THE RECYCLING PROCESS

Sims Recycling Solutions is the prime service provider for EPSA. Watch to learn how e-waste collected through EPSA is recycled and diverted from landfill.

The Process

Computers and electronic equipment are made from multiple types of plastic, metal, glass and precious metals. Our goal when recycling electronics is to separate the different materials from each other.  The “product” we produce from recycling is clean separated streams of recycled plastic, iron, steel, copper, aluminum, glass and precious metals.  The better we separate the more ways these recyclable materials can be used to make next generation products.

Step 1 - Receiving and Pre-Processing

We receive, sort and separate electronics by type.

Step 2 – Hazard Material Removal

After equipment is received, the next step in electronic recycling is to remove and separate hazardous components including batteries, toner/ink, mercury bulbs found in some scanners/printers and cathode ray tubes from monitors, which contain lead. This manual process ensures hazards are disposed in a compliant manner and is important in providing an environmentally sound solution.

Step 3 – Shredding

After hazardous materials are removed, the electronics will be fed by conveyor into a automated large shredder with sorting capabilities. The shredder tears the material into large pieces, approximately 2” to 6” in diameter. This first step prepares the e-waste to begin the process of separating plastic parts from steel, copper, aluminum, glass and other commodities.

Step 4 – Sorting of Recyclable Materials

After shredding, the conveyor belts push the e-waste through magnets, eddy currents, and air jets. These technologies sort out different material types and separate sorted material from the e-waste stream.

Step 5 – Collection and Shipment of Separated Recyclable Materials

As each recyclable materials is separated from the e-waste stream, the material is collected into bulk bags and shipped to our downstream partner to further process and convert back into raw usable materials. Using recycled material in the manufacturing of new products has benefits that go far beyond material reuse. It reduces pollution and carbon emissions, reduces energy and water consumption and keeps useful materials out of landfills.