My area is starting single stream recycling, but (a) how does this get separated out at the recycling center? (Is it sorted out manually?) And, (b) what if you make a mistake placing a questionably recycleable item in the stream?
FYI: I searched the SDMB archives back 2 years and found nothing matching this question.
I only know what we were told when it started here. Which is yes, it’s separated by hand and non-recyclable items will be removed and discarded.
It’s usually a combination of both hand- and machine-sorting of materials:
Most of the sorting is done by machines using gravity, water, optical sensors, magnets, etc…
Jinx… me too. Today was the first day.
Harford County?? 
I’m going to need a bigger tote. Too many 12oz glass bottles 