Chloe Zhang
Plastic recycling is a complex and often misunderstood topic. While many people in the UK carefully sort their plastic waste for recycling, the reality is that less than 10% of everyday plastic packaging is actually recycled within the country. The UK produces more plastic waste per person than almost any other country, and the sheer volume of plastic means that a significant amount ends up in incinerators or landfills, both of which have negative environmental consequences. Despite the challenges, recycling plastic is important as it can take hundreds of years to biodegrade, and there are ongoing investments in technology to expand the scope of plastic materials that can be recycled. This introduction will explore the process, challenges, and importance of plastic recycling in the UK, highlighting the need for a more effective recycling system and reduced reliance on single-use plastics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic recycling process | Collection, sorting, and reprocessing |
| Types of plastic recycled | PET, HDPE, mixed plastics packaging (pots, tubs, and trays), plastic bags, plastic wrappings, soft plastics, baby and pet food pouches, crisp and sweet packets, delivery bags, salad bags, plastic carrier bags, bread bags |
| Plastic not recycled | Bioplastics, composite plastic, plastic-coated wrapping paper, polycarbonate, cling film, blister packaging |
| Plastic recycling rate in the UK | Less than 10% of everyday plastic |
| Plastic waste management in the UK | Landfills, incineration, recycling, export |
| Plastic recycling technology in the UK | Material Recovery Facilities (MRF), Plastic Recovery Facilities (PRF), optical sorter, friction washer, rotary washer, AI sorting machine |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic collection and sorting
In the UK, 99% of local authorities offer collection facilities for plastic bottles, and many are now accepting mixed plastics, such as pots, tubs, and trays. Additionally, some supermarkets and retailers have started collecting a wider range of plastic bags and wrappings, including packaging from baby and pet food, crisps, sweets, and delivery bags.
Once the plastic waste is collected, it is sent to Material Recovery Facilities (MRF) or Plastic Recovery Facilities (PRF). MRFs handle plastic and non-plastic waste, while PRFs handle just plastic. These facilities use sorting equipment, such as optical sorters, to separate different types of plastics and other materials.
The sorting process is crucial as it ensures that only recyclable plastics are processed further. Non-recyclable plastics, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polystyrene (PS), must be separated from recyclable materials. It is important to note that the recyclability of plastic depends on the local infrastructure, as some areas may have different capabilities and guidelines.
After sorting, the plastic waste is washed to remove any contaminants, such as food residue or labels. This stage can involve different washing methods, such as friction washers or rotary washers, depending on the level of contamination. Overall, the collection and sorting stage of plastic recycling is essential to ensure that plastic waste is properly separated and prepared for further processing.
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Plastic washing and shredding
In the UK, plastic waste is collected from homes, businesses, and recycling centres and sent to Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and/or Plastic Recovery Facilities (PRFs). MRFs handle plastic and non-plastic waste, while PRFs handle just plastic waste. The plastic waste is then sorted into different types of plastic, shredded into smaller pieces, washed, and sorted further.
Washing helps remove adhesives, residual waste, food waste, and labels from the plastic. It is important to wash the plastic before shredding it as this improves its quality. The plastic may go through a range of washing methods depending on the contamination and processors. Friction washers are the most common form of washer due to their low operation cost and effectiveness. They use heat, kinetic energy, and pressure to wash plastic of contaminants. Rotary washers use a heated caustic solution to remove oils and food.
After washing, the plastic is shredded into small pieces, usually between 5 and 10 mm in size. The smaller the size of the shredded plastic, the more regular its shape, leading to wider market demand and a higher price. The plastic can be shredded using a variety of tools, including a circular saw, a bandsaw, or a shredder with a powerful motor and a gear drive train that is mostly metal. The shredding process may also involve cutting, agglomeration, and pelletizing.
Shredded plastics may undergo further washing to ensure cleanliness, especially since they are easier to clean when in small sizes. The washing process can be done manually or mechanically. During manual washing, the plastics are placed in a drum of heated water with soap and caustic soda to remove grease. They are then rinsed in cold water, centrifuged, and left to dry in the sun. Mechanical washing involves friction washing or a rotating, heated wash and rinse process, with vent hoods extracting excess moisture.
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Plastic melting and extrusion
Every type of plastic has a unique melting point, which determines how it is used and processed. For example, thermoplastics like polyethylene and polypropylene melt at lower temperatures, making them ideal for moulding techniques such as injection moulding and extrusion. On the other hand, plastics like polycarbonate and nylon melt at higher temperatures and are used in applications requiring heat resistance. Understanding these melting points is essential for manufacturers to choose suitable materials and optimise their production processes.
