Ethan Clarke
Plastic is everywhere, from food packaging to children's toys, and it is a defining material of the modern world. However, plastic waste is also pervasive, with an estimated 13 million tonnes of plastic ending up in the oceans each year. This waste is a significant issue, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where formal recycling programs are rare. So, how do we recycle plastic, and what happens to it after we put it in the recycling bin? The process is varied and complicated, as different types of plastic require different methods to turn them into raw materials for reuse.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic waste collection | Collected from homes, businesses, schools, and local recycling centres |
| Plastic sorting | Sorted into plastic and non-plastic, then into different types of plastic |
| Plastic washing | Rinsed to remove food or other materials; washed in hot caustic water to remove contaminants |
| Plastic shredding | Shredded into smaller pieces or flakes |
| Plastic melting and extrusion | Melted and extruded into new recycled plastic pellets |
| Plastic products | Recycled plastic pellets are sold to be used in new products |
| Plastic recycling challenges | Inefficient systems, complexity of recycling different types of plastics, limited market for recycled plastic, inadequate waste management |
| Plastic recycling solutions | Technological advancements, growing awareness, community and government initiatives, improved sorting methods |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic recycling rates
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that in 2018, the overall recycling rate for plastics was 8.7%. However, the recycling rates for specific types of plastic containers were significantly higher. For example, the recycling rate for PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles and jars was 29.1% in 2018, while HDPE (high-density polyethylene) natural bottles had a recycling rate of 29.3% in the same year.
The containers and packaging category, which includes bags, sacks, wraps, and other packaging, had the highest plastic tonnage in 2018, with over 14.5 million tons of plastic waste. This category comprises a significant portion of municipal solid waste (MSW). In 2015, plastic waste accounted for 13% of all MSW in the United States, with 34.5 million tons of plastic disposed of.
The recycling rates for certain types of plastic bottles are slightly higher. In 2017, the recycling rate for plastic bottles in the United States was reported to be 29.3%. According to the Plastic Industry Association, plastic bottles and jars represent about 75% of all plastic containers by weight.
It is important to note that the term "recycling" can be misleading. The numbers and chasing arrows imprinted on plastic items do not necessarily indicate their potential to be recycled but rather the type of plastic they are made from. Despite the low recycling rates, plastic remains a significant component of MSW, and efforts are needed to reduce plastic pollution and increase recycling effectiveness.
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Plastic sorting and cleaning
Sorting and cleaning plastic is a crucial step in the plastic recycling process. The plastic waste collected from households, businesses, and recycling centres is sent to Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and Plastic Recovery Facilities (PRFs) for sorting and cleaning.
Sorting
The sorting process involves separating plastic from non-plastic materials and sorting different types of plastics. This can be done manually or through the use of advanced technology such as optical sorters, infrared technology, and magnetic and sensor-based sorting systems. The use of technology ensures that different types of plastics, such as PET, PE, PP, and PS, are accurately separated. This step is crucial for maintaining the quality and safety of the recycled plastic, as certain plastics should not be mixed, such as shampoo bottles with drink cartons. Additionally, metals and other foreign objects must be removed from the plastic stream.
Cleaning
After sorting, the plastic undergoes an extensive cleaning process to remove any impurities, such as food scraps, labels, glue, and dirt. This process can be done using hot or cold water, often with the assistance of caustic agents or detergents. Friction washers, which use heat, kinetic energy, and pressure, are commonly used due to their effectiveness and low operation cost. Rotary washers, on the other hand, employ a heated caustic solution to remove oils and foodstuff. The cleaning process may vary depending on the level of contamination and the equipment available.
Further Sorting
Following the cleaning process, the plastic may undergo further sorting based on colour, size, and thickness. This additional step helps create a purer stream of plastic that can be more effectively recycled.
The sorting and cleaning stages of plastic recycling are essential for ensuring the quality and safety of the final recycled product. These steps also help increase the yield of the plastics before downstream shredding and extruding processes.
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Plastic contamination
Contamination can also lead to recyclable materials being sent to landfills. For instance, bottles and cans can get lodged in plastic bags and will end up in landfills instead of being sorted for recycling. Additionally, medical or electronic waste can be dangerous contaminants if added to recycling containers, posing safety hazards to recycling workers.
