Okay… I admit; I never recycled
before I met an amazing Canadian that taught me everything I know about
recycling. Shame on me! Now I’m a different person, I recycle! Today recycling and reuse of
plastics is gaining an enormous importance as a sustainable method for plastic disposal. However,
plastic is more difficult to recycle than materials like glass, aluminum or paper.
A common issue with recycling plastics is that plastics are often made up of
more than one kind of polymer and possibly added fibers or an added composite. Commonly
Recycled Plastics are HDPE, LDPE, PET, PP, PS and PVC.
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) used in piping,
automotive fuel tanks, bottles, toys,
Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) used in plastic bags,
cling film, flexible containers;
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) used in carpets, food
packaging, beverage and other liquid containers;
Polypropylene (PP) used in food containers, cutlery,
battery cases, automotive parts and fibers;
Polystyrene (PS) used in dairy product
containers, tape cassettes, foam cups and plates;
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) used in flooring,
bottles, window frames, door frames, packaging film, cable insulation, credit
cards and medical products.
Plastic
polymers require greater processing to be recycled as each type melts at
different temperatures and has different properties, so separation is crucial. However,
your part is easy. Rinse your plastics and make sure they’re put in a recycling
bin and collected properly. After you do your part in recycling, this is what
happens next.
Collection
This is done through roadside
collections and/or special recycling bins.
Sorting
At this stage, nails and stones
are removed. The plastic is sorted into three types: PET, HDPE and 'other'.
Chipping
The sorted plastic is cut into
small pieces.
Washing
This stage removes contaminants;
paper labels, dirt and fragments of the product originally contained in the
plastic.
Pelletization
The plastic is melted down and
extruded into small pellets ready for reuse.
Your part is simple. Don’t be lazy, Recycle
