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PLASTIC
There are many different types of plastic that make it very difficult
to recycle. In fact, there are about 50 different groups, with hundreds
of variations within in each group. It is also one of the bulkiest
parts of household waste, which makes it difficult for local councils
to collect and store. In addition, much of the plastic in household
waste is from food packaging and can therefore be too contaminated
to recycle. This all contributes to whether or not it is financially
viable to recycle plastics. For some council’s it is just
too expensive, while others have opted just to recycle plastic bottles
as they are worth more money, and are easy to separate.
It is important however, that we recycle plastic, as its production
impacts strongly on the environment. It requires a significant amount
of oil, which is a fossil fuel. This oil must be removed from either
beneath the land or sea, and can cause serious environmental damage,
producing large amounts of waste and emissions. Most plastic is
also non-biodegradable, meaning that it can take hundreds of years
to decompose after being sent to the landfill.
Recycling plastic usually involves either directly melting and
remoulding the waste plastic into a new shape, or melting it down
after it has been shredded into flakes and then processed into granules.
The granules of plastic are then used to make new plastic products.
There are many uses for recycled plastic. As well as being made
into new plastic bottles, they can be made into PVC pipes, window
frames, CD cases, garden furniture, fleeces, and filling for sleeping
bags, quilts and pillows.
Things to remember:
• Reduce the amount of plastic you throw away – reuse
plastic bottles, don’t take a bag in the supermarket if you
don’t really need it, or take a re-usable bag with you.
• Don’t buy fruit or vegetables that are in plastic
containers – they already have their own natural packaging,
they don’t need more!
• Try and buy products that are made from recycled plastic
– you are then closing the recycling loop.
CLICK HERE FOR SOME
RECYCLING FACTS ON PLASTICS
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