Dive Brief:

• Sims Metal Management Ltd. officially opened its new material recovery facility in Brooklyn, NY on June 18. 
• The plant sorts residential recyclables such as rigid plastics, metal, aluminum and glass. Technology used in the optical sorters is capable of identifying and sorting 12 types of materials. The recyclables are picked up through curbside collections across all five boroughs. 
• The sorting system can process up to 1,000 tons of bottles and cans daily.

Dive Insight:

According to Sims, the MRF will help New York City attain its goal of hitting a 30% diversion rate. The city has been working to transform many aspects of waste and recycling to increase its diversion rate. From expanding an organic waste program to creating legislation that would help feed the hungry, these steps contribute to helping the state move toward its goal.