Abstract: A method of handling recyclable materials through the use of distinctive, and relatively rugged plastic bags is provided. Such bags are furnished to one or more communities as part of a recycling program. The bags preferably include source identification codes particular to each community. The bags are filled with recyclable materials, closed, and left at curb side or other location for pick up by collection equipment. The bags, which may be comingled with other, non-recyclable waste materials, are gathered and compacted in order to reduce the volume thereof. The rugged construction of the bags ensures that a relatively high percentage survive the compaction process without spilling the materials contained therein. Bags are then transported to a delivery point where they are separated from other comingled waste materials. Bags may then be emptied and the materials contained therein recycled.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of collecting recyclable materials and separating recyclable materials from household and commercial refuse for recycling at a recyclable material recovery facility. The method comprises placing recyclable material into a flexible receptacle or container having a rugged construction sufficient to withstand forces experienced under compaction, transfer and dumping, during curbside pick-up, delivery along with mixed solid waste to a delivery point and transferral to a picking station of a solid waste facility. Each flexible receptacle has a predetermined color rendering the flexible receptacle highly visible against and distinguishable from other solid waste. The flexible receptacle is delivered to the delivery point for transferral to a picking station solid waste facility, for the purpose of recycling the recyclable material placed therein.

Abstract: A conveyor system for transporting shredded solid waste material to a boiler is provided. The system includes a flighted drag chain conveyor positioned within a trough-like enclosure. The conveyor includes a number of drag elements mounted to each flight, the drag elements including spring mounted tines which urged the shredded waste material through the enclosure. The tines are deflectable about the axes of the respective springs so that they can deflect about difficult to move items within the conveyor enclosure. The drag elements are preferably arranged in a staggered configuration to aid in dislodging items which may be stuck within the conveyor enclosure. One or more discharge outlets are mounted to the conveyor enclosure for receiving the shredded solid waste material from the enclosure.