Home Recycling in Action

Come See Recycling in Action

This May, recycling facilities across the US are opening their doors for Recycling in Action, a nationwide open house allowing the public to see first-hand how recyclables are sorted and processed so they can become valuable new materials.

What is Recycling in Action?

During month of May, Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and plastic recyclers across the US will offer an up-close look at the incredible journey of recyclables as they are collected, sorted, and transformed into new materials.  On these tours you will see how piles of mixed materials are sorted into streams, learn why certain materials can or cannot be recycled today and better understand how your own community recycles and how you can support it.

Recycling is Happening. See for Yourself!

Most recyclable plastic put into a curbside recycling bin in North America gets recycled, providing environmental and economic benefits. Yet misinformation and confusing headlines often create doubt about the effectiveness of recycling. That’s why we’re opening the doors so people can see it for themselves.

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5
Billion
Pounds

Of Plastic Was Recycled in North America in 2022

Source: 2022 Post Consumer Plastic Recycling Report
340

Trucks A Day Of Plastic Saved From Landfills

Source: Maximum weight restriction of 40K lbs per truckload
1
Million Homes

Could Be Powered by the Energy Savings

Source: EPA Warm Tool

How To Get Started

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1

Find a Facility Near You

Use the map to locate participating recycling facilities.

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2

Sign Up for a Tour

Follow the link to register directly with the facility. More links coming soon—check back.

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3

Spread the Word

Share your experience and encourage others to learn more about recycling.

Find a Tour Near You

Use our map to locate participating facilities in your area. Each facility handles its own sign-ups—follow the links to register.

More registration links coming soon, so check back for updates!

  • Troy: KW Plastics

  • Little Rock: WM

  • Santa Rosa: Recology Sonoma Marin
  • San Francisco: Recology Pier 96

  • Forsyth: WM

  • Charlestown: Casella

  • Nashville: WM

Don’t see a tour near you?

We encourage you to contact your local MRF or plastic recycler, ask if they are participating in Recycling in Action month, and inquire about tours as well as other educational opportunities. Find your local MRF here.

Thank You to Our Participating Facilities

Millennium Recycling Logo Rumpke Logo KC Public Works Logo Eureka Recycling Logo SWA Logo Tri County Recycling Logo color website Schupan Recycling Logo

More Ways to Learn About Recycling

Why Recycling is Important

Recycling and using recycled materials conserve resources, reduce emissions, and create jobs, making it a win for the environment and the economy—read more to discover the energy savings, environmental benefits, and economic impact of recycling.

The Zero Waste Hierarchy

Recycling is just one piece of the puzzle in reducing plastic waste and building a circular economy—read more to explore how broader strategies, innovations, and policies work together, with APR driving improvements in plastic recycling.

The Plastic Recycling Process

Recycling is a complex, reverse supply chain that begins in millions of households when an empty container is tossed in a bin. Understanding the process is the first step in improving it.

Plastics Recycling Glossary

A shared understanding is key to driving a circular economy—read more to explore this essential glossary, designed to help both experts and newcomers navigate the terms and concepts of plastics recycling, packaging, and policy.

Plastics Recycling Myth Busters

Plastics recycling works—but misinformation is on the rise; watch this webinar recording to hear industry experts debunk common myths and share the real facts behind collection, sorting, and reprocessing.

Our Mission is Simple: Recycle More Plastic to Reduce Waste

The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) is leading the charge in promoting effective, transparent, and impactful recycling solutions. Recycling in Action is part of our commitment to demonstrating that recycling works—every single day.

Thank You to Our Supporting Partners

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Interested in Hosting a Tour?

If you’re a MRF or plastic recycler and want to participate, we’d love to have you! Help showcase the reality of recycling and educate your community on how the system truly works.