Bytesize Science - Beyond the blue bins: The journey of recyclable materials

Just in time for Earth Day, check out our latest video that reveals the journey recyclable materials take beyond those blue curbside bins. Take a tour of a typical recycling center to see out how these facilities sort the mountains of recyclables they receive everyday.

The video shows how the Montgomery County Maryland Recycling Facility in suburban Washington, DC, serves as one of the first links in the recycle-reuse chain. It receives more than 80,000 tons of mixed plastic, aluminum and other recyclables every year, and uses staff and machinery to sort out the various materials.

Produced by the American Chemical Society

Directed by Adam Dylewski

Shot and edited by Sean Parsons

Animation by Sean Parsons