The main technologies used in modern recycling plants, also known as materials recovery facilities (MRFs), are being successfully integrated into new mixed waste processing facilities (MWPFs). As such, they are increasing diversion from landfills and maximizing recovery of marketable materials, according to a report released by the American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Division.

While both types of facilities divert materials from landfills by increasing the recovery of marketable commodities, MRFs require recyclable materials to be removed from the waste before being processed, usually through curbside collection programs.

MWPFs, on the other hand, extract recyclables directly from municipal solid waste. This can increase recycling rates, according to some in the industry.