Recycling plants and MRFs handle dry, fractured materials that shed large volumes of mixed dust, including bioaerosols, metals and silica from rubble. Practical control starts with containing emissions at machinery, stabilising airflow in buildings and cleaning without re-suspension.

Contain and capture at machinery

• Enclose conveyors, screens and transfer points; fit skirting and maintain tension to prevent spillage.
• Provide LEV on shredders, trommels and ballistic separators. Check airflow under load and reposition hoods after maintenance or screen changes.
• Use misting at drop points where moisture will not spoil fibre quality or cause blockages. Keep application targeted to avoid sludge.

Stabilise air inside the plant

• Run picking cabins and enclosed lines under slight negative pressure; ensure make-up air is clean and consistent.
• Deploy air scrubbers with high-efficiency filters to reduce background particulate. Equipment such as the MAXVAC Dustblocker can help improve air quality in cabins and small halls.
• Keep roller shutters closed when possible to prevent cross-drafts that defeat LEV capture.

Housekeeping and maintenance

• Ban sweeping and compressed air. Use industrial units for continuous-duty clean-up; many sites rely on Supra Vacuums to remove settled fines around conveyors and balers.
• For targeted clean-up near sort lines, mobile industrial vacuums such as the MV1200 can clear floors and platforms between shifts.
• Service filters proactively. Pre-filters protect final HEPA elements; change based on pressure rise, not calendar alone.

People, PPE and monitoring

• Provide FFP3 or suitable RPE in high-dust zones and train on correct use.
• Use a particulate monitor to compare dust levels before and after control changes, then focus effort where it pays back.
• Remember COSHH duties and relevant HSE WELs, including 0.1 mg/m³ for RCS when handling concrete and rubble fines.

Practical takeaways

• Enclose and extract at drop points and screens; verify capture.
• Keep cabins under negative pressure and filter recirculated air.
• Vacuum only; schedule quick, frequent cleans to prevent build-up.
• Change pre-filters early to protect final HEPA and airflow.
• Use PM readings to prioritise engineering fixes.

With steady enclosure, tuned LEV and disciplined cleaning, recycling operations can control dust, protect staff and keep lines running smoothly.