Come viene riciclata la plastica? Il ciclo di vita dei rifiuti: raccolta, smaltimento e riuso

Summary

This video script dispels the myth that recycling plastic containers is futile, revealing that Europe recycles 30-40% of its plastic waste, contrasting with the US's 9%. It outlines the recycling process, emphasizing the importance of proper waste sorting. The script explains how plastic is sorted by size and type, cleaned, and transformed into pellets for new products. It also addresses the environmental impact of incineration, comparing the energy efficiency of recycling versus burning plastic, and hints at a future episode on paper recycling.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Currently, Europe recycles between 30-40% of the plastic it produces, while the rest is incinerated or ends up in landfills.
• 🇺🇸 In contrast, the United States recycles only around 9% of its plastic waste, and the rate is even lower in developing countries.
• 🔄 The recycling process can be improved globally, especially considering that plastic production is expected to double in the next 20 years.
• 🗑️ The first step in plastic recycling is proper waste sorting and collection, which is crucial for efficient recycling.
• 🚮 Contrary to common misconceptions, waste does not get mixed after collection; proper sorting is essential for recycling.
• 🔍 At recycling plants, plastic is first separated by size using rotating filters, similar to a salad spinner.
• 🌐 An infrared scanner is used to identify and separate different types of plastics, such as PET and HDPE, using compressed air jets.
• ♻️ After initial processing, workers manually check for any remaining foreign materials that cannot be recycled and are sent to incinerators.
• 🔨 The selected plastic waste is then shredded and transformed into 'flakes' or 'pellets', which can be used to produce new plastic products.
• 👟 Recycled plastic has a wide range of uses, from shoes and blankets to scooter parts, furniture, and eyeglasses.
• 🏭 Not all plastics can be recycled; some, like multi-layered packaging or certain types labeled as '7', are often incinerated or thermovalorized to generate energy.

Q & A

What is the current recycling rate of plastic in Europe?

Currently, Europe is able to recycle between 30 to 40 percent of the plastic it produces.

How does this recycling rate compare to the United States and developing countries?

The recycling rate in the United States is around 9 percent, and it is even lower in developing countries.

What is the expected increase in plastic production in the next 20 years?

It is expected that plastic production will double in the next 20 years compared to today's production.

What is the first step in the plastic recycling process?

The first step in the plastic recycling process is the collection and sorting of plastic waste, which is essential for efficient recycling.

Why is it important to separate waste before recycling?

Separating waste is crucial because it is the only way to recycle them effectively. Mixing different types of waste can lead to them ending up in incinerators and not being recycled.

How does the size-based sorting of plastic waste work in recycling plants?

Plastic waste is sorted by size using a rotating filter system, similar to a salad spinner, where smaller fragments pass through holes in the filter while larger ones are directed to other filters with different mesh sizes.

What technology is used to distinguish and separate different types of plastic?

Infrared scanners are used to identify different types of plastic, such as PET and HDPE, and separate them using compressed air jets.

Why is it not necessary to clean plastic containers completely before recycling?

It is not necessary to clean plastic containers thoroughly before recycling because modern recycling plants are capable of handling the presence of residues, and excessive cleaning can lead to water wastage.

What happens to the plastic waste after it is sorted by type and cleaned?

After sorting and cleaning, the plastic waste is shredded into flakes, then heated, cooled, and cut into small pieces to form pellets, which can be used to produce new plastic products.

What are some of the uses for recycled plastic?

Recycled plastic can be used to make a variety of products, including shoes, blankets, components of scooters, utensils, eyeglass frames, and more.

Why was plastic recycling initially introduced, and when was the first recycling center established?

Plastic recycling was initially introduced for environmental reasons, not due to a lack of resources. The first recycling center was established in Pennsylvania in 1972.

What happens to plastic that cannot be recycled, such as multi-material or composite plastics?

Plastic that cannot be recycled, like multi-material plastics or those labeled with the number 7, are often sent to incinerators or thermovalorization plants where they are burned to generate electricity or used as an alternative fuel in cement kilns or steel mills.

What are the environmental concerns associated with burning plastic?

Burning plastic can release harmful substances such as heavy metals, dioxins, and greenhouse gases. However, modern plants use advanced pollution control technologies to mitigate these emissions.

From an energy perspective, is it better to recycle plastic or to burn it?

From an energy perspective, it is better to recycle plastic because the energy gained from burning plastic is less than the energy spent to produce new plastic.