The quality and safety of materials sorting is more critical than ever, at materials recovery facilities (MRFs) and for the entire recycled products industry. The recent pandemic is the latest in a series of major disruptions that have impacted the MRF workforce, especially labor for sorting jobs.

So, how can MRFs adapt their mix of labor, equipment and processes to function safely during an extended emergency and also position themselves for long-term resilience and competitive advantage?

This playbook highlights some of the latest technologies that help make sorter and other MRF jobs safer, cleaner and less tedious. It also dives into:

• Sorter labor challenges
• How the pandemic has introduced new complexities for MRF line sorting
• Why newer technology can improve the safety for human sorters
• The path to profitable equipment upgrades
• Best practices for empowering workers to do their best

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