Alexei Volkov
Mixed paper recycling is a complex process that involves sorting different types of materials, including paper, plastic, glass, and metal. While it is possible to recycle mixed paper with plastic, proper sorting is essential to ensure the success of the recycling process. The complexity of mixed paper recycling and the challenges faced by recycling facilities have led to discussions about the future of this process. Despite the difficulties, mixed paper recycling remains a crucial aspect of the circular economy, aiming to reduce waste and conserve natural resources.
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What You'll Learn
Mixed paper recycling can sort out plastic
Mixed paper recycling can indeed sort out plastic, but only if it is done properly. The process of recycling can be complex and confusing, with many different processes and materials involved. Sorting plastic waste is normally done manually or by means of a sieve, the elimination of foreign materials (metal and glass), and the sorting of plastic materials into plastic recyclate.
Sorting plastics is one of the most common methods, with heavy plastic sinking into a brine (salt) solution while lighter plastic floats and is separated. Sorting machines are also used to separate and identify large volumes of plastic. Scanners can identify and separate different types of plastic using optical technology. Sorting plastic items at a recycling facility is an essential step in the recycling process.
Mixed recyclables are sorted in a variety of ways depending on the facility. In some cases, mixed rigid recycling is made up of several different plastics, and baling these mixed plastics together benefits the recycling market because they can be sold for a higher price.
In the UK, many local authorities collect recyclable waste mixed together in the same bin, and differences in chemical and physical properties are used to separate the various materials. Modern materials recovery facilities (MRFs) go beyond separating paper, metal, plastics, and glass, and also differentiate between the various types of each material. This involves identification techniques, such as x-ray fluorescence (XRF) and rapid-scanning near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, using reflected and/or transmitted light. These systems are integrated with computer-controlled mechanisms that physically separate each item once it has been identified.
It is important to always check local programs to confirm what is recyclable in your area.
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Sorting plastic: manual vs. sieving
The recycling process can be complex and confusing, with many different processes and materials involved. Mixed paper recycling, for instance, can sort out plastic, but only if it is done properly.
Sorting plastic can be done manually or by means of a sieve. Manual sorting of plastic is done by people standing over a conveyor belt in a recycling centre, picking out bits of plastic. This method is labour-intensive and subject to human error. For instance, Greenpeace (2020) and WRAP (2020) found that uncertified labels on plastic products that state "100% biodegradable" or "100% compostable" lead to confusion and errors in manual sorting.
In contrast, machine sorting has been found to be 30% more accurate than manual sorting. Sieving is one method of mechanically sorting plastic. This process involves shredding plastic into small flakes, cleaning, and then sieving. Spectral-based sorting technology has been found to be useful in identifying the type of plastic recovered from digestates that pass through a 2mm sieve.
The effectiveness of manual vs. mechanical sorting differs per municipality. One advantage of manual sorting is that it generally results in cleaner plastics and thus a higher quality of recycled plastic. However, mechanical sorting in a waste processing facility can be more practical for larger cities.
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Sorting plastic by density
Mixed paper recycling can sort out plastic, but only if it is done properly. Mixed recycling, as defined by the city, means that the items you usually sort into the blue and green-lidded recycling bins (paper/cardboard and glass/metal/plastic) can be sorted into the same bin. However, recycling materials collected during this process will not be separated.
- Floatation: Heavy plastics sink in a brine (salt) solution, while lighter plastics float and can be separated.
- Brine solutions: Different brine solutions can be used to separate all the major plastics.
- Spectroscopy: Spectroscopic sorting systems based on X-Ray Transmission (XRT) or X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) can detect differences in density between materials. They can also identify materials that contain specific concerning elements such as chlorine and bromine.
- Computer vision systems: These systems, supported by Artificial Intelligence (AI) classification models, can remove contaminants such as metals, Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), and cables, which would otherwise be removed during density separation.
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Sorting plastic by polymer type
Plastic sorting is necessary because different types of plastics have unique properties, such as polymer composition, density, colour, and heat resistance, which determine their suitability for specific recycling processes. Sorting plastic by polymer type is an essential step in the recycling process, as it keeps polymer cross-contamination at bay, preserving batches that would otherwise be unsuitable for reprocessing.
There are three main methods of sorting plastic: manually, by means of a sieve, and the elimination of foreign materials (metal and glass). Sorting plastic can also be done by using a combination of manual and automated sorting methods. Manual sorting is often used for larger pieces of plastic or when the type of plastic is unknown. Automated sorting techniques such as optical, magnetic, and near-infrared (NIR) sorting are used to accurately identify the type of plastic and its colour. These techniques can separate different types and colours of plastic quickly and efficiently.
Infrared (IR) sorting is a technique used to separate generic material types. When exposed to IR light, polymer molecules emit light energy, which can be detected, and the spectral distribution produced is characteristic of each material type. Commercial IR machines tend to separate only popular generic types, such as PP, PA, polycarbonate, and polyurethanes. The base colour of plastics can also impact the spectral pattern produced.
Another technique for sorting plastic by polymer type is the "float-and-sink" method, which separates materials according to their specific gravity. This process involves submerging a mixture of materials into a liquid, usually water, and allowing the heavier materials to sink to the bottom, while the lighter materials float to the top. This method can be used to separate polyolefin fractions (PP, LDPE, HDPE) from other polymer fractions, as they have densities below 1 g/cm3.
Digitalization and artificial intelligence also play a role in plastic sorting. Tomra, for example, employs deep learning, a branch of AI that uses algorithms to learn by analyzing thousands of images of objects to be sorted. This technology has been used to separate polyethylene (PE)-silicon cartridges and those used for two-component adhesives, ensuring the quality of the desired PE stream.
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The future of mixed paper recycling
Mixed paper recycling is an essential part of modern life, helping to reduce landfill waste and conserve natural resources. However, the process can be complex, and the market conditions for mixed paper recycling are currently sluggish, with quality remaining a significant concern.
To address these challenges, domestic mill infrastructure needs to expand to meet the growing demand for recycling. This expansion will require significant technical advancements to handle the various grades of paper and increased contaminants in single-stream recycling. Additionally, public education plays a crucial role in improving the quality of inbound materials at Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs). Initiatives like "Better Practices, Better Planet 2030" aim to foster sustainable practices in the paper industry, contributing to a more sustainable future.
The complex nature of mixed paper recycling underscores the importance of proper sorting. Mixed paper can be effectively recycled, but only if done correctly. Proper sorting ensures that plastic contaminants are separated, reducing the risk of polymer cross-contamination and preserving the suitability of batches for reprocessing. Ultimately, the future of mixed paper recycling depends on a combination of enhanced domestic infrastructure, technological advancements, and public awareness to improve the quality and efficiency of the recycling process.
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Frequently asked questions
Mixed paper recycling can sort out plastic, but only if it is done properly. Sorting plastic waste normally involves following a series of steps. There are three methods of sorting plastic: manually or by means of a sieve, elimination of foreign materials (metal and glass), and sorting of plastic materials into plastic recyclate.
If you live alone, you should recycle paper products in a plastic bag with your yellow or blue trash. If you live in an apartment, you should have your own recycling bin. Paper can be easily transferred from a blue recycling bin to a bag at the curb on recycling day if it is left in a blue bin at home. Always check your local programs to confirm what's recyclable in your area.
One common misconception is that all types of plastic can be recycled. Some types of plastics are not accepted in community recycling programs. Check with your local recycling program to find out which types of plastic they accept.
Mixed paper recycling helps to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills and conserve natural resources. It also allows for the creation of new paper products.