The melting process itself is primarily facilitated by viscous dissipation and, to a lesser extent, barrel heating. Viscous dissipation occurs when the plastic film adheres to the barrel and the polymer beneath it. This process generates the energy required to melt the polymer. However, it is essential to note that the melting rate is influenced by screw velocity and polymer viscosity.
After the plastic is melted, it can be extruded into a mould or freehand to create recycled products. The extrusion process can be continuous, allowing for larger productions and the recycling of significant amounts of plastic waste. The Precious Plastic Extrusion machine is an example of a machine used for this process, enabling individuals to create recycled beams, bricks, and various other products.
In the context of the UK, plastic recycling involves collecting plastic waste from homes, businesses, and recycling centres. This waste is sent to Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and Plastic Recovery Facilities (PRFs), which sort and separate plastic from other materials. The plastic is then washed, shredded, melted, and extruded into new recycled plastic pellets, which are sold for use in new products. However, it is important to note that the UK has a low rate of plastic recycling, with less than 10% of everyday plastic packaging being recycled domestically.
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Plastic waste incineration
The UK incinerates a substantial amount of plastic waste, with over two million tonnes of plastic burned in 2020 alone. This incineration process is promoted by waste companies as a generator of 'renewable' or 'low-carbon' energy. However, evidence suggests that incinerators emit a significant amount of fossil-based carbon dioxide, particularly from burning plastic. It is estimated that the UK's incinerators emitted over seven million tonnes of CO2 in a year, with the average facility producing more than twice as much CO2 per unit of electricity as gas-fired power plants.
The UK's plastic waste crisis is exacerbated by the fact that recyclable materials sometimes end up in incinerators due to inadequate processing centres. This issue has led to concerns about the UK's ability to meet its recycling targets. Additionally, it has been observed that areas with more incinerators tend to have lower recycling rates. As a result, some have suggested implementing a tax on incineration to encourage increased recycling.
To address the problem of plastic waste incineration, there have been discussions about banning new incinerators and investing in technology to improve the recycling process. Installing sorting machines at incinerators could remove a significant portion of plastic waste before burning, reducing emissions. However, waste companies in the UK have been reluctant to invest in such technology due to the associated challenges and expenses.
While incineration may be presented as a solution to plastic waste, it is essential to recognise its negative environmental and social impacts. The burning of plastic releases toxic gases, affecting the climate and the health of nearby communities. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on reducing plastic waste at the source and improving recycling infrastructure to minimise the need for incineration.
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Plastic recycling in landfills
Plastic waste is a pressing issue in the UK, with the country producing more plastic waste per person than almost any other country in the world. While the UK government has set ambitious targets for tackling plastic pollution, the reality is that a large portion of plastic waste still ends up in landfills.
In 2021, the recycling rate of plastic packaging waste in the UK was around 44%, with about 25% ending up in landfills. This means that a significant amount of plastic waste is still not being recycled or properly disposed of. Plastic waste that is not recycled or incinerated for energy recovery ends up in landfills, where it can have detrimental effects on the environment.
The UK government has recognised the need to reduce plastic waste and has set a strategic ambition to make all plastic packaging recyclable, reusable, or compostable by 2025. However, progress towards this goal has been slow, and the government has faced criticism for not addressing the plastic crisis responsibly. One way to reduce plastic waste is to introduce a deposit return scheme, which has been proposed but repeatedly delayed.
To address the issue of plastic waste in landfills, it is essential to reduce the amount of single-use plastic produced and encourage more effective recycling practices. While recycling rates have improved over the years, with a fourfold increase in recycled plastic packaging between the early 2000s and 2020, there is still a long way to go. By reducing plastic waste and improving recycling infrastructure, the UK can move towards a more sustainable future and reduce the environmental impact of plastic pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic waste collected from homes, businesses and recycling centres is sent to Material Recovery Facilities (MRF), which handle plastic and non-plastic, and/or Plastic Recovery Facilities (PRF), which handle just plastic. The plastic is then sorted into different types, washed, shredded and melted before being sold on for use in new products.
The UK produces more plastic waste per person than almost any other country in the world. While the government claims that almost half of the UK's plastic packaging gets recycled, Greenpeace estimates that less than 10% of everyday plastic is actually recycled in the UK.
Many types of plastic can be recycled, even if the process is not widespread. The general rule of thumb is that the lower the resin code, the more likely the plastic type is to be easily recyclable. Plastic bottles are usually made from two types of plastic that are easy to recycle: PET and HDPE. 99% of UK local authorities offer collection facilities for plastic bottles. Other types of plastic that can be recycled include plastic supermarket milk jugs, baby and pet food pouches, crisp and sweet packets, delivery bags, salad bags, plastic carrier bags and bread bags.
