In Buncombe County, our recyclables are collected and processed by several companies. Once your recyclables are picked up at the curb or from the convenience centers, they are sorted by type, baled into large cubes, and then shipped to manufacturing plants to be turned into new products.

Paper, plastic, and metal are baled to save space during shipping. Transporting recyclables to market can be expensive, especially with the heavier materials like paper and glass. That�s why a successful recycling program depends on having nearby markets.

Most of Buncombe County�s recyclables travel no more than five hours to a manufacturing plant, with the closest only 90 miles away. This keeps the cost of recycling down and allows us to collect a broad range of materials.

Here�s what our recyclables become:

- Plastic drink bottles and 2-liter jugs become carpet and new plastic bottles.
- Milk jugs are turned into plastic lumber and curbside recycling bins.
- Newspaper is turned into new paper.
- Shredded paper becomes paper towels and bathroom tissue.
- Mixed paper goes to a plant where it is used in hydro-seed and insulation products.
- Glass bottles and jars become new glass bottles and jars.
- Aluminum cans are turned into new cans.
- Steel cans are turned into a variety of new steel products, from cans to bikes to cars.
- Corrugated cardboard becomes new corrugated cardboard.

Make sure you recycling all these items so they can have a second life. To find out more about local recycling opportunities check out buncombecounty.org/green.

(Images provided by Buncombe County.)

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