The term “plastic” is derived from the Greek word “plassein” which means to “to mold” or “to shape”. It is a synthetic polymer that is made of long, flexible chains of molecules. Its chemical structure of plastics allows it to be moulded into any shape.
The history of plastics dates back to 1862. The first man-made plastic, known as Parkesine, was invented by Alexander Parkes. It was not until 1907 that the commercially successful version, Bakelite, was invented. Once plastics could be manufactured at a commercially viable cost, they flooded our lives in a way no one had ever imagined.
The extensive use of plastics by the human race leads to the generation of large quantities of plastic waste each year. Plastic waste management is one of the biggest challenges faced today. Plastics when dumped in landfills, may take over 700 years to decompose. When plastics are incinerated, they release toxic gases. Hence, plastic recycling is the best method to deal with plastic waste.
Plastic Recycling refers to the process of converting used plastics into reusable product. The most commonly used plastics are grouped under seven heads. This classification is based on the nature of plastic and its ease of recyclability. Of the seven plastic types, type 1 and type 2 are easily recyclable. Type 4, 5 and 6 can also be recycled but with a little difficulty. The recycling of type 3 and type 7 is not commercially feasible.
The process of plastic recycling is divided into 5 stages. These stages are described as:
Collection: This is the first stage for recycling plastics. Plastic waste is collected from houses, public places and offices by means of curb-side waste collection programs. Companies involved in plastic recycling also collect plastic wastes from industries or places generating a bulk of plastic waste.
Sorting: Once plastic waste reaches the recycling facility it is sorted into separate piles depending on the plastic type. This sorting is mostly manual. Labours segregate plastics into various groups by identifying the plastic type or plastic code on the used plastic items.
Washing: After being sorted, the plastic waste is washed to free it from dirt, grease or other type of contaminants.
Pelleting: Pelleting is the final stage of plastic recycling. During this stage, plastic waste is melted and extruded, through fine grills, to produce pellets that are used to produce new products.
Furniture, trash cans, drainage pipes, mud flaps, brooms, and garden hoses are some examples of products that can be manufactured with recycled plastic.
The history of plastics dates back to 1862. The first man-made plastic, known as Parkesine, was invented by Alexander Parkes. It was not until 1907 that the commercially successful version, Bakelite, was invented. Once plastics could be manufactured at a commercially viable cost, they flooded our lives in a way no one had ever imagined.
The extensive use of plastics by the human race leads to the generation of large quantities of plastic waste each year. Plastic waste management is one of the biggest challenges faced today. Plastics when dumped in landfills, may take over 700 years to decompose. When plastics are incinerated, they release toxic gases. Hence, plastic recycling is the best method to deal with plastic waste.
Plastic Recycling refers to the process of converting used plastics into reusable product. The most commonly used plastics are grouped under seven heads. This classification is based on the nature of plastic and its ease of recyclability. Of the seven plastic types, type 1 and type 2 are easily recyclable. Type 4, 5 and 6 can also be recycled but with a little difficulty. The recycling of type 3 and type 7 is not commercially feasible.
The process of plastic recycling is divided into 5 stages. These stages are described as:
Collection: This is the first stage for recycling plastics. Plastic waste is collected from houses, public places and offices by means of curb-side waste collection programs. Companies involved in plastic recycling also collect plastic wastes from industries or places generating a bulk of plastic waste.
Sorting: Once plastic waste reaches the recycling facility it is sorted into separate piles depending on the plastic type. This sorting is mostly manual. Labours segregate plastics into various groups by identifying the plastic type or plastic code on the used plastic items.
Washing: After being sorted, the plastic waste is washed to free it from dirt, grease or other type of contaminants.
Pelleting: Pelleting is the final stage of plastic recycling. During this stage, plastic waste is melted and extruded, through fine grills, to produce pellets that are used to produce new products.
Furniture, trash cans, drainage pipes, mud flaps, brooms, and garden hoses are some examples of products that can be manufactured with recycled plastic.
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