.
End Markets
Is there demand to use the recycled material in products? (feedstock for manufacturing)
If no is this temporary or regional?
Good market demand.
Volume
What percent of the stream is this item?
Reasonable volumes.
Other
Is there any additional information such as LCA data on environmental benefits? Are there recommended solutions to any issues that have been identified?

Colored PET

Access
What access is available?
Curbside or
Drop-off?
Does this item have the potential to contaminate other items?
PET bottles/jugs and jars have greater than 60% access nationally.
Sortation
Will the package get sorted successfully in a material recovery facility (MRF)?
If no, do we know the reason? (Wrong bale, too small, etc.)
Negative effects on value of PET bale; sortabilty issues; marketability issues.
Reprocessing
Can the material be successfully reprocessed? (paper mills, plastic reclaimers, etc.)
Is there an accepted industry test to prove it can be reprocessed?
Low value.
End Markets
Is there demand to use the recycled material in products? (feedstock for manufacturing)
If no is this temporary or regional?
Low market demand.
Volume
What percent of the stream is this item?
Low volumes.
Other
Is there any additional information such as LCA data on environmental benefits? Are there recommended solutions to any issues that have been identified?

Opaque PET

Access
What access is available?
Curbside or
Drop-off?
Does this item have the potential to contaminate other items?
PET bottles/jugs and jars have greater than 60% access nationally
Sortation
Will the package get sorted successfully in a material recovery facility (MRF)?
If no, do we know the reason? (Wrong bale, too small, etc.)
Negative effects on value of PET bale; sortabiltiy issues; marketability issues.
Reprocessing
Can the material be successfully reprocessed? (paper mills, plastic reclaimers, etc.)
Is there an accepted industry test to prove it can be reprocessed?
Causes sortation issues when confused with HDPE and put in HDPE bales. Low value
End Markets
Is there demand to use the recycled material in products? (feedstock for manufacturing)
If no is this temporary or regional?
Low market demand.
Volume
What percent of the stream is this item?
Low volumes.
Other
Is there any additional information such as LCA data on environmental benefits? Are there recommended solutions to any issues that have been identified?

#1 Thermoform

Access
What access is available?
Curbside or
Drop-off?
Does this item have the potential to contaminate other items?
Access can be implied with programs that use resin code identification (all #1s and #2s)
Sortation
Will the package get sorted successfully in a material recovery facility (MRF)?
If no, do we know the reason? (Wrong bale, too small, etc.)
Some MRFs have sortation issues due to lightweight nature; can sort with paper. Hand sorting is often used at older MRFs.

Can negatively impact value of PET bales.
Reprocessing
Can the material be successfully reprocessed? (paper mills, plastic reclaimers, etc.)
Is there an accepted industry test to prove it can be reprocessed?
Food waste has been identified as a potential concern but some data disputes this.
End Markets
Is there demand to use the recycled material in products? (feedstock for manufacturing)
If no is this temporary or regional?
Markets are currently limited.
Volume
What percent of the stream is this item?
Low volumes.
Other
Is there any additional information such as LCA data on environmental benefits? Are there recommended solutions to any issues that have been identified?
As brands want to increase recycled content, this stream could be a valuable source of PET. These are an alternative to PVC clamshells.

#2 HDPE Bottles/Jugs and Jars

Access
What access is available?
Curbside or
Drop-off?
Does this item have the potential to contaminate other items?
HDPE bottles have greater than 60% access nationally.
Sortation
Will the package get sorted successfully in a material recovery facility (MRF)?
If no, do we know the reason? (Wrong bale, too small, etc.)
Sorts relatively easily.
Reprocessing
Can the material be successfully reprocessed? (paper mills, plastic reclaimers, etc.)
Is there an accepted industry test to prove it can be reprocessed?
Reprocesses well.
End Markets
Is there demand to use the recycled material in products? (feedstock for manufacturing)
If no is this temporary or regional?
Has good markets and good value.
Volume
What percent of the stream is this item?
Low volumes.
Other
Is there any additional information such as LCA data on environmental benefits? Are there recommended solutions to any issues that have been identified?

#3 PVC

Access
What access is available?
Curbside or
Drop-off?
Does this item have the potential to contaminate other items?
PVC bottles/jugs and jars have greater than 60% access nationally.
Sortation
Will the package get sorted successfully in a material recovery facility (MRF)?
If no, do we know the reason? (Wrong bale, too small, etc.)
PVC cannot be separated from PET by density.
Reprocessing
Can the material be successfully reprocessed? (paper mills, plastic reclaimers, etc.)
Is there an accepted industry test to prove it can be reprocessed?
PVC is a contaminant to PET. PVC has a lower melt point and will ruin a batch of PET.
End Markets
Is there demand to use the recycled material in products? (feedstock for manufacturing)
If no is this temporary or regional?
Minimal end markets.
Volume
What percent of the stream is this item?
Very low volumes.

