Lewes Recycling Centre
crushing cans & plastics

Plastics and cans are delivered by the council vehicles and tipped onto the floor in the yard. A conveyer belt let into the ground, carries the plastics into the building, where it is diverted by hand into the appropriate channel - clear, heavy or coloured plastics - and any plastic bags removed. They are then pierced (to avoid bottle caps flying off under pressure and injuring the personnel) and crushed and baled.

Similarly, steel cans are separated from aluminium by magnets before being crushed and baled. These are then stacked in the yard, awaiting despatch to the various recycling plants.

Click a picture for a larger view and use the "Back" button to return


photos by Heather Roberts