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 fuel feeder for feeding refuse fuel to a boiler/incinerator which includes a pair of opposed inclined conveyors defining end boundaries of the conveyor, the conveyors being independently driven so that the fuel required for variable firing rates in plural boilers can independently be supplied.

Abstract: A hopper for use in a dry ash removal system is structured with a front elevational profile which converges from top to bottom while the side elevational profile of same diverges from top to bottom to allow substantially uniform hopper cross-sectional area from top to bottom and thereby reduce incidence of ash bridging within the hopper.

Abstract: Method and system for recovering useful constituents from the bottom ash residue resulting from burning process refuse fuel as well as non-hazardous disposal of fly ash generated during the burning.