Food industry has been phasing this out.
Other
Is there any additional information such as LCA data on environmental benefits? Are there recommended solutions to any issues that have been identified?
PVC labels and thermoforms are also of concern and should be phased out.

Films - Bags, wraps, other loose film (in a MRF)

Access
What access is available?
Curbside or
Drop-off?
Does this item have the potential to contaminate other items?
Very limited access at MRFs. Can be returned for store drop-off.
Sortation
Will the package get sorted successfully in a material recovery facility (MRF)?
If no, do we know the reason? (Wrong bale, too small, etc.)
Difficult to sort at a MRF – causes operational issues and increased costs.
Reprocessing
Can the material be successfully reprocessed? (paper mills, plastic reclaimers, etc.)
Is there an accepted industry test to prove it can be reprocessed?
Generally a contaminant at a MRF. Certain films can be reprocessed when returned through store drop-off.
End Markets
Is there demand to use the recycled material in products? (feedstock for manufacturing)
If no is this temporary or regional?
No end markets through a MRF. There are some end markets when returned through store drop-off.
Volume
What percent of the stream is this item?
Volume at MRFs is undesirable as it is a contaminant.
Other
Is there any additional information such as LCA data on environmental benefits? Are there recommended solutions to any issues that have been identified?

#5 PP

Access
What access is available?
Curbside or
Drop-off?
Does this item have the potential to contaminate other items?
PP tubs are often included in 3-7 programs or as stand alone items.
Sortation
Will the package get sorted successfully in a material recovery facility (MRF)?
If no, do we know the reason? (Wrong bale, too small, etc.)
Can be sorted.
Reprocessing
Can the material be successfully reprocessed? (paper mills, plastic reclaimers, etc.)
Is there an accepted industry test to prove it can be reprocessed?
Can be reprocessed.
End Markets
Is there demand to use the recycled material in products? (feedstock for manufacturing)
If no is this temporary or regional?
Has a good market at good value when sold as a separate bale. Food contamination can be an issue.
Volume
What percent of the stream is this item?
Low volumes
Other
Is there any additional information such as LCA data on environmental benefits? Are there recommended solutions to any issues that have been identified?
PP market is growing and has good value. Opportunities to sort PP could be explored.

#6 PS

Access
What access is available?
Curbside or
Drop-off?
Does this item have the potential to contaminate other items?
Sometimes included in a MRF that accepts 3-7 plastics.
Sortation
Will the package get sorted successfully in a material recovery facility (MRF)?
If no, do we know the reason? (Wrong bale, too small, etc.)
3-7 Bale
Reprocessing
Can the material be successfully reprocessed? (paper mills, plastic reclaimers, etc.)
Is there an accepted industry test to prove it can be reprocessed?
Limited capability
End Markets
Is there demand to use the recycled material in products? (feedstock for manufacturing)
If no is this temporary or regional?
Limited market.
Volume
What percent of the stream is this item?
Low volumes.
Other
Is there any additional information such as LCA data on environmental benefits? Are there recommended solutions to any issues that have been identified?

#7 Other

Access
What access is available?
Curbside or
Drop-off?
Does this item have the potential to contaminate other items?
Sometimes included in a MRF that accepts 3-7 plastics.
Sortation
Will the package get sorted successfully in a material recovery facility (MRF)?
If no, do we know the reason? (Wrong bale, too small, etc.)
3-7 bale.
Reprocessing
Can the material be successfully reprocessed? (paper mills, plastic reclaimers, etc.)
Is there an accepted industry test to prove it can be reprocessed?
Limited capability.
End Markets
Is there demand to use the recycled material in products? (feedstock for manufacturing)
If no is this temporary or regional?
Limited market.
Volume
What percent of the stream is this item?
Low volumes.
Other
Is there any additional information such as LCA data on environmental benefits? Are there recommended solutions to any issues that have been identified?

Full-body shrink-sleeved plastic containers

Access
What access is available?
Curbside or
Drop-off?
Does this item have the potential to contaminate other items?
Access is implied because the bottles themselves have access.
Sortation
Will the package get sorted successfully in a material recovery facility (MRF)?
If no, do we know the reason? (Wrong bale, too small, etc.)
Causes sortation issues and degrades value of PET and HDPE bales when not an APR approved shrink sleeve.
Reprocessing
Can the material be successfully reprocessed? (paper mills, plastic reclaimers, etc.)
Is there an accepted industry test to prove it can be reprocessed?
Decreases bale yields, causes operational issues.
End Markets
Is there demand to use the recycled material in products? (feedstock for manufacturing)
If no is this temporary or regional?
No end markets.
Volume
What percent of the stream is this item?
Low volumes, which is good for bale yields
Other
Is there any additional information such as LCA data on environmental benefits? Are there recommended solutions to any issues that have been identified?

