Each type is subdivided into smaller categories, but understanding them gives us a better idea of how the world processes most of its recyclable materials. Any of these three main types of recycling involves three basic steps:. One of the most used methods worldwide for giving new uses to waste is mechanical recycling. This method is used to recycle plastics, whether obtained from industrial scrap or from household or commercial waste.
Waste is mechanically transformed into new materials without changing its chemical structures. Mechanical recycling is the process of making plastic waste useful through processes such as shredding, washing, separating, drying, regranulating and compounding. Polymers are not affected by this process and can be reused over and over again in the same product or in a similar product. These mechanically recycled plastics are used in the manufacture of garbage bags, floors, hoses, automotive parts and packages.
Mechanical recycling is widely used for polyolefin (PE and PP). The method used to convert plastics into thermal and electrical energy is called energy recycling. The process is carried out through leverage, through incineration and the heat is released in the form of fuel. As this recycling process requires a little space, it can diversify the energy matrix and optimize the space available in highly populated cities.
As it is not financially sustainable, it requires strong investment and the participation of public authorities. This recycling method is widely used in Europe and Japan. Although no one knows for sure, since plastics haven't been around long enough, it's believed that plastics can take more than 500 years to decay. Read more about plastic recycling here.
Ferrous metals include iron and steel; non-ferrous metals include aluminum, copper, stainless steel, brass, and lead, to name just a few. Read more about metal recycling here. ISM Waste %26 Recycling allows you to recover all types of uncontaminated wood. Wood qualities include wooden pallets, wooden boxes, floorboards, chipboard, fences, plywood, furniture, etc.
Read more about wood recycling here. The first chemical recycling process is pyrolysis. Pyrolysis is a process in which polymers are heated in the absence of oxygen. During this process, polymers break down into smaller parts and behave like a type of oil.
Under the right conditions, the synthetic oil fraction obtained is very similar to petrochemical naphtha and can be used as a raw material in the petrochemical industry for the manufacture of chemicals, synthetic rubber and a variety of plastics. The second possible process is gasification. It consists of heating polymers, but in this case, in the presence of oxygen and water. The final product here is a mixture of gases, called synthesis gas, which can be used as a chemical feedstock in the chemical industry.
Many residential recycling programs in Maine collect several types of paper, such as cardboard, magazines, or junk mail, into one category. This is the lowest quality recycled paper in the paper range. Most residential mixed paper is cardboard and related products, a very thin gray cardboard that is used to make containers such as cereal boxes, shoe boxes, pasta boxes and the like. Much of Maine's residential cardboard and mixed paper is exported to Canada for processing and converting into new products.
Plastics can often be confusing because there are so many different types of plastics on the market and these different types cannot be mixed when recycled into new products. These types of recycling bins are placed in strategic public areas, such as parking lots or supermarkets, where people can leave their old clothes when they go shopping. This type of recycling also reduces air emissions, water pollution, and iron ore extraction and processing. Most types of plastic are recyclable and, therefore, must be recycled to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and help prevent garbage from ending up in the oceans.
In addition, some products made from the same type of plastic cannot be recycled together because they are produced through different processes. .
