What Can I Do to Reduce My Plastic Recycling Line?

In the United States, the plastic recycling line goes on breaking down more plastics each day. In China, currently, the recycling rate of plastic waste plastics isn't all that high, and there aren't many plastic recycling facilities, particularly the uneven distribution, making it hard for countries like the US to properly recycle. There are also many problems associated with the plastic recycling process itself. There is a lack of recycling education, which makes recycling even harder to learn.

This means that when a machine doesn't break down as it should, there are many issues that arise in regards to the way that the plastic recycling line works. First of all, how long does it take for a machine to make a change, from when it's first started running to when it is finally fully charged again? What kind of materials does the machine use, and what kind of chemicals does the machine use to help break down the plastics? These are some very important questions that need to be answered, especially since they could prevent many people from using the machine altogether, since the film washing line is so very useful.

A common complaint with the film-washing line happens when there are small holes in the nozzle. Often times these small holes allow plastic flakes to leak out. Once these plastic flakes leak out, they clog the line and prevent it from working. It is possible to fix this by re-cleaning the nozzle after it has been used once, but the only way to prevent this problem from happening in the future is to ensure that the small holes are cleaned before every single run of the extruder.

Plastic bottles are made from a very wide range of materials, but most recycling programs focus on glass bottles because of the volume of glass that is made annually in the US. Glass bottles are often the main culprit of an early morning municipal waste pickup. However, one of the biggest problems associated with glass bottles is that people will often reuse these bottles without the proper disposal container. The result is a waste product like glass beads and bits of foam that has no place to go. One simple way to reduce this problem is to make sure that the small holes in the bottle are cleaned out every time it is used.

To test this theory, I have gone ahead and added a wire to the top of each of the plastic bottles that I have. I then placed the bottle on a hot grill for a period of time. While this may seem silly, it does show that the foam will begin to loosen and spill out over time.

Another common problem that arises is excess plastic film. Many machines do not automatically process the extra plastic film that comes off of the plastic bottles. This can cause the machine to take longer to process the waste, resulting in lower recycling rates. To combat this issue, I have found that placing an orange cone shaped marker directly over the area that the film is causing issues with. After I have done this, I simply grab the can and shake it until the film is removed from the bottle.

Washing Disposable Bottles Another issue that occurs frequently in recycling centers is the loss of plastics due to improper disposal methods. Bottles that are not properly washed or sanitized can end up creating a breeding ground for bacteria. These bacteria then breaks down the plastics, creating even more waste. For this reason, plastic recycling centers are required to only use containers that have been washed and sanitized. By using these containers, I have found that my recycling rates are significantly higher.

While it is best to try and reduce your own impact on the recycling facility by reducing the amount of plastics you are taking, the overall benefit of having recycling is a good one. Recycling helps reduce the amount of trash that ends up in landfills, while helping to conserve natural resources. As well, having reduced waste and a smaller recycling rate means that you will pay less in taxes. Not to mention, saving money helps you get more enjoyment out of your trips.