The 5 Step Process of Plastic Recycling

The 5 Step Process of Plastic Recycling Plastic has become a massive and versatile part of our daily life, improving products, safety, and longevity of many of the things we rely on day to day. We’ve come on leaps and bounds in learning how to efficiently recycle this incredibly resilient material, with the process involving several steps depending on what type of plastic is being recycled. We’ve broken the typical process down below: Collection – The first step of recycling plastic is the collection of plastic waste. Regional Councils have been working over time to introduce more and more elements of plastic recycling at the curb-side, so that these days even small plastic electrical items can be left for the curb-side recycling collections. Local recycling centres also allow for drop off of sorted plastic, for types not taken by the Council. Sorting – Once collected, this recycled plastic waste will be separated from other recycled materials and sorted into the different types of plastic. Some of these sorting techniques can be done through manual picking, Trommels (a cylindrical drum with holes, allowing finer materials to fall through), Optic Sorting Machines (this helps identify different types of plastics), and Sink-float Separators (plastic waste is placed in water and low-density plastics float and high-density plastics sink). The sorted plastics will then be sent to a re-processor where they may further separate them upon inspection into size, colour, thickness, and plastic-type. Washing – Once the recycled plastic has been fully separated and sorted, it is then ready for washing. This washing process is used to remove any adhesives, food waste, residual waste left in containers, and labels. It’s essential for these plastics to be washed and be as clean as possible so it doesn’t affect the recycled material. When recycling plastic, you can significantly the efficiency of the washing process by rinsing off plastic waste before throwing it in the bin. Shredding – Shredding is a critical stage in the process where plastics are shredded or ground down into smaller finer pieces. Shredding down these materials makes the upcoming extrusion process easier. Extrusion – The final stage of recycled plastic is an extrusion process, where these shredded plastic particles are melted down and transformed into pellets that can then be used to manufacture new plastic products. After these processes have taken place, and the plastic has been used, they are then recycled and the cycle starts all over again. Here at Rayda, we can assist you with all your plastic extrusion needs and manufacturing. If you have any questions about what was talked about in this blog or on any general queries about plastic, please contact our team today, and we will be happy to help.

For more information on The 5 Step Process of Plastic Recycling talk to Rayda Plastics Ltd