An MRF is a facility which utilizes mechanical separation processes to break down the composition of mixed waste streams such as mixed solid wastes. It can come in the form of a high tech or low tech processing plant depending on the techniques employed and the use of the segregated components. The complexity of the methods being applied also has direct relation to the number of workers required. The growing problem in garbage has caused a global increase in the number of Materials Recovery Facilities as well as the tonnage of trash being recycled.
An MRF conducts the conversion process starting from the transport of the waste to the recycling sites. Numerous conveyors are then used to take the trash through the different phases of recovery. The dry components are first separated from the rest of the garbage. The said dry components are then further segregated into its basic components such as plastic, rubber, aluminum, etc. Magnetic equipment will be used to pull out all forms of metals. After automatic separation by the machines human workers will perform the last part of the process which is the manual sorting process.
The tasks of the first part of the MRF are complete after the separation is finished. The different types of waste are then compressed and placed inside containers where they will be stored until the transport to the second part of the facility is ready. The next step is the moving of the sorted waste materials to the materials preprocessor where they will be analyzed to determine the methods of which they can be reused. Materials that are determined by the processors as hard to recycle will automatically be separated and place in dump trucks that will deliver the said unrecyclables to landfills.
Materials Recovery Facility Strengths
1. High level of processing efficiency
2. Revenue from sale of materials offset part of the costs of waste disposal
3. The quality of recyclables is of very high level
4. Promotes recycling
5. Can be done anywhere in the world
6. Helps solve unemployment problems
MRF Weaknesses
1. Fluctuations in the market has significant impacts
2. Storage of dry waste materials is very prone to fires
3. Needs participation of the public
4. Needs employees to guard the waste
5. Dust emissions threaten the health of workers
6. Maintenance of machinery is a must
The MRF has become a significant part of the waste management and disposal systems of today. Resources are limited which is the reason why recycling is highly promoted. Reuse of different materials supports the sustainability of our environment. With Materials Recovery Facilities we can make the most of the trash we are supposed to throw away. We can maximize their usability which will lead to huge savings not only on expenses but also on resources. We should not be extravagant in our spending and learn to conserve the riches the environment offers for us. Let us preserve our resources not only for ourselves but for the future generations as well.
Source: ezinearticles.com