Plastic can be contaminated with various substances, including metals, which can impact the quality of the recycled material. Studies have found higher concentrations of certain metals in household plastic samples compared to virgin samples, indicating the presence of physical contamination. Inorganic substances, such as metals, are expected to persist in the material after recycling, potentially impairing the quality of the recycled plastic.
To address plastic contamination, it is important to properly sort and clean recyclables. Users can help by rinsing plastic items to remove food or other residues, which can affect the quality of the recyclate. Additionally, following guidelines for what can be recycled and avoiding flattening materials can improve the sorting process and reduce contamination.
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Plastic recycling research
Plastic recycling is a complex and varied process that involves several stages. Firstly, plastic waste is collected from homes, businesses, and recycling centres, and sent to Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) or Plastic Recovery Facilities (PRFs). These facilities use sorting equipment, such as optical sorters, float separators, and even human sorters, to separate plastic from non-plastic materials and sort them into different types of plastic.
Once sorted, the plastic waste is washed to remove contaminants such as food residue or oils, which can affect the quality of the final recyclate. After washing, the plastic is shredded into smaller pieces or ground into flakes to facilitate the next step of the process.
The shredded plastic is then melted and extruded into new recycled plastic pellets, which can be sold and used to create new products. These pellets are the raw material that manufacturers can use to create new plastic products. However, it is important to note that not all plastic is recyclable, and some types of plastic are harder to capture, clean, or reprocess than others.
The recycling process can vary depending on location and the type of plastic being recycled. For example, in some low- and middle-income countries, waste collectors go door-to-door purchasing desirable plastics for recycling, while in other areas, such as New York, municipal recycling trucks pick up recyclables curbside and bring them to MRFs.
Overall, plastic recycling research involves understanding the different types of plastics, the most effective methods for collecting, sorting, and reprocessing them, and how to encourage more people to recycle. It also includes exploring ways to improve the quality of secondary plastics and develop new technologies, such as robots that can extract recyclable content from construction and demolition waste.
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Plastic recycling uses
Plastic recycling is an essential process that helps reduce waste, conserve resources, and protect the environment. It involves collecting, sorting, and reprocessing plastic waste to create new products. One of the main uses of plastic recycling is to curb the need for producing new plastics. The manufacturing of plastic is an invasive process that requires mining and the use of natural resources, resulting in harmful byproducts. By recycling plastic, we can break this chain and positively impact our natural resources.
Another critical use of plastic recycling is to reduce plastic waste in landfills, streets, parks, and oceans. Plastic takes hundreds of years to break down completely, and if not recycled, it will take up space in landfills, leaving little room for other biodegradable waste. Recycling plastic helps keep it out of the environment, reducing litter and benefiting wildlife and ecosystems. Additionally, recycling plastic increases the availability of recycled plastic pellets, which can be sold and incorporated into new products, reducing the environmental footprint of businesses and empowering consumers to make more sustainable choices.
The recycled plastic pellets have various applications across multiple industries. In the construction industry, recycled plastic is used as a low-cost material for construction, while also contributing to energy solutions through plastic-to-fuel technologies. In the packaging, food, beverage, fashion, and retail industries, recycled plastic drives sustainability and environmental enhancement while improving operational efficiency. Recycled plastic is used to manufacture containers, bags, films, and packaging materials, reducing waste generation and ensuring a circular economy for plastics.
Additionally, specific types of plastics have unique recycling uses. For example, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), commonly used in beverage bottles, can be recycled into fleece jackets, carpeting, and even new plastic bottles. Polypropylene (PP), found in yogurt containers and bottle caps, can be recycled into car battery cases and plastic lumber. Polystyrene Plastic (PS), used for foodservice items and packaging, can be recycled into plastic lumber, cassette tape boxes, and flower pots.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step in recycling plastic is collecting plastic waste from homes, businesses, and recycling centres.
The collected plastic is sent to Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) or Plastic Recovery Facilities (PRFs). At these facilities, the plastic is sorted into different types, shredded, and washed.
The plastic is then melted and extruded into new recycled plastic pellets, which are sold to create new products.
