Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is single-stream recycling?
A: Single-stream recycling allows recyclable material such as paper, glass, cardboard, and plastic to be mixed, or co-mingled, in one collection bin without being separated.

Q: Why is single-stream recycling important?
A: Because single-stream recycling is easier and more convenient, it typically increases participation, tonnage collected, and material diverted from our landfills. In addition, this downstate location eliminates high transportation costs and creates a positive carbon footprint while reducing fuel usage and emissions. 

Q: What happens to the materials after it is collected?
A: The collected recyclables are taken to Midwest Fiber Recycling’s new Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Normal where it is sorted with equipment and manpower. The materials are then bundled and shipped to vendors who purchase the material for new products.

Q: Why can be included in single stream recycling?
A: Paper, plastic, glass and metals. Be sure and ask your Midwest Fiber Recycling representative if you have questions on any materials.

Q: Is this program only for Bloomington-Normal?
A: No. Midwest Fiber Recycling’s single-stream facility serves as a hub for single-stream recycling for all of central Illinois. In addition to the Normal plant, Midwest Fiber Recycling has processing facilities in Decatur and Peoria. All of these locations will then transport materials to Normal for recycling, saving haulers time and money by eliminating the need to transport the materials hundreds of miles away. 

Q: Do other communities use single-stream recycling?
A: Typically, progressive recycling facilities like this are found in major metropolitan areas like Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. However, Midwest Fiber Recycling believes Normal is a perfect location because of its proximity to multiple interstates and rail services for the efficient transportation of recyclable materials. 

Q: Do curbside or city recyclables end up at the Midwest Fiber Recycling plant?
A: They can! Communities that collect single-stream recyclables can drop off their materials at the Normal, Decatur, or Peoria plants where they will then be transported to the Midwest Fiber Recycling Single-Stream facility. 

Q: How much material is expected to be collected with single-stream recycling?
A: It is estimated that within three to five years, Midwest Fiber Recycling will add more than 6 million pounds monthly to the more than 205 million pounds recycled in 2009.

For more information about Midwest Fiber or single-stream recycling, please call 800.779.6977.