Pablo,

Thanks for the useful info about plastics recycling. I would add something that you missed. That is that transportation costs are very high and work against plastics recycling.

By nature, plastics do not weigh very much yet they take up a lot of space. They also tend to have a low to negative per ton vslue. The low weight to volume ratio, along with the cost of transport has a lot to do with why recycling is uneconomic in many locales.

The best option for homeowners and businesses is to limit their use of single-use disposable plastics, and if they do use them, to choose ones that can be recycled in the local community.

Just one more reason that reducing and reusing are higher waste management priorities than recycling. Too bad both involve individual effort, or they would be more popular and we would be more sustainable.

Hi Pablo- May I ask a quick question when you say that the "vast amounts of plastics aren't recycled."

Do you mean given the overall amount of plastic made for all uses #1 to #7 (comm'l, food, other) only a small percentage of that is made-for-recycling in mostly #1 and #2 small-mouthed bottles collected at curbside. Or, are you saying that the plastic that is collected for recycling isn't recycled? I'm just curious, it changes my take on the article a lot.

I support your notion 100% that just plain reducing your plastic is best, and with some small changes I have. Though, I do recyled quite a botu still. Thanks, LAurel

Laurel,

What I mean is that many plastics are not suited for recycling because of the additives that alter their properties and degrade their quality for use in new products. Rather than implying that these other plastics are simply discarded in a landfill I am seeking to alter the language used from "recycling" to "downcycling." This is because each cycle through the recycling system requires the addition of virgin materials to maintain the quality of the material or it simply gets used in low-grade applications, like plastic lumber and speed bumps. I hope this answers your question.

Pablo

Hi Pablo,
Just wondering if these codes and uses are the same in Australia?
cheers,
Emma-Jane

Hi!,

Need to understand if the product contains high percentage og HDPE(>80% ) ,can the product be considered as recyclabe as code 2 ?

I have a question about the fire retardents that are incorporated in to plastic casings for TV's and Monitors. I am a recycler in California and am curious as to what happens after these plastics are seperated from the TV and or monitor, baled and sent to a recycler. I seperate them according to color, "grey" ABS black (which is a lower grade that makes up the old TVs of the 60's and acrylic ( apple computer plastics)

How does the fire retardent hamper the recycling process and or limit its reuses.

Can you explain what recyclers look for when they burn a small (inch piece) of plastic to find out what its value is?

I have seen asian recyclers come in burn a small piece, look at t he smoke and literally smell the smoke as if wafting a fine wine. What are they doing?

What is a good book that can educate me more on the recycling of plastic from TV's (CRT) and monitor casings?

Thank you for your help

I have several questions regarding the Recyclability of LDPE vs. Poly Woven and the rates that a Company may be willing to pay for these materials.

Can you tell me the average price that a Recyling Company would pay for used LDPE plastic bags per ton? Would a Recycling Company avoid taking in Poly Woven? If not, what would they pay for that and does it take more energy to manufacture Poly Woven bags?

Hi Pablo

I am planning to start a recycling plant in South Africa, could you refer me or point me to companies that have the necessary skills and technology for this kind of operation. My interest is mostly all types of plastic

can i get a chemical and the process to separate plastic PET and PVC 99,90 %

Hi Pablo.

What is the current market value per pound or kilo, for recycled PET

I'm looking into starting a plastic recycling company (mainly or strictly PET) in the Dominican Republic.

Thank you for your time

To the Dominican Republic poster, I'd like to talk to you about your plans, as we are in this business as well. How do we contact each other?

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Pablo,
Our company is expanding its recycling program to include plastic soda bottles. What price should we expect to recieve as a rebate from the recycling company? We are separately paying for transportation and containers.

Pablo,
Our company is expanding its recycling program to include plastic soda bottles. What price should we expect to recieve as a rebate from the recycling company? We are separately paying for transportation and containers.

Hi Pablo,
Could you explain to me why PET requires a special crusher (PET bottle crusher),why can't we use any type of crusher. Best Regards

I recycle i recently checked out prices per pound on the bourd no one knows what kind of hard plastic is 2.32 a pound in california