Optical Sorters. Robotic Arms. Cleaner Bales at 10 Tons Per Hour.
Our 2022–2023 technology investment places Green Circle Recycling alongside major Midwest MRFs — with the responsiveness of a family-owned operation.
The Technology Stack
Every component serves a specific purpose in the sorting sequence. Together they achieve cleanliness and throughput that changes the economics for every buyer track.
Optical Near-Infrared Sorter
- ✓Identifies plastic and paper types by molecular signature
- ✓Faster and more consistent than manual sorting lines
- ✓Separates PET, HDPE, mixed plastics, paper grades
- ✓Reduces contamination in downstream bales
TODO: add make/model, throughput spec, and commissioning date
Robotic Sorting Arms (×2)
- ✓Two picking robots augment optical sorting
- ✓Trained to identify and extract specific material types
- ✓Operate continuously without fatigue
- ✓Contribute to the 58% throughput-rate improvement recognized by WI DNR
TODO: add robot manufacturer, picks-per-minute spec, and material targets
Bypass Belt System
- ✓Routes material that does not sort cleanly on initial pass
- ✓Prevents premature rejection to residual / landfill stream
- ✓Keeps line throughput consistent during volume spikes
TODO: add detail on bypass routing logic and typical material affected
Recirculating System
- ✓Material that exits sorting without a clean classification recirculates
- ✓Multiple-pass sorting increases recovery rate per ton received
- ✓Reduces residual percentage — better diversion outcomes for municipal partners
TODO: add estimated recovery-rate uplift and recirculation cycle count
58% Throughput Increase — Formally Recognized
The Wisconsin DNR recognized Green Circle Recycling's 58 percent increase in single-stream processing rate between 2022 and 2023 — one of the strongest facility-level improvements in the state during that period.
TODO: add DNR recognition citation, program name, and official language. Contact Zach for reference document.
Want to See It Running?
Facility tours are available for municipal partners, potential commodity buyers, schools, and industry groups.
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