Recyclables collected in Republic Services blue bins in Carmel and surrounding areas are ultimately sent to the company’s recycling facility located south of Interstate 465 and west of Michigan Road in Indianapolis. . Using optics, magnets and several other techniques to sort recyclable materials, the facility handles up to 25 tons of material per hour. Craig Lutz, local government sales manager for Republic Services, said pollution levels have risen since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and many items intended for recycling end up in landfills. It says it has been sent. To prevent contamination, Lutz advises, “When in doubt, throw it out.” (Photo by Anne-Marie Chambaud)
Plastic recyclable bundles are located outside Republic Services recycling facilities.
Municipal Sales Manager Craig Lutz (right) shows a Republic Services recycling facility.
A bundle of recycled aluminum cans waiting to be transported inside the facility.
Items left in the trash can move up the conveyor belt to begin the sorting process.
A worker removes a bicycle placed in a trash can. Bicycles cannot be recycled.
Workers remove non-recyclable items from the conveyor belt.
Workers remove non-recyclable items from a recycled plastic conveyor belt.
Workers sort plastic jugs like a machine pours metal cans into bins.
Crush and pack recyclable aluminum cans.
What can be recycled?
- Paper and cardboard (preferably flattened)
- metal can
- Plastic bottles and jugs (empty, clean and dry)
- Don’t put it in the Republic Recycle Bin.
- plastic bags and wrapping paper
- Styrene foam
- food waste
- batteries and electronics
- yard waste
- Diapers
- Dirty or damp paper products
- clothing and shoes
- tool
- toy
- construction waste
- medical waste
Other tips
- Do not recycle the bag (everything in the bag ends up in a landfill)
- Connected or mixed materials, such as paper envelopes with plastic bubble wrap, cannot be recycled.
- Leave the plastic lid on the container or throw it away
- Do not leave more than 1 teaspoon of liquid in recyclable containers
