Stages of the Plastic Recycling Process

Have you ever wondered what happens to the plastic bottles you throw into recycling bins? Although most people are aware of the significant impact recycling has on the environment, many have no clue as to the steps that are taken during the process.

Stage #1: Let the Sorting Begin

The first step is for you, as the conscientious recycler, to sort out your plastics appropriately making sure to remove all caps, corks, and lids. This will make it easier and more efficient for the machinery to sort through the products. Also, since there are different types of plastic, recycling plants further sort out them into distinct categories.

Stage #2: Scrub-a-dub-dub

After the recyclables have been identified and separated into categories, the washing process begins and removes the following:

• Labels
• Adhesives
• Other impurities

Stage #3: To Err is Human, To Shred is Divine

Once the plastics are all squeaky clean, they are loaded onto conveyor belts which funnel them towards rotating metal teeth that rip them into shreds of minuscule pellets. These tiny plastic nuggets are then bagged up for the next phase.

Stage #4: Show Some I.D.

With the shredding process complete, the plastic are now ready to be chemically tested to identify their exact specification. This process will determine the next action to take based on how the plastics are labelled.

Stage #5: The Finale

The final stage involves melting the shredded plastic and extruding it in the form of pellets, which are then ready to be manufactured into new plastic products.

Today, recycling has become just as easy as simply throwing something away.

For more information on plastic recycling in San Jose visit this website.