Cardboard (K4/OCC)
K4 refers to used corrugated cardboard boxes such as shipping cartons and packaging boxes, it is made from corrugated fiberboard, which consists of a fluted sheet between two liner boards. K4 is one of the most recycled paper products because the fibers are strong and can be reused several times to make new boxes, packaging materials, and paper cardboard.
White Paper (HL1)
Sorted office paper includes high-quality white paper from printers, copies, and offices. Because it contains strong, clean fibers with minimal ink, it is valuable for producing new office paper, tissue products, and high-grade recycled paper.
Clear Bottles (PET Clear)
Clear PET is commonly used for water bottles and cooldrink bottles. Because it is transparent and clean, it has a higher recycling value and can be processed into new bottles, polyester fibers, clothing, and packaging materials.
Coloured Bottles (PET Mix)
Coloured PET includes bottles such as green or brown. The colour limits recyclying options, so it is often processed into polyester fibers, carpets, and strapping materials rather than new clear bottles.
Mixed Paper (Common)
Mixed paper includes a variety of recyclable paper products such as magazines, office paper, envelopes, newspapers, and light cardboard that are not separated into specific grades. It is commonly processed into paperboard, tissue products, or recycled packaging materials.
Lower Grade Cans (Sub Grade Cans)
Sub grade can refer to steel or tinplated cans that are typically used for food packaging such as canned vegetables, baked beans, pet food, and other preserved foods. Sub grade means the cans contain contamination such as food residue and rust, which lowers their recycling value. Despite this, the metal can still be recovered and melted to produce new steel products.
HD Bottles (HDPE)
HDPE bottles are thick and durable plastic containers used for milk, detergents, cleaning products, and shampoos. HDPE is widely recycled and can be converted into pipes, plastic lumber, recycling bins, and new containers.
Aluminum Cans (UBC)
UBC refers to aluminum drink cans from beverages such as soft drinks and energy drinks. Aluminum is one of the most valuable recyclable materials because it can be recycled indefinitely without losing quality, and recycling aluminum saves up to 95% of the energy required to produce new aluminum.
Contaminated Steel Scrap (Sub Grade Steel)
Sub grade steel refers to steel scrap that contains paint, rust, plastic attachments, or other contaminants. It is still recyclable but requires more processing before being melted and reused in steel production.
Ferrous Scrap Metal (Steel)
Steel used in recycling refers to magnetic metals that contain iron. Examples include metal packaging, appliances, and construction steel. Steel is highly recyclable and can be melted repeatedly without losing its strength or durability.
LD Clear (LDPE)
LDPE clear refers to transparent plastic films such as clear plastic bags, shrink wrap, and packaging film. Because it is clear, it is more valuable in recycling since it can be reprocessed into a wider range of products like new films, bin liners, and plastic sheeting.
LD Colour (LDPE)
This includes coloured LDPE films such as shopping bags, packaging films, and plastic wrapping. The colouring limits the types of products it can be recycled into, so it is usually turned into black plastic products like refuse bags, plastic lumber, or piping materials.
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