How plastic is recycled: Process, types and benefits

 

Plastic recycling is a crucial issue in the current context. As the production and consumption of plastics increases, so do the environmental issues associated with their disposal. The recycling process involves several stages, from collection to transformation into new products. Understanding these phases is essential to effectively address the plastic problem in Spain.

The problem of plastic and its recycling in Spain

The proliferation of plastic in our society poses serious environmental challenges. In Spain, the management of this type of waste is crucial to protect the environment and promote sustainable practices.

Data on plastic production and consumption

Since the 1950s, plastic production has increased exponentially, reaching alarming figures globally. In Spain, the use of single-use plastics has grown considerably, driven by their convenience and low cost. Some relevant data are:

• More than 3 million tons of plastics are consumed annually in the country.
• A significant part of these plastics comes from containers and packaging.
• The effective recycling of plastics in Spain is only around 30%, leaving a large percentage untreated.

Environmental consequences of plastic waste

The accumulation of plastics in the environment has numerous negative impacts. These include:

• Ocean pollution: It is estimated that millions of tons of plastic end up in seas and oceans annually, seriously affecting marine life.
• Impact on biodiversity: Animals mistake plastics for food, leading to deaths and imbalances in ecosystems.
• Slow decomposition: Plastic can take hundreds of years to decompose, contributing to the saturation of landfills and natural environments.

These consequences highlight the urgency of improving recycling practices and fostering greater awareness of the responsible use of plastic in society.

Types of plastics and their recyclability

Understanding the different types of plastics and their degree of recyclability is crucial for proper plastic waste management. This section details the most common types of plastic and their identification.

Most common types of plastic

Plastics are classified into various categories, each with specific characteristics and applications. Among the most common are:

• Polyethylene (PE): Used in the manufacture of grocery bags and bottles. It is one of the most recycled plastics.
• Polypropylene (PP): Common in food packaging, textiles, and industrial components. It offers good recyclability.
• Polyethylene terephthalate (PET): Present in water bottles and soft drinks. Its recycling is widely promoted due to its high demand.
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): Used in pipes and linings. Its recycling is more complex due to its chemical composition.
• Polystyrene (PS): Commonly used in disposable packaging and insulation. Recyclability depends on the type, as expanded polystyrene is difficult to process.

Plastics Identification Code

Each type of plastic is associated with an identification code that facilitates its classification. This code system, which runs from 1 to 7, makes it easy to recognize the composition of the material:

• 1 – PET: Polyethylene terephthalate.
• 2 – PE-HD: High density polyethylene.
• 3 – PVC: Polyvinyl chloride.
• 4 – PE-LD: Low-density polyethylene.
• 5 – PP: Polypropylene.
• 6 – PS: Polystyrene.
• 7 – Other: Includes plastics that do not fit into the above categories.

Plastic recycling process

The plastic recycling process involves a number of essential steps to transform waste into reusable raw material. Each phase contributes to optimizing the quality and efficiency of recycled plastic.

Pick-up and selective transfer

The first stage of recycling is the collection and transport of plastics to recycling plants. This process depends on citizen collaboration through the proper separation of waste in the corresponding containers. Separate collection ensures that plastics reach the right facilities for further processing.

Sorting and sorting in plants

Once at the plant, the materials are sorted. Automatic equipment and specialized personnel carry out the selection of plastics according to their type and color. This step is crucial, as incorrect sorting can affect the quality of the final recycled material. Plastics that do not meet recyclability standards are discarded.

Efficient shredding and washing

The selected plastics are shredded into small fragments, known as pellets. This process facilitates its subsequent treatment. After crushing, a thorough washing is carried out that removes impurities and contaminants, ensuring that the recycled material is of high quality.

Drying and spinning

After washing, the material goes through a drying and spinning process. This method removes any water residue and prepares the pellets for subsequent stages. Proper drying is essential to avoid problems in the homogenization process.

Homogenization: Achieve uniform color and texture

At this stage, the crushed pellets are homogenized. This mechanical process aims to obtain a material that is uniform in texture and color. This homogenization ensures that recycled plastic maintains quality and consistency, which in turn makes it easier to use in the manufacture of new products.

Production of new products

Finally, recycled plastic is used to create a wide variety of new products. From packaging to building materials, recycling allows for a significant reduction in the need to produce virgin plastic. This cycle not only helps conserve resources, but also minimizes the environmental impact associated with plastic production.

Plastic Recycling Methods

Plastics can be recycled using several methods, each adapted to the characteristics of the materials used and the products to be obtained. These processes are essential to optimize the reuse of plastics and minimize their environmental impact.

Mechanical recycling

Mechanical recycling is the most widely used method today, especially for thermoplastic plastics. This process involves several steps that allow the plastic material to be reused without changing its chemical structure.

• The first step is to collect and sort plastics according to their type.
• They are then crushed and washed to remove impurities, creating small pieces of material called pellets.
• The resulting pellets are then extruded and molded into new products, such as packaging, furniture, and more.

