Peek Inside NYC’s Strangely Beautiful Glass and Plastic Recycling Facility

Each day, the 11-acre Sims Municipal Recycling in Sunset Park processes about 450 tons of recycled materials unloaded onto their dock by the NYC Department of Sanitation.

Before processing, the mountains of recyclables dwarf the backhoes and trucks that have ferried them around. Then, afterwards, ​parcels of compacted plastic look like hay bales or building blocks. They’re hoisted back onto barges—or rail cars—and hauled away.

There is a strange beauty to be found in the massive collection of pre and post-processed recyclables, with bright colors and uniform shapes and sizes.

Enjoy this collection of Instagram photos taken at and around the facility.