The Process of Recycling Plastic

Recycling plastic is a big process. It may seem simple—put your plastic bottles, bags, and containers in a bin and then magically they become something else. However, there is a lot more to recycling plastic than that. In fact, there is a five-step process that takes place after the recycling bin is picked up off your curb. In order to really appreciate the value of recycling plastic for our environment, it's a good idea to know what takes place.

Sorting

The first step is the sorting process. The different types of plastic each need to be sorted out accordingly. This is a much more complex process than sorting glass and metal items. You may notice on your plastic containers that there is a number inside the recycling symbol. This is because each type of plastic is different. For instance, those that have a number 1 on them are made from polyethylene terephthalate, and those with a number 2 are made from high density polyethylene. Typically, soda bottles are a No. 1 and garbage bags are a No. 2. In all there, there are seven different types of plastic. It is important that the recycling centers divide out each of the numbered types of plastics, since mixing the plastics together can create a lower quality finished product.

Washing

Once the plastics are all sorted into their various types, they need to be washed. This is a process in itself. First, any adhesives, labels, or other impurities need to be removed. Once that takes place, the plastics are sent through a large washing area, where they are cleaned. Dirty plastic can, again, result in a lower quality finished product.

Shredding

Once all of the plastic recyclables have been washed they are loaded onto a conveyor belt. This belt takes the items to large hoppers that send them through a grinder. The plastic is shredded into small pellets that are placed in bags to head to the testing area.

Identifying & Classifying Plastic

The next step in the recycling plastic process is testing. The plastic pellets are tested for chemicals that they are made from. Each is given a specific label. This material can now be used in manufacturing new products. It is, however, added to a mix of new plastic materials, or can be recycled even further.

Extruding

The final step that plastics must go through in order to be recycled is referred to as extruding. This is when the magic really happens. The sorted, washed, shredded plastic pellets are melted down and molded into more uniform pellets. These pellets are then sent to different manufacturers and become new plastic products.

Recycling is an important part of protecting our environment, and recycling plastics is extremely helpful. Thanks to soda bottles, water bottles, plastic garbage bags, and more, millions of tons of plastic waste are taking up space in landfills each day. By taking the time to wash and sort your plastics, you are doing the world a favor by aiding in the reduction of plastic waste, which helps reduce the use of natural resources. This is because many plastics are made from oil, a depleting natural resource.

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