Recycling Issues and Technology – Resource Management
We are all increasingly aware of our responsibilities regarding waste, its production, handling, recycling, processing and safe disposal.
The waste we are continously producing is having a considerable impact on the environment and this is why the recycling market is developing rapidly.
Pressure is on residents and communities to make use of the recycling facilities available, to be aware of the waste they are producing and make every effort to reduce waste production. We must all care for the environment and limit pollution.
Commercial businesses and organisations have both ethical and legal obligations to set up and use systems for waste handling and recycling.
To move forwards in waste handling, recycling and management of our resources, we need to:
• Transform the industrial and societal system towards more sustainable production and consumption patterns
• Improve information and management systems relating to how we use resources in society
• Innovate processes, tools and methods relating to 'resource productivity improvement'
• Develop strategies – technical, societal, economic, business and policy – to improve the sustainability and productivity of 'resource use' including strategies for managing resource supply and demand, giving or assigning a value to waste, lowering energy and material intensities and increasing the serviceability of products
• Substitute primary resources by using renewable or regenerative alternatives, including agricultural and forest resources and wastes
• Improve material flow analysis and the understanding of resource use and flows in society and the impact on the environment, including resource extraction and waste generation
• Make life cycle assessments in relation to management of resources and materials – develop products with improved resource efficiency and productivity, conserving resources and reduce pollution
• Societal, economic and technological change for improved recovery and reuse of materials and energy from domestic, commercial or industrial waste streams
• Ensure efficient management and use of all resources, including air and water, with regard to the qualitative as well as quantitative aspects of resource use
Plastics Recycling
There are now over 100 plastics recyclers in the UK. The use of plastics in products and packaging and how recyclable they are, is a hot topic for debate and progess in this area is being made.
The packaging industry is becoming actively involved in the development of plastics recycling infrastructure and product recyclability. Businesses within the packaging supply chain are responding to the increasing pressure from legislation, eco-taxes and material use restrictions.
The effect of eco-taxes and legislation are encouraging involvement in plastics recycling. The following extract from a report on plastics recycling highlights the importance of this activity.
Plastic Products Recycling: Technology and Market Trends
Extract from Rapra Market Report, 2000
By S. Hulse, Technical Text
"In industrialised countries, the business of collecting and processing post-consumer plastics continues to grow, with increased amounts of plastics being handled and a greater variety of plastics targeted for recycling. In the rapidly growing business of plastics recycling, profit opportunities vary with the type of plastic.
Companies that make virgin plastics are becoming increasingly involved in plastics recycling. Durable plastics items, as well as packaging, are being recycled in increasing quantities. New methods have been introduced for identifying used plastics by colour and type and for efficiently separating them from other materials.
New applications for recycled plastics (and blends that include recycled plastics) are being developed. Mixed waste plastics are being processed into new polymer products and are being converted into chemicals and fuels. Commingled plastics that are not separated can be processed into mixed plastic products for a small but growing market.
Designed to help companies assess the impact of recent developments on their own operations, this report will also be of use to companies that are considering plastics recycling. Companies already engaged in various segments of the plastics recycling business will find it useful for assessing competitive operations and expansion opportunities.
This report covers the consumption of plastics in Europe, how much waste plastic is produced, a summary of recent legislation and the various methods of dealing with plastic wastes. The plastics recycling industry in Europe is then reviewed, with an in-depth look at the relevant legislation followed by a summary of the situation in most of the major European countries. The major end-use sectors for plastics and the problem of waste plastics in each are examined in the final section."
About the Author
Sara Hulse graduated from the University of Wolverhampton in Applied Sciences in 1984. Since then she has worked for the Institute of Physics, Ciba-Geigy and Rapra Technology, before becoming a freelance Information Specialist in 1995. During her time with Rapra Technology she was a Business Analyst and is thus well qualified to write this report.
(Full report is 138 pages. ISBN: 978-1-85957-222-1)
Recycling Services
Allen Waste will provide each customer with a waste handling system designed specifically to suit their needs. Our haulage operation caters for the waste disposal requirements of all kinds of trade and commercial customers.
We have a competitive pricing structure and our trained staff are availble to discuss what can be recycled and how to improve your waste handling with regard to recyclables.
If you regularly produce waste that is all of one type, call us to discuss the best way to manage this for recycling.
Send the Request a Service form or call us to make arrangements for any of our collection services.
If you would like further information on recycling services or want to know more about what we can provide in the way of Compaction or Baling Equipment for hire - call us on 020 8692 0011
