Electrostatic material separator

An apparatus, comprising:

• means for transporting mixed recyclable material at a first rate of travel;
• means for transferring the mixed recyclable material to a second means for transporting, wherein the second means for transporting is configured to transport the mixed recyclable at a second rate of travel greater than the first rate of travel;
• means for applying an electrostatic charge to the second means for transporting, wherein the electrostatic charge creates an adhesion force with at least part of the mixed recyclable material being transported on the second means for transporting;
• and
• means for optically sorting the mixed recyclable material into two or more material streams by distinguishing a first material stream associated with a first index of reflection from a second material stream associated with a second index of reflection, wherein the first material stream falls off the second means for transporting under a normal trajectory, and wherein then second material stream is removed from the normal trajectory.

A method, comprising:

• transporting recyclable material at a first velocity;
• transferring the recyclable material to a conveyor operating at a second velocity, wherein the recyclable material becomes spaced apart on the conveyor due to a difference in speeds between the first and second velocities;
• applying an electrostatic charge to the conveyor which causes the recyclable material to remain adhered to the conveyor when traveling at the second velocity;
• and
• optically distinguishing a first type of the recyclable material associated with a first index of reflection from a second type of the recyclable material associated with a second index of reflection.