When plastic is recycled, it is sorted by grade, baled and sent to reclaiming facilities where the plastics are cleaned, washed and grounded into flakes. At this stage, the flakes are dried, melted, filtered and formed into pellets that will be sent to manufacturers to be heated and remolded into new products.
Depending on the grade of plastic, it can be remade into numerous items and materials. Some examples include containers; packaging fiber; fiber fill for clothing, carpeting and strapping; car parts; durable outdoor decks; benches; plastic lumber; playground equipment; and reusable kitchenware, such as cutting boards and utensils.
The Hot Springs Solid Waste Department offers free biweekly curbside recycling, called the Earth Angel Program, which collects aluminum cans, corrugated cardboard, newspaper, sorted office paper (including phone books) and plastic, grades No. 1 and No. 2.
For more information about the Earth Angel Recycling Program or to get involved, call 501-321-6911, or sign up online at http://www.cityhs.net/recycle-registration.
Last week, the Earth Angels of Hot Springs recycled:
195 pounds -- Aluminum cans.
65,120 pounds -- Commercial cardboard.
1,014 pounds -- Corrugated cardboard.
97 pounds -- Newspaper.
774 pounds -- Plastic grades No. 1 and No. 2.
44,280 pounds -- Yard waste and C.A.P.S.
Last week, a total of 55.74 tons of recyclable materials were kept out of the landfill.
Collection schedule
Today -- Whittington Avenue/Quapaw Avenue-Prospect Avenue.
Monday -- Majestic Park/Oaklawn Street-Henderson Street.
Tuesday -- Richard Street/Airport Road-Family Park Road.
Wednesday -- Grove Street/Files Road-Higdon Ferry Road.
Thursday -- McAuley Court-Greenwood Avenue.
Friday, Aug. 5 -- Hobson Avenue-Plain Street.