Plastic Recycling
How Much Plastic Is Recycled?
Today, almost all types of plastic can be recycled. From LDPE to HDPE, PVC to PET, various forms of plastic waste can be repurposed effectively. However, despite developing advancements and recycling technologies, recycling of waste plastic in the Republic of Croatia – officially 83.1%, real approx 9%
Three primary chemical recycling methods include pyrolysis, gasification and solvolysis. This process works by reverting plastic waste into a chemical feedstock by changing the structure of the polymeric waste. This transforms it into a chemical building block including monomers that can be repurposed.
Chemical Recycling
How Is Plastic Recycled?
There are two main types of plastic recycling methods:
Mechanical Recycling
Most commonly used, mechanical recycling involves the following steps: Sorting, shredding, washing, drying, melting, and repurposing. The flakes and granules ground from the plastic waste can then be sent to manufacture new plastic products. This is by far the most commonly used process in the and also a core method of recycling waste plastic materials:
Washing & Drying: The washing process is key for removing impurities. Examples include adhesives, labels, and contamination such as food and other residual waste. This step ensures the waste is of a high quality for recycling. Once washed, a mechanical and thermal drying process is complete for the next stage.
Sorting: The first step involves sorting the recyclable materials. Recycling facilities will sort the waste based on a variety of factors, including the type and colour of the waste. This ensures the segregation of different types of waste and effective processing.
Melting & Repurposing: Finally, the extrusion is complete. This shaping process melts down the plastic to be cut into pellets once leaving the extruder. These pellets are then sold to manufacturers to create new plastic products.
Shredding: Once sorting is complete, the plastic can be broken down into small flakes through the shredding process. The flakes are of uniform size which is easier to handle and recycle.
How Does Recycling Plastic Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions And CO2?
Waste sent for incineration decreased by 0.3 million tonnes (2.8 per cent) to 12.1 million tonnes in 2022/23 compared to 2021/22. Although we can see a reduction, a huge quantity of waste is ending up in incineration facilities and sometimes landfills.
Recycled plastic saves CO2 through a reduction in virgin plastic. In fact, plastic recycling saves between 30% and 80% of the carbon emissions associated with virgin plastic. This is from a reduction in fossil fuels, extracting raw materials, and conserving energy.
On average, approximately 1.4 metric tonnes of CO2 are saved when recycling 1 tonne of plastic waste. This will vary depending on many factors, including the polymer type and quality of waste.
When we recycle our plastic waste, materials can be repurposed into new plastic products. This reduces the need for plastic production and the extraction of raw resources, further reducing harm to the planet.
1. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE)
This versatile polymer is most commonly known to make water bottles and soda containers. PET is not only lightweight and durable but also highly recyclable.
Polypropylene is a versatile plastic found in items such as bottle caps, crates, and even automotive parts. Its strength, heat resistance, and lightweight properties make it a valuable material.
Which Plastics Can And Cannot Be Recycled?
You can find which material was used to create your plastic product by checking the recycling symbol on the material. Most plastic types can be recycled which includes the following materials:
3. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC or Vinyl)
PVC is a commonly used form of plastic in various applications, from cable insulation to vinyl records. PVC's versatility and durability make it an essential part of products across many industries.
2. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
HDPE is the strong, reliable material used in everything from pipes to shampoo and milk bottles. Its durability and resistance to moisture make it a top choice for packaging.
4. Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
LDPE is the resilient material behind many everyday items like plastic bags, food packaging, and agricultural film. Its lightweight nature and flexibility makes it perfect for various applications.
The plastic recycling symbol #7 is used for "Other" plastics, which refers to a category of plastics that don't fall into the categories 1 through 6. This includes a variety of plastic materials that are often made from combinations of different resins, making them more challenging to recycle.
Polystyrene is a lightweight plastic used in the packaging of electronics, food containers, and even insulation building materials. Despite its convenience, disposing of polystyrene safely can be difficult. This is why we offer a specialist recycling service for businesses.
What Cannot Be Recycled?
There are some plastics which are much more difficult to recycle. Quite often, this is because of the way they’re manufactured or how they were used. This includes:
Some food-contaminated plastics.
Metallised plastic, commonly used for crisp packets.
Plastics with hazardous contamination.