How plastic is recycled

Not all plastics are recyclablegiven that the materials of which they are composed do not allow them to be refounded to form new deposits of raw material. To identify and separate the recyclable plastics we guide ourselves by the plastic identification code or RIC (resin Identification Code). This code classifies recyclable plastics in 7 categories main according to its nature. We can identify those containers that are easy to recycling through this code.

However, not everything that reaches the yellow cube is likely to recycle: many citizens, without a doubt with good intentions, fill the cube of plastics that do not carry this RIC Code. In addition, when there is mixture with other substances the recycling process is difficult and get lower yields. This is also relevant to other products in which plastic is mixed with other components, such as wood conglomerate.

To expand the information, we recommend you read this other article in which it is explained what plastics are recycled and which are not, through the Ric Code.

Before The plastic is recycled He needs to go through 5 stages so that it can be used in the manufacture of various products:

1. Classification and separation: Each plastic object is separated depending on its kind, so that it can be processed.
2. Washing: Once the separation has been performed, the plastic residue has to be properly washed to remove impurities, such as labels and adhesives. This improves the quality of the final product.
3. Chopped: After washing, the plastic residue is loaded in conveyor belts that make it go through different crushers. These machines chop plastic in small portions.
4. Identification and separation of plastic: These portions go through a second classified system through physical techniques, to define their quality and class.
5. Extrusion: In this process the chopped plastic melts and then its extrusion is carried out in the so -called “pellets”, or small cubes or regular pills of a specific plastic. These pellets are used as raw material, that is, they can be used to extrush new plastic products. Extrusion can be done in various ways, in which in addition to the merger, other processes are introduced to purify the final raw material.

As to Other plastic recycling processesthere are two main types used in the industry:

• In monomers: Elaborated and precise, the polymerization reaction is reversed to recycle the same type of condensed polymer. Not only is the matter purified, but a new shorter polymer is obtained that can be used in various ways through subsequent physical and chemical transformations.
• Heat compression: This type of plastic recycling is acquiring special demand in the US, Australia and Japan due to their ability to recycle all types of plastics at the same time, avoiding all separation and classification processes. Clean portions are taken and all together. Although the process is easier, the final product is of lower quality.

To see a clearer example of recycling, in this other post we talk about the recycling process of a plastic bottle.

At home we can use various strategies to improve our plastic consumption: remember that the first thing is reduce consumption and reuse plastics. To reduce we can buy in bulk, use fabric bags, thermos instead of single -use coffee vessels, tuppers instead of pre -cooked food (our health will appreciate it), use oils and other containers of several uses, use menstrual glasses instead of compresses and tampons, not buying things that we do not need … the possibilities are infinite.

Directly related to the idea of ​​reducing garbage, the Zero Waste or Zero Waste. Here you can all learn about the zero waste movement or Zero Waste: what is and how to be.

Likewise, we can reuse containers routinely. However, reducing and reusing has a limit. We then propose several Crafts to recycle plastics:

• Toys: Recycle can become a fun source for the little ones, who can also learn the recycling value by manufacturing their own toys.
• Ornaments and accessories: There are multiple examples of jewelry, sculpture, house ornaments, etc. with recycled plastic materials. Develop your creativity and seek your own form.

One of the easiest plastics to reuse are the plugs of the bottles, so here you can know several ideas to recycle plastic bottles plugs.

If you have been wanting to know more about how to recycle plastic at home, here we leave you more useful tips and ideas.

According to the latest data available in the Ministry for Ecological Transition⁽¹⁾in Spain there were more than 1,500,000 tons of plasticsof which approximately 45%were recycled, and almost all of the remaining plastic suffered energy valorization (incineration in controlled conditions with the use of remaining heat energy). However, these data do not include plastics that have not been managed by any public entity, for example the accumulated plastic in illegal landfills.

As for the world group, the data is bleak. In 2018, the first global study of all plastics was ever produced. Of the 8.3 billion metric tons Totals produced, 6.3 have been transformed into waste, of which It has only been recycled 9%.

Various studies and reports continue to be carried out, and one of the most recognized among those published in recent years is The New Plastics Economy: Rehinking The Future of Plastics of World Economic Forum⁽²⁾.

If you want to read more articles similar to How plastic is recycledwe recommend that you enter our recycling and waste management category.