Black plastic

Access
What access is available?
Curbside or
Drop-off?
Does this item have the potential to contaminate other items?
Access is implied with programs that use resin code identification
Sortation
Will the package get sorted successfully in a material recovery facility (MRF)?
If no, do we know the reason? (Wrong bale, too small, etc.)
Cannot be sorted on black MRF belts
Reprocessing
Can the material be successfully reprocessed? (paper mills, plastic reclaimers, etc.)
Is there an accepted industry test to prove it can be reprocessed?
Black PE can be reprocessed.
Black CPET difficult to reprocess.

Little market value.
End Markets
Is there demand to use the recycled material in products? (feedstock for manufacturing)
If no is this temporary or regional?
Black PE has a market.
Black CPET does not have a market.
Volume
What percent of the stream is this item?
Low volume at present.
Other
Is there any additional information such as LCA data on environmental benefits? Are there recommended solutions to any issues that have been identified?
Black plastic is often a home for PCR but it can be a one way trip.

Compostable Plastics

Access
What access is available?
Curbside or
Drop-off?
Does this item have the potential to contaminate other items?
Not collected with curbside recyclables
Collected in organics collection programs
Sortation
Will the package get sorted successfully in a material recovery facility (MRF)?
If no, do we know the reason? (Wrong bale, too small, etc.)
PLA will sort with PET and is the same density so it cannot be separated. Degrades the value of PET bales.
Reprocessing
Can the material be successfully reprocessed? (paper mills, plastic reclaimers, etc.)
Is there an accepted industry test to prove it can be reprocessed?
Some compostable plastics are detrimental to the recycling of PET
End Markets
Is there demand to use the recycled material in products? (feedstock for manufacturing)
If no is this temporary or regional?
Volume
What percent of the stream is this item?
Other
Is there any additional information such as LCA data on environmental benefits? Are there recommended solutions to any issues that have been identified?
The use of a compostability label can help eliminate confusion with look-a-like plastics.

Glass

Glass beverage containers

Access
What access is available?
Curbside or
Drop-off?
Does this item have the potential to contaminate other items?
Glass beverage containers have greater than 60% access nationally.
Sortation
Will the package get sorted successfully in a material recovery facility (MRF)?
If no, do we know the reason? (Wrong bale, too small, etc.)
Can be sorted when MRFs set up equipment in an appropriate format or use glass cleaning equipment.
Reprocessing
Can the material be successfully reprocessed? (paper mills, plastic reclaimers, etc.)
Is there an accepted industry test to prove it can be reprocessed?
Limited facilities available for reprocessing.
End Markets
Is there demand to use the recycled material in products? (feedstock for manufacturing)
If no is this temporary or regional?
Markets available for clean glass. Contaminated glass has low value
Volume
What percent of the stream is this item?
Good volume
Other
Is there any additional information such as LCA data on environmental benefits? Are there recommended solutions to any issues that have been identified?

Steel

Steel cans

Access
What access is available?
Curbside or
Drop-off?
Does this item have the potential to contaminate other items?
Steel cans have greater than 60% access nationally
Sortation
Will the package get sorted successfully in a material recovery facility (MRF)?
If no, do we know the reason? (Wrong bale, too small, etc.)
Can be sorted easily
Reprocessing
Can the material be successfully reprocessed? (paper mills, plastic reclaimers, etc.)
Is there an accepted industry test to prove it can be reprocessed?
No significant issues in reprocessing
End Markets
Is there demand to use the recycled material in products? (feedstock for manufacturing)
If no is this temporary or regional?
Markets are good
Volume
What percent of the stream is this item?
Volumes are low
Other
Is there any additional information such as LCA data on environmental benefits? Are there recommended solutions to any issues that have been identified?

Steel aerosol cans

Access
What access is available?
Curbside or
Drop-off?
Does this item have the potential to contaminate other items?
Steel cans have greater than 60% access nationally
Sortation
Will the package get sorted successfully in a material recovery facility (MRF)?
If no, do we know the reason? (Wrong bale, too small, etc.)
Can be sorted easily
Reprocessing
Can the material be successfully reprocessed? (paper mills, plastic reclaimers, etc.)
Is there an accepted industry test to prove it can be reprocessed?
Can cause fires if not emptied; reprocessors are used to dealing with this safety hazard
End Markets
Is there demand to use the recycled material in products? (feedstock for manufacturing)
If no is this temporary or regional?
Markets are good
Volume
What percent of the stream is this item?
Volumes are low
Other
Is there any additional information such as LCA data on environmental benefits? Are there recommended solutions to any issues that have been identified?