Chemical recycling

Chemical recycling is a less common alternative, but it has significant advantages for more complex plastics and mixtures of different types of plastic. This method breaks down polymers into simpler molecules, allowing for the creation of high-quality plastics.

Benefits of Chemical Decomposition

• It allows plastics that are difficult to process mechanically to be recycled, increasing the overall recycling rate.
• It preserves the properties of the original material, achieving final products with characteristics equivalent to virgin plastics.
• It can contribute to the reduction of waste in landfills and oceans, by offering a viable solution for blended plastics.

Plastic recycling at home

Recycling plastic at home is a fundamental action that contributes to sustainability. Through good practices, each person can reduce their ecological footprint and actively participate in the protection of the environment.

How to recycle correctly at home

To ensure that plastic is recycled effectively, it is essential to follow a few key steps that facilitate its correct sorting and disposal.

• Separate plastic containers by type and clean organic waste.
• Use the yellow container, intended exclusively for plastics and cans.
• Avoid mixing non-recyclable plastics with those that are, such as food wrappers.
• Check your local recycling regulations, as they may vary in different municipalities.

Reduce the consumption of plastic products

In addition to recycling, it is crucial to encourage the reduction of the use of single-use plastics in the home. This not only minimizes the amount of waste, but also promotes a more sustainable culture.

• Opt for reusable products, such as cloth bags and steel bottles.
• Choose food in glass or cardboard containers instead of plastic.
• Avoid buying products that contain microplastics, such as some cleaning products and cosmetics.
• Inform the family about the importance of reducing the use of plastics and promoting sustainable habits.

Uses of recycled plastic

Recycled plastic has numerous applications that contribute to reducing the environmental impact of this material. Its reuse not only minimizes pollution, but also promotes sustainability in various industrial sectors.

New products from recycled plastics

A wide variety of products ranging from everyday items to high-tech components can be made from recycled plastic. Some of the most common uses include:

• Food packaging.
• Clothing and textiles, especially in sportswear and sustainable fashion.
• Building materials, such as panels and coatings.
• Automotive components, favoring the circular economy in the automotive industry.
• Gardening accessories and street furniture.

Impact on the circular economy

The use of recycled plastic is a key pillar in the development of the circular economy. This model promotes the reuse and recycling of materials, thus reducing the extraction of natural resources. Some of the positive impacts include:

• Reduction of dependence on fossil fuels, since part of the demand for raw materials is supplied with recycled plastic.
• Generation of employment in the recycling sector and in new industries that use these materials.
• Promotion of innovation in design and manufacturing processes, leading to the creation of more sustainable and responsible products.

These advances not only contribute to a healthier environment, but also offer economic opportunities in the current context of growing concern for sustainability.

Innovations and the future of plastic recycling

Innovations in plastic recycling are critical to addressing the environmental challenges this material presents. Technologies and materials are being developed that promise to improve recycling efficiency and reduce its impact.

Technological developments in recycling

Advances in recycling technologies are marking a milestone in plastics transformation. Some of the most prominent initiatives include:

• Improvements in separation systems that allow a more accurate classification of different types of plastics, thus increasing the quality of the recycled material.
• Use of artificial intelligence to optimize the sorting process in recycling plants, facilitating the handling of large volumes of plastic waste.
• Developments in chemical recycling methods that allow plastics to be broken down into their original monomers, which can lead to the production of high-quality virgin plastics.

Advances in biodegradable materials

The future of recycling is also linked to the creation of more sustainable materials. Research into bioplastics is leading to alternatives that are not only recyclable, but also biodegradable. This has several implications:

• Reducing dependence on petroleum-based plastics, contributing to a more sustainable economy.
• Reduction of waste in landfills, as these new materials decompose more naturally.
• Fostering innovation in the packaging industry and other sectors, where the demand for greener products is on the rise.

Benefits of recycling for the environment

Recycling plastic not only offers economic advantages, but also plays a crucial role in protecting the environment. Below are the most prominent benefits.

Waste and pollution reduction

Recycling plastic contributes significantly to the reduction of waste that ends up in landfills and oceans. By recycling, you reduce the amount of plastic that is improperly disposed of, taking advantage of a material that might otherwise take hundreds of years to degrade.

• Minimizes the existence of plastic waste in nature.
• It decreases water and air pollution, as less plastic is burned or incinerated.
• It encourages the cleaning of ecosystems, protecting flora and fauna.

Contribution to the sustainable development of the planet

Plastic recycling is a fundamental pillar to promote sustainable development. By economizing natural resources and reducing energy consumption during the production of new plastics, we are moving towards a more circular economy.

• The exploitation of non-renewable resources, such as oil, decreases.
• It contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, essential to combat climate change.
• It establishes a model of responsible production and consumption that benefits both society and the environment.