Aluminum

Aluminum cans or bottles

Access
What access is available?
Curbside or
Drop-off?
Does this item have the potential to contaminate other items?
Aluminum cans have greater than 60% access nationally
Sortation
Will the package get sorted successfully in a material recovery facility (MRF)?
If no, do we know the reason? (Wrong bale, too small, etc.)
Can be sorted easily
Reprocessing
Can the material be successfully reprocessed? (paper mills, plastic reclaimers, etc.)
Is there an accepted industry test to prove it can be reprocessed?
No significant issues in reprocessing.
End Markets
Is there demand to use the recycled material in products? (feedstock for manufacturing)
If no is this temporary or regional?
Markets are good
Volume
What percent of the stream is this item?
Volumes are low
Other
Is there any additional information such as LCA data on environmental benefits? Are there recommended solutions to any issues that have been identified?

Shrink-sleeves on aluminum cans or bottles

Access
What access is available?
Curbside or
Drop-off?
Does this item have the potential to contaminate other items?
Access is implied through aluminum cans and bottles
Sortation
Will the package get sorted successfully in a material recovery facility (MRF)?
If no, do we know the reason? (Wrong bale, too small, etc.)
Can cause sortation issues, degrades value and quality of bales
Reprocessing
Can the material be successfully reprocessed? (paper mills, plastic reclaimers, etc.)
Is there an accepted industry test to prove it can be reprocessed?
Causes operational issues and decreases yields
End Markets
Is there demand to use the recycled material in products? (feedstock for manufacturing)
If no is this temporary or regional?
No markets for the sleeves
Volume
What percent of the stream is this item?
Volumes are currently low, which is good for aluminum can markets
Other
Is there any additional information such as LCA data on environmental benefits? Are there recommended solutions to any issues that have been identified?

Aluminum foil and trays

Access
What access is available?
Curbside or
Drop-off?
Does this item have the potential to contaminate other items?
Consumers may think all aluminum can be included
Sortation
Will the package get sorted successfully in a material recovery facility (MRF)?
If no, do we know the reason? (Wrong bale, too small, etc.)
Contamination; degrades value and quality of can bales.
Reprocessing
Can the material be successfully reprocessed? (paper mills, plastic reclaimers, etc.)
Is there an accepted industry test to prove it can be reprocessed?
Unknown
End Markets
Is there demand to use the recycled material in products? (feedstock for manufacturing)
If no is this temporary or regional?
Unknown
Volume
What percent of the stream is this item?
Volumes are low
Other
Is there any additional information such as LCA data on environmental benefits? Are there recommended solutions to any issues that have been identified?

Aluminum aerosol cans

Access
What access is available?
Curbside or
Drop-off?
Does this item have the potential to contaminate other items?
Aluminum cans have greater than 60% access nationally
Sortation
Will the package get sorted successfully in a material recovery facility (MRF)?
If no, do we know the reason? (Wrong bale, too small, etc.)
Can be sorted easily
Reprocessing
Can the material be successfully reprocessed? (paper mills, plastic reclaimers, etc.)
Is there an accepted industry test to prove it can be reprocessed?
Can cause fires if not emptied; reprocessors are used to dealing with this safety hazard
End Markets
Is there demand to use the recycled material in products? (feedstock for manufacturing)
If no is this temporary or regional?
Markets are good
Volume
What percent of the stream is this item?
Volumes are low
Other
Is there any additional information such as LCA data on environmental benefits? Are there recommended solutions to any issues that have been identified?

Aluminum cans with plastic widgets or plastic lids

Access
What access is available?
Curbside or
Drop-off?
Does this item have the potential to contaminate other items?
Access is implied through aluminum cans and bottles
Sortation
Will the package get sorted successfully in a material recovery facility (MRF)?
If no, do we know the reason? (Wrong bale, too small, etc.)
Does not impact sortation
Reprocessing
Can the material be successfully reprocessed? (paper mills, plastic reclaimers, etc.)
Is there an accepted industry test to prove it can be reprocessed?
The introduction of plastic impacts the ability to control furnace temperatures and requires the mill to operate at a slower pace
End Markets
Is there demand to use the recycled material in products? (feedstock for manufacturing)
If no is this temporary or regional?
Does not impact end markets for aluminum can
Volume
What percent of the stream is this item?
Volumes are currently low, which is good for aluminum can markets
Other
Is there any additional information such as LCA data on environmental benefits? Are there recommended solutions to any issues that have been identified?

Appendix D: Materials Recovery Flow Diagram

Webinar

Hear from the ASTRX staff about the report and their findings in this recording of our May 2019 webinar: