Future of Plastic Recycling

You’ve got a plastic cup from Starbucks in your hand. It’s empty, and you’re ready to throw it into your recycling bin – so what comes first?

You turn over the cup to see the chasing arrow symbol with #5 in the center, signifying the type of resin that makes up your cup.

Now, imagine a world where these numbered resin codes don’t exist. Instead, recycling is organized by the type of product or package. All you have to understand is that you’re holding a plastic cup, and it’s recyclable in your community program.
Today, 80 percent of Americans have access to a plastics recycling program. Photo: Ehow.com

Today, 80 percent of Americans have access to a plastics recycling program. Photo: Ehow.com

This could actually be the future of plastics recycling. Instead of using a resin identification coding system, we could be shifting to a system based on the type of product or package.

In 1988, the resin coding system was created to meet recyclers’ needs while providing manufacturers with a consistent, uniform system that was applicable nationwide.

But now that technology has become more effective at sorting different plastics and curbside programs have become more widespread, the resin coding system may eventually become a thing of the past.

Consumers may find product or package-based recycling easier because they won’t have to search for the number and wonder about its overall make-up. Many communities are already recycling this way.
On Board Yet?

If you’re still confused. Let’s break it down.

Earth911.com recently asked readers, “How is plastic accepted in your curbside program?” Of the readers who responded, 44 percent said it is accepted by number, while only 15 percent said it was accepted by product.

At the present time, many curbside programs still collect plastics using the resin identification system. However, the idea of a product or package-based collection system isn’t a new phenomena. According to Judith Dunbar, director of Environmental and Technical Issues for the American Chemistry Council (ACC), some communities started catching on to the idea in the late 90s when they began collecting “all plastic bottles.”

The ACC got on board and began encouraging other communities to accept recycling in this manner. Data collected by ACC and individual communities showed that it was actually easier for consumers to understand. In fact, the resin identification coding system was never meant to be used by consumers. It was put in place for recyclers to identify plastics, before more sophisticated equipment became available.


Today, product or package-based collection is used in many communities, including the District of Columbia and three major surrounding areas: Arlington County, Va., Montgomery County, Md. and Anne Arundel County, Md. Many cities and towns in California are also adopting this method of collection. About 60 percent of California’s collection programs accept “all bottles and household containers.”
Photo: Southernliving.com

In recent years, the number of U.S. plastics recycling business has nearly tripled. More than 1,600 businesses are involved in recycling post-consumer plastics. Photo: Southernliving.com
How Does It Work?

Dunbar says the key to getting any recycling program down to a science is educating consumers about what is specifically collected.

Successful collection is all about simplicity. Providing consumers with information that is detailed with photos of specific products and examples can help make the collection process even more successful.

So, let’s get down to what product categories can be collected for recycling:

* Plastic bottles – water and soda bottles, milk jugs, detergent bottles, anything with a “neck”
* Household containers – non-bottle items, such as butter tubs, yogurt cups, kitty litter buckets
* Plastic bags, product wraps, plastic film
* Tubs and lids
* Buckets and trays

(Note that not all communities currently accept all categories of plastics. Visit your municipality’s Web site or check out our recycle search to learn which plastics are collected in your area.)

Once product packaging goes to a material recovery facility, sorters already have a strong grasp on how to separate the materials without looking at the resin codes. Therefore, product-based collection does not slow down or hinder the service in any way.

As many communities go to a single-stream recycling system, “all bottle” recycling is often implemented as well. Because resin identification codes often confuse consumers, product-based recycling may encourage more participation since it requires less know-how

Milk and Juice Carton Recycling Made Easy

Milk and Juice Carton Recycling Made Easy

Tropicana and Waste Management recently announced they are joining forces to launch a national initiative to increase the rate of juice and milk carton recycling. The initiative kicks off the long-term goal to increase beverage carton recycling nationwide, a program being promoted through the Carton Council.

Milk and juice cartons are made largely from paper sources and fall under the material category of paperboard. Though not accepted by all municipal curbside programs, more than 85 percent of the U.S. population has access to paperboard recycling.

Though 85 percent of the U.S. population has access to paperboard recycling, not all paperboard recyclers will accept milk and juice cartons. Photo: G-can.net


Waste Management will be accepting juice and milk cartons at all its recycling processing facilities across the country in order to increase their recycling rate. Waste Management separates the cartons from the other recyclables and sends them to a secondary mill for recycling.

Recycled through a process called hydropulping, which recovers a material’s paper fibers, the cartons are recycled into paper towels, tissue and other paper products. A typical Tropicana carton is made of 85 percent paper and 15 percent polymer, making the product largely recyclable.

“We are proud to be working with Waste Management to promote the expansion of carton recycling across the country and finding new ways to recycle our products into environmentally beneficial products,” says Andre Hartshorn, senior marketing manager for Tropicana Products, Inc.

This national carton recycling program builds off a successful pilot program in Tampa, Fla., where Tropicana and Waste Management, along with the Carton Council and Dean Foods, successfully expanded carton recycling availability and educated consumers about carton recycling.

Recycling Plastic #6

It’s in our to-go boxes, our packing supplies, even in our fertilizer. Plastic #6 (also called polystyrene) is undoubtedly a pretty common material, as well as one of those mystery plastics that’s often hard to recycle.

But some cities and manufacturers are taking the confusion out of the process by initiating programs specifically geared toward polystyrene recycling, and its recycling rate continues to grow. According to a report by the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers (AFPR), more than 65 million pounds of expanded polystyrene (EPS) packaging were recycled in 2007, while the number grew to 69 million pounds in 2008.

The most common form of plastic #6 is EPS. Though it is often hard to recycle, other plastic #6 products, such as cups, CD and DVD cases, are easier.

So, why should you recycle plastic #6? How can you recycle it? And what programs have been successful? Here’s everything you’ve wanted to know about recycling plastic #6.
Polystyrene is a polymer of styrene. Styrene is a petroleum by-product and the primary raw material from which polystyrene is made. Styrene, a naturally occurring substance, is present in many foods and beverages, including wheat, beef, strawberries, peanuts, coffee beans and cinnamon. Photo: Flickr/.brioso

Polystyrene is a polymer of styrene. Styrene is a petroleum by-product and the primary raw material from which polystyrene is made. Styrene, a naturally occurring substance, is present in many foods and beverages, including wheat, beef, strawberries, peanuts, coffee beans and cinnamon. Photo: Flickr/.brioso
Top 5 Reasons to Recycle Plastic #6

1. It’s good at catching air.
Because polystyrene foam is so light (comprised of 97 percent air), it is easily carried by wind and water currents to all reaches of our planet, and its unsinkable nature makes it a main component of marine debris.

2. It’s all packed up.
It is a common item in packaging, from Plastic Loose Fill (packing peanuts) to the hard-molded protective packaging that often accompanies electronics.

According to Virginia Lyle, deputy director of AFPR, all plastic peanuts have recycled content, and most shape-molded polystyrene has at least 25 percent recycled content.

3. It continues to grow.
According to AFPR, the percentage of post-consumer polystyrene foam diverted from landfills, as a result of source-reduction, reuse and recycling, increased from 0.8 percent in 1974 to 15.7 in 1997.

4. It keeps you warm.
A study commissioned by the EPS Molders Association found that EPS provides a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions when used to insulate homes in North America.

5. It’s a building block.
Post-consumer polystyrene can be used for a variety materials, including building foundations and powering biodiesel engines.
Answering the Tough Questions

1. Do city-wide polystyrene bans actually work?

Several cities and programs are against using polystyrene foam. In fact, San Fransisco initiated a ban against all food service EPS containers. However, a litter re-audit conducted by the City of San Francisco showed that while EPS litter decreased after the ban, there was an increase in other materials, such as paperboard, in the waste stream.

Depending on which side you choose, there are definitely misconceptions about the material and its benefits, drawbacks and overall affect on the waste stream. According to Mike Levy, director of Plastics Food Services Packaging Group with the American Chemistry Council (ACC), it’s really all about litter education. While cities can cut down on a specific product’s waste by mandating recycling and initiating bans, it is up to the consumer to make a difference.



Polystyrene foam is not easily recycled because of its light weight. However, recycling the material is an emerging market. Photo: Flickr/(F)oxymoron
2. Why don’t most curbside programs accept plastic #6 or EPS for recycling?

It all comes down to transportation. According to Lyle, the main reason curbside programs do not accept polystyrene foam is because after the material is placed in a commingled bin, scooped up on a recycling truck and transported to a facility, it becomes contaminated with dirt and other materials. Because most curbside programs do not wash the material, recyclers have a hard time with it.

However, some communities in California have initiated drop-off programs for polystyrene foam. This is easier for recyclers, because the EPS is not mixed with other materials and potential contamination is minimized.

3. Does the manufacturing of polystyrene require non-renewable petroleum products?

Yes. According to the ACC, the manufacturing of all plastics consumed about 3 percent of the total petroleum used in the U.S. in 1997, and all polystyrene product production comprised approximately .002 percent of that amount.

4. How does the manufacturing of polystyrene compare with other materials, such as paperboard?

All products require energy and water resources during manufacturing, and polystyrene is no different. According to Levy, because polystyrene foam is made of 97 percent air, it’s life cycle is quite different from other materials.

“When you look at the total life cycle from air pollution water usage, even without recycling at all, [polystyrene foam] is more environmentally friendly than heavier materials because they use more energy and create more waste,” he says.

5. What should the average consumer or household do with polystyrene waste?

While most curbside programs do not accept plastic #6 or EPS, there are several community programs that will recycle the material. A simple search on Earth911.com will pull up recyclers in your specific area. If there are no programs that fit your specific needs or are near your location, AFPR offers a mail-in program for consumers. Average shipping fees range from $1.50 to $9, based on the total packaging weight and volume. Since EPS is extremely lightweight, it can be economically shipped to a regional location.
Company and Community Spotlight

According to Levy, there are several markets for post-consumer polystyrene, including:

* Food service products
* Building and construction products
* Home improvement products
* Office and decorative accessories
* CD cases
* Export markets (material goes overseas to be used in recycled products or blended into virgin materials)

Several companies and large communities are making recycling plastic #6 a high priority and are developing innovative solutions and end-products for the material. Here are some highlights:

Los Angeles City

Headed up by the L.A. Bureau of Sanitation, the county is undergoing a monster recycling program and is often regarded as a pioneer in the EPS recycling industry. Partnering with local recycling companies, L.A. now accepts clean “Styrofoam® cups, containers, and packaging such as Styrofoam egg shell cartons, Styrofoam block packaging and Styrofoam clamshell packaging.” That’s huge for a city of more than 9.8 million people.

Nepco

Nepco has made recycling equipment for 18 years in Korea and has been in the U.S. market for three years. In March 2009, the company leased a building where it processes loose foam into densified pellets. This is important when applied to transporting the material.

For example, a truckload of bagged polystyrene cups equals about 1,000 pounds. If you bale those cups, you can fit 15,000 pounds onto that same truck. But if the material is densified, you can fit up to 40,000 pounds on one truck for transportation, according to Lyle.

Timbron

Founded in 1996, Timbron processes collected plastic waste and provides a closed-loop solution for it. One of the company’s coolest products is its interior molding that resembles a wood material but is made from recycled polystyrene and is sold at Home Depot. According to Levy, this product is a historical innovation using plastic #6 and is just one example of how the material can be used in construction.

Dart

While EPS curbside programs are a rarity, Dart partnered with the City of Tracy, Calif. to integrate the recycling of this material in curbside programs. The company also focuses on recycling foam lunch trays and initiated a program with a California elementary school to clean and recycle the trays into non-foodservice foam products.

6 Busted Eco Myths

Now that April (aka Earth Month), is in full swing, it’s the perfect time to get moving with your eco-fabulous resolutions.

But the prospect of where to begin can be daunting, especially when you factor in the myths floating around about reasons not to shift your behavior towards that which is more eco-conscious. So enjoy Earth Month to its fullest and don’t be fooled by these six eco-myths.
Myth #1: Organic and recycled products are hard to find.

While this may have been true several years ago, even big-box stores like Walmart and Target are stocking up on organic and recycled goods.

You don’t even have to visit a food co-op or natural market to get your fix of sustainable goodies, as almost every grocery store now has an extensive organic selection.

What’s more, Web sites such as Green America’s National Green Pages have listings for everything from sustainably produced clothing to socially responsible mutual funds.
Myth #2: Too many choices make it difficult to get educated about sustainability.

Certification is not just for organic anymore. There are several organizations that offer screenings and certifications for environmentally and socially responsible producers.

In addition to Green America’s Seal of Approval, which requires companies to undergo a vigorous screening process, there is the Forest Stewardship Council, which reviews the business practice of paper and wood producers. TransFair USA certifies that products like coffee are produced under fair trade conditions, and of course, the USDA has stringent regulations on products that are carry the organic label.

In order to stay up on the latest news and understand the latest green lingo, follow a few of your favorite eco-conscious Web sites. Also, remember that a quick web search can answer almost any of your questions about getting the most out of your greening efforts.

For more information on what all of those regulations and labels actually mean check out our Top 10 Green Labels Guide.
Myth #3: Recycling and reduction is inconvenient.

As our society begins to view trash as a potential resource rather than a nuisance, more and more municipalities are instituting curbside pickup options so residents can recycle everything from metal to food scraps.

Even if your municipality doesn’t accept a recyclable item it in its regular curbside pickup (think televisions, cell phones or batteries), you can easily locate a local drop-off center. Check out Earth911 to find out what to do with those tough-to-recycle items.

As for reduction, your efforts can range from the simple – taking reusable bags to the grocery store, using a refillable water bottle, buying items with little or no packaging or taking shorter showers – to the complex – buying nothing for a week, shopping exclusively at secondhand stores or crafting new items out of old ones. For further inspiration, check out the No Impact Man or The Story of Stuff.
Myth #4: One person can’t make a difference.

Does it really matter if you don’t recycle or if you throw your food waste away instead of composting it? Yes. Much of what is in our landfills could have been reborn as a new product had it been reused. According to the EPA, 63.9 percent of what goes into landfills is paper, plastic, metal and glass.

An additional 44.8 million tons of food scraps and yard waste resides there as well, and the rotting organic matter in landfills turns into methane, one of the most potent global warming gasses.

With natural resources dwindling and climate change looming, it is more important than ever to utilize and support strong recycling infrastructures, while at the same time looking for creative ways to transform our trash into new stuff.
Myth #5: Going green is too expensive.

Putting aside the obvious joy of reducing your overall footprint, many steps that you take towards this goal will also help you to save money.

One person really can make a difference. Americans buy an estimated 29.8 billion plastic water bottles every year. Nearly eight out of every 10 bottles will end up in a landfill. Do your part and make that one less bottle by recycling. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com

Reducing the number of times per week you drive, turning down the heat or air conditioning a few degrees and reducing the amount of water you use can all add up to big savings on your bills.

On the culinary front, if you decide to compost your food waste and grow your own food, your grocery bill for that organic meal will drop significantly too.

Also, it’s important to take a whole-systems view when analyzing the cost of products you buy.

While many eco-friendly products are more expensive up front, consider that your purchase is supporting sustainable and oftentimes your local economy.

Plus, given all of the money you are going to save with your reduction efforts, your budget should still come out in the black!

Need more proof with some hard numbers? Check out our 8 Ways to Go Green and Save Hundreds.
Myth #6: Recycled and all-natural products are lower quality.

It is true that certain materials, such as paper, do gradually downcycle; however, as paper nears the end of its life (after five to seven cycles), pulp that is too small to be used ends up being filtered out of the machines and becomes waste.

When plastic downcycles, it is simply used to make lower-quality products. Today’s Tupperware might be tomorrow’s traffic cone. In the case of other materials, there is no loss of quality. Glass melts down to glass, and metal to metal (so long as the metal is pure). In these instances, there is virtually no difference between recycled or “virgin” products, such as bottles or sheet metal.

When it comes to food, the proof lies in the taste. Anyone who has eaten a giant, tasteless tomato will tell you that making something bigger isn’t the same as making it better.

Natural farming methods, aside from keeping food free of pesticide and chemical fertilizer residues, often result in a smaller, but more flavorful harvest. Products made through natural processes have the added health benefit of reducing air and water pollution (byproducts of chemical manufacturing), and everyone can benefit from a better quality of life as a result.

Get Cash for Recycling Your Cell Phone

It’s estimated that just 1 percent of the 4 billion wireless users worldwide recycle their cell phones after use.

A new company, eRecyclingCorps, believes the low recycling rate may have something to do with convenience. Make it more convenient for people to recycle those phones – while offering a financial reward at the same time – and recycling participation may increase.

The program has created a simple way for companies to reward consumers at the point of sale for recycling their used mobile phones.

Currently implemented in more than 2,500 retail locations, the program allows consumers to receive discounts on retail purchases equivalent to the value of their used handset device.

A recent research study found that 98 percent of consumers who had not yet recycled their handsets indicated they were willing to, but only in return for some compensation, whether that be cash, store credit or a tax deduction.

“The message is clear,” said ABI Research technology industry analyst Michael Morgan. “Many consumers in the U.S. are prepared to help the environment by recycling their old handsets, but only if there is a financial incentive to do so. Virtue is not the reward in this case. Operators wishing to present a ‘green’ public face – and the survey’s results also show that consumers increasingly favor those that do – should factor these attitudes into their recycling schemes.”

Though we’re not advocating consumers only recycle when rewarded, it is important to try and find reasons why cell phone recycling remains consistently low year after year, despite dramatic increases in recycling programs. If convenience and incentive are reasons that could lead to increased recycling, this program and others like it, may just be on to something.

eRecyclingCorps was started by industry experienced individuals, including the former CEO of RadioShack and the former President and COO of Sprint, both whom have seen the ecological consequences of the wireless industry’s success.

“The unprecedented growth in the global wireless industry has transformed the way people live, work and play,” said eRecyclingCorps Founder and CEO David Edmondson. “The unintended consequence of that growth is a mountain of toxic environmental e-waste.”

http://www.Cellitused.com is another great place to recycle phones and ipods or electronics, they just launched a new web site that is very user friendly!

http://www.avbrecycle.com for all your Cell Phone and Inkjet Recycling needs.

Create Your Own iPad Case with a Book!!

Create Your Own iPad Case with a Book

If you have an old hardcover book that’s gathering dust in the basement and you never plan to read it again, turn it into a hollow book and then use that secret compartment as a safe to hide your cash, cellphone or any other valuable items.
How to Make a Hollow Book


The iPad is this photograph is facing down but you can even invert the device and the hollow book case will then prevent your iPad back from getting scratches.


Make Magazine covered this trick in 2006 and it has become quite popular since then. If you don’t have the time to create a hollow book on your own, you can even order one online from Amazon.com.

Anyway, coming back to the iPad, the folks at CarryPad have come up with a brilliant idea – they suggest using an hollow book as a case for the Apple iPad.

The technique is more or less the same but you need to careful when choosing the book for the iPad case – it should have proper padding around the sides and the thickness of the book pages should be enough to support your iPad.

Top 7 Eco-Friendly Mobile Phones

Let's not waste time on foreplay and get straight to business. Here are the top 7 green mobile phones I selected for my dear readers:

1. Sharp SH002 Solar Phone

This eco-friendly mobile phone provides a number of useful features like GPS and Bluetooth; besides, it's waterproof. The solar panel incorporated here requires only 30 minutes of sunlight exposure, to give you 140 minutes of standby and 2 minutes of communications. If you expose the phone to the sun for 90 minutes, you'll be able to communicate for 9 minutes or get 560 minutes of standby. The phone also has one interesting feature - Golf Mode, which unfortunately works only in Japan. It includes information on 2300 golf courses throughout the country, thus using the GPS you can get to the desired golf field.


2. LG Solar-Powered Phone

Another solar-powered mobile phone comes from LG. The device includes a solar-powered battery mounted into the back cover. Ten minutes of sunlight exposure allow you to talk for 10 minutes. Logically, the more you expose the phone to the sun the more talk time you get. In future the company hopes to pack its green devices into environmentally-friendly boxes, using recycled paper with cardboard that won't include laminate coating. In addition, the company wants to remove from the phone-manufacturing process such chemicals as brominated flame retardants (BFR), chlorinated flame retardants (CFR) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) by 2010. This model also has the HFB-500 Bluetooth solar car kit that allows you to drive your car while talking on the phone without having to hold the device.


3. Samsung Blue Earth

Samsung unveiled an incredible eco-friendly phone with a full solar panel installed on its back, able to generate power when exposed to the sun. Besides, for an eco gadget the Blue Earth is quite small and comfortable to use. But Samsung went on with its device, making its body from recycle water bottles, without using brominated flame retardants, beryllium and phthalates. You can use the phone's features to turn on the energy saving mode, use a CO2 calculator, as well as a pedometer. The phone's packaging is made of recycled paper.



4. ZTE The Coral-200

The solar-powered device you see here comes from a Chinese mobile phone maker ZTE. Coral-200 represents a solar-powered handset that has one very important feature - its price, which is $ 40. The phone uses the Dutch-based technology and will help those who do not have access to regular power. One hour of sunlight exposure gives its users the possibility to talk for 15 minutes. It's not much considering the previous models, but it definitely catches on them with its (let's face it) incredible price. The company wants to sell its phone to 2 million people who do not have access to the energy network, which is why is achieved a partnership with Digicel, a network provider that does business in developing countries and provides solar-powered charges.




5. Natural Year Phone: Biodegradable Grass Handset

This device might look like a brick of grass, enriched with a keypad, but the Natural Year Phone concept developed by Je-Hyun Kim focuses on the lifecycle of mobile phones (which you don't see that often). After two years of functioning the bio phone degrades into pieces of grass so it would later be recycled - pretty weird, which is why it was listed here. What is worth mentioning here is that the phone biodegrades automatically, right after its two-year lifecycle ends. After that, the pieces can be recycled to create a new cellular phone.



6. Motorola Renew W233

Motorola registered a great slump in sales and it looks forward to come back among the best with a touch of eco-friendliness. With the world's first carbon neutral mobile phone the company wanted to show that it now pays more attention to e-waste. It is worth mentioning that Motorola's Renew W233 is the first certified Carbonfree mobile phone on the market today. It features a 100 percent recyclable case created from recycled water bottles. The phone includes a variety of other green features. After the phone reaches the end of its lifecycle, it can be recycled - all you have to do is place it in a prepaid envelope that comes with the box. Besides, the packaging uses 22 percent less material and the phone's manual is printed on a recycled paper with the help of soy-based ink.




7. Sony Ericsson C901 and Naite

The popular mobile phone manufacturer was not left behind in the field of eco-friendly gadgets. Recently it introduced two incredible phones, the Naite and the C901 cybershot phone. The "green" features of both models include reduced packaging, energy-saving chargers and 100 percent recycled headsets. Besides, you can recycle the phone as soon as you want another device. The paper manual is included in the headset, which eliminates the need of using paper and thus reducing the carbon footprint of the device by approximately 15 percent.

What NOT to Put in the Bin

Ever wondered if that cryptic greasy paper plate could go in your recycling bin? Or would it really be a big deal if you threw in just one plastic bag?

It may seem simple to determine what doesn’t go in a recycling bin because of the labels, but unfortunately, it’s not that straightforward.

So, where do you begin to find out of the specific materials that shouldn’t go in a recycling bin? Listed below are some materials that you can pretty much guarantee should be kept out of your community’s recycling bins (unless of course the bin or the program specifically says that you can drop it in).

Shredded paper



When you shred paper with a paper shredder, you dramatically decrease the value of the paper because you shorten the length of the paper fiber, which is the source of value of the paper, according Eric Lombardi, the executive director of Eco-Cycle, one of the largest nonprofit recyclers in the U.S.

Nice white computer paper has a long, strong fiber, and every time you recycle that paper, the fiber gets shorter. If done properly, that computer paper can be recycled six to eight times.

However, if you shred that same crisp computer paper, you’re lucky if it can even be recycled once. Oftentimes, paper mills won’t accept shredded paper because of the difficulties it creates during the sorting process, says Lombardi.

“It gets mixed with everyone’s paper that day, and you put it in a giant pile at the recycling facility, there’s no way somebody is going to put ‘humpty-dumpty’ back together again,” says Lombardi.

If you have a document that is semi-confidential, rip it by hand three or four times, then throw it into the recycling bin. For documents that absolutely require shredding, locate a source in your area that specifically handles shredded paper for recycling. Some curbside programs may even accept your shredded paper if it is bagged separately.
Brightly colored paper

Believe it or not, bright paper can stop a whole batch of paper from being recycled. The idea behind this one is simple, explains Dan Baril, recycling program manager at the University of Colorado at Boulder, “It’s like the red sock in the white load sort-of-syndrome.” If you need to buy colored paper, avoid really rich colors, and opt for pastels. Paper mills can usually handle the lighter tones.

Read more
The Best DIY Paper Projects
http://earth911.com/news/2010/02/22/the-best-diy-paper-projects/
Juice boxes and milk cartons

This is a good opportunity to check with your municipality for the best recycling options. Some cities will accept milk and juice cartons for recycling with the paperboard stream. However, this is not true everywhere.

And while Eco-Cycle will accept milk and juice cartons, even with the plastic drinking-spot left in, they do not recycle milk and juice cartons found in non-refrigerated aisles used for packaging products such as soup and soy, rice or almond milk.

Last year, Tropicana and Waste Management launched a national initiative to increase the rate of juice and milk carton recycling. The initiative kicked off the long-term goal to increase beverage carton recycling nationwide, a program being promoted through the Carton Council.

Read more
Milk and Juice Carton Recycling Made Easy:
http://earth911.com/news/2009/04/10/milk-and-juice-carton-recycling-made-easy/

Paper coffee cups

Currently, paper coffee cups (also called hot cups) are accepted for recycling at only few communities in the U.S. The thin polyethylene plastic coating on the cups that helps prevent liquid leaking has made it difficult for most processing services to recycle the cups.

With about 58 billion paper cups used each year in the U.S., the best thing you can do is simply reduce your usage. Bring along a reusable mug or ask your barista if they offer mugs for serving if you’re staying in the store to sip your drink.

“At the end of the day, we wouldn’t have a problem with paper hot cups if everyone was going to the coffee shop with their reusable mug,” says Wendell Simonson, marketing-director of Eco-Products, Inc. a Boulder, Colo., based company that sells single-use products that can generally be recycled or composted.

Secondly, if your community offers composting, look for cups made with plant-based coating, which allows the cups to be composted.

Starbucks has a pilot program that is working to prove that hot cups, even with the plastic coating, can be integrated into the cardboard recycling stream.

Read more
Starbucks Pilots Coffee Cup Recycling Program
Pizza boxes, soiled paper plates, napkins

Many people assume that pizza boxes are recyclable. In fact, most boxes have recycling symbols on them and are traditionally made from corrugated cardboard. They are, in and of themselves, recyclable.

Pizza boxes that are tarnished with food, or any paper product that is stained with grease or food, are not recyclable – unless you remove the tainted portions. Photo: Flickr/massdistraction

However, what makes parts of them non-recyclable is the hot, tasty treat that comes inside them, specifically, the grease and cheese from pizza that soil the cardboard.

Food is one of the worst contaminants in the paper recycling process. Grease and oil are not as big of a problem for plastic, metal and glass, as those materials are recycled using a heat process.

But when paper products are recycled, they are mixed with water and turned into a slurry. Since we all know water and oil don’t mix, the issue is clear.

Grease from pizza boxes causes oil to form at the top of the slurry, and paper fibers cannot separate from oils during the pulping process.

Essentially, this contaminant causes the entire batch to be ruined. This is the reason that other food related items are non-recyclable (used paper plates, used napkins, used paper towels, etc).

Read more
The Pizza Box Mystery
Plastic bags and film

When left to the machines to sort the recyclable materials, “The one that causes the most heartburn is plastic bags,” says Lombardi. Plastic bags wrap themselves around the equipment, and as a result, the whole plant may have to shut down – expending time, energy and money. Repairmen often are hired to come in with knives to cut the plastic bags out of the guts of the machinery, Lombardi explains.

But this doesn’t mean you have to toss your bags into the trash. The good news is that most grocery stores throughout the U.S. now offer plastic bag recycling. In 2007, more than 830 million pounds of plastic bags and film were recycled nationwide, up 27 percent from 2005. Plastic bags can be made into dozens of new and useful products as well.

Read more
360: Recycling Plastic Bags
The wrong plastic resin

Plastics #1 and #2, made from polyethylene terephthalate (PETE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), are the most commonly accepted plastics for recycling. However, just because a plastic is made from HDPE and PETE does not mean that it will be accepted by your community’s recycling program. Instead of just focusing on the plastic’s number, also look for the specific details provided by your community’s program, such as, “narrow-necked bottles” and “rigid plastics.”

Even with a recycling program that accepts plastics #1-7, it’s often the shape of the plastic product that determines whether or not it can be recycled in that specific program. The most important thing to remember is to check your program and pay attention to the type of plastic you’re recycling.

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The Ultimate Plastic Breakdown
Bottle caps

Polypropylene (PP), or plastic #5, often makes up the plastic caps on bottles. So, what’s the big deal if the bottle is a #1 and the cap is a #5? They’re both plastic right? It’s not that simple.

It all comes down to the melting point, which has a difference of nearly 160 degrees Fahrenheit between the two. If a cap gets mixed in with bottles, the entire batch may be ruined because there is un-melted plastic in the mix.

A general rule of thumb is to remove all of the plastic caps and lids from your plastic bottles, jugs and tubs before recycling them. To check if your city accepts caps for recycling call or visit the Public Works or Department of Sanitation section of its Web site.

If you’re in an area where plastic cap recycling is not available, seek out retailers that accept them. Also, a few of companies are taking the lead when it comes to tackling the issue of recycling #5 plastics, such as Aveda.

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360: Bottle Caps
Broken glass

Broken glass is recyclable, but it might not be reprocessed into new glass bottles. This is because when glass breaks, it can often be a challenge to separate it by color given the tiny pieces.

This glass can be used as an additive in fiberglass, tile and flooring, pavement or even turned back into sand to stop beach depletion. However, just because glass is crushed during recycling doesn’t mean you should do this prior to putting it in your bin. This could injure waste haulers or people sorting material at the MRF.

Read more
Your Top Glass Questions:
http://earth911.com/news/2010/03/08/your-top-glass-questions-answered/
What causes contamination

Knowing what goes in the bin is critical to ensuring the success of the recycling process. That’s because recycling actually happens when materials that would otherwise become waste are turned into valuable resources.

Putting the wrong materials into the recycling bin may ruin the entire batch. The material in a recycling container is taken to a material recovery facility (MRF), where the material is separated and processed for selling to companies that buy recycled materials for making products. The higher the quality of the recycled material, the more the companies will want to buy it, and the higher the price they’ll pay for it.

However, when you put materials into the recycling bin that shouldn’t be there, you may (at the very least) be slowing down the entire recycling process. Here’s what can happen when you put the wrong things in the recycling bin:

* Machines that handle the sorting of the materials can become damaged, which means that precious time, energy and money will be needed to repair the machines.
* If no equipment is available to do the job, more material in the bin that shouldn’t be there makes the job far more difficult and inefficient for workers sorting the material by hand.
* Also, it may inhibit the materials in the bin that should be there from turning into the highest quality materials possible, or it could even send everything in the bin straight to the landfill. It may be cliché, but the expression, “one bad apple could spoil the bunch” pretty much sums up the situation.

The Ultimate Plastic Breakdown

You may have seen the plastic resin chart, but what do those numbers actually mean, and why should they be important to you?

The industry calls it the “resin identification coding system.” It indicates the type of plastic your product is made from and is ultimately your guide to recycling that plastic.

While the codes were initially developed to meet the needs of recyclers, they create a uniform system that is now used by curbside communities and other plastic recycling programs. Today, more than 80 percent of Americans have access to a plastics recycling program.

So, let’s break down the system into simple, non-industry terms. Once you have a handle on what materials make up your plastic, you can make a better decision from purchase to disposal.
Plastic #1 – PET, PETE
In 2007, About 1/3 of the increased bottle use of plastic was from the growth in the use of post consumer recycled plastic for bottles, according to the ACC's report. Photo: vertycle.com


Nearly eight out of every 10 plastic bottles will end up in a landfill. Photo: vertycle.com

Polyethylene Terephthalate

Where You’ll Find It:

* Bottles for water, soft drinks, juice, sports drinks, mouthwash, ketchup, beer and salad dressings
* Food jars, such as peanut butter, jelly, jam and pickles
* Microwavable food trays

Why They Use It: Plastic #1 is a clear plastic that is ideal for beverages because of its moisture-barrier properties. This material has smooth surfaces and is made for high impact. So drop it, roll it or throw it – the resin will hold its shape and protect the substance inside.

The Lowdown on Recycling: Plastic #1 is one of the most common and highly recycled resins. Most curbside programs will accept this plastic in bottle form. Plastic #1 is also the main resin targeted with container deposit laws, also called bottle bills. A container deposit law requires a minimum refundable deposit on beverage containers in order to ensure a high rate of recycling or reuse. Currently, 11 states have bottle bills in place, including New York, Connecticut and North Carolina.

Need-to-Know Info:

1. Recycling a single plastic bottle can conserve enough energy to light a 60-watt light bulb for up to six hours.

2. Recycled plastic bottles can be made into products such as clothing, carpeting, detergent bottles and lumber for outdoor decking.

3. According to the EPA, while overall recovery of plastics for recycling is relatively small – 2.1 million – recovery of some plastic containers has reached higher levels. PET bottles were recovered at a rate of 27 percent in 2008, according to a recent report.
Plastic #2 – HDPE
Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com


In 2007, more than 830 million pounds of plastic bags and film were recycled, a 27 percent increase from 2005. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com

High Density Polyethylene

Where You’ll Find It:

* Shopping bags
* Milk jugs
* Bottles for shampoo, dish and laundry detergent, household cleaners
* Water and soda bottles
* Cereal box liners
* Shipping containers

Why They Use It: Plastic #2 is translucent and relatively stiff. These properties create a strong barrier, are suitable for high temperatures and the material is virtually crack-resistant. It is also well-suited for products that have a longer shelf-life. Its chemical resistance make it ideal for bleaches and detergents.

The Lowdown on Recycling: Plastic bags are generally made from plastic #2. The material can hold up to 2,000 times its own weight, making it the perfect product for transport. However, because of their light weight, plastic bags are often hard to recycle and left out of curbside programs. But most major grocery store chains have in-store recycling bins for plastic bags.

There is a high demand for this material, and in most areas, demand exceeds the available supply, because many consumers are not aware that collection programs are available in stores. The trick is actually remembering to take those excess bags with you the next time you go shopping.

Need-to-Know Info:

1. According to the EPA, only about 12 percent of bags and film were recycled in 2007.

2. Recycling or reusing 1 ton of plastic bags saves the energy equivalent of 11 barrels of oil.

3. Recycled plastic #2 content can be found in plastic lumber, buckets and crates, bottles for non-food items (shampoo, detergent, motor oil) and even curbside recycling bins themselves.
Plastic #3 – PVC, Vinyl
Photo: Flickr/incurable_hippie


PVC is considered a difficult and expensive material to recycle. For this reason, much of it ends up in landfills. Photo: Flickr/incurable_hippie

Polyvinyl chloride

Where You’ll Find It:

* Blister packs
* Clamshell containers
* Bags for bedding, medical shrink wrap, deli and meat wrap
* Pipes, siding, window frames, fencing, decking and railing

Why They Use It: PVC is very strong and high-impact. Along with its brilliant clarity, plastic #3 is also resistant to grease, oil and chemicals.

The Lowdown on Recycling: PVC is not commonly recycled or recyclable, nor is it biodegradable. More than 7 billion pounds of PVC are thrown away in the U.S. annually, and only 18 million pounds – barely one-quarter of 1 percent – is recycled. The relatively new mechanical recycling process known as Vinyloop® technology, developed by Solvay Research & Technology, allows the complete separation of PVC material from the non-PVC materials that are often combined with it.

Need-to-Know Info:

1. PVC requires 20 percent less energy to produce than other plastics. It is also thought to save on fossil fuel use, as its principal raw material (nearly 60 percent) is chlorine-derived from common salt.

2. To make vinyl products flexible, controversial plasticizers known as phthalates are used, accounting for nearly 90 percent of total phthalate consumption. This translates into more than 5 million tons used for vinyl every year.

3. Energy-intensive chlorine production for PVC consumes an estimated 47 billion kilowatt hours per year – almost equal to the annual total output of eight medium-sized nuclear power plants.
Plastic #4 – LDPE
Photo: Flickr/46137


The U.S. EPA estimates about 31 percent of all municipal solid waste in 2005 was generated from packaging-related material. Photo: Flickr/46137

Low Density Polythylene

Where You’ll Find It:

* Bags for dry cleaning, newspapers, bread, frozen foods, produce and household garbage
* Shrink wrap and stretch film
* Coating for paper milk cartons and beverage cups
* Container lids
* Squeezable bottles

Why They Use It: LDPE is predominantly used in film and packaging. Its toughness, flexibility and transparency made it ideal for use in products where heat sealing is necessary. It is resistant to acids, bases and vegetable oils as well.

The Lowdown on Recycling: Because plastic #4 is often in film form, it is sometimes not accepted in curbside recycling programs. However, its material is similar to plastic bags, and some major grocery store chains will accept this plastic packaging for recycling. Reducing your plastic packaging waste starts in-store. Go for products with less plastic packaging and film.

Need-to-Know Info:

1. The average growth rate of container and packaging waste through 2010 is estimated to be about 1.8 percent annually.

2. About 3 percent of all U.S. energy consumption comes from the production of packaging materials. Using recycled material for the production of packaging goods takes less energy than creating the product from the material’s natural state.

3. Packaging and containers makes up about 56 percent of all plastic waste. About 75 percent of all of the waste comes from residential households.

Plastic #5 – PP

While most bottles are plastic #1 or #2, most of the bottle caps are polypropylene and cannot be recycled in the same process. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com

While most bottles are plastic #1 or #2, most of the bottle caps are #5 and cannot be recycled in the same process. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com

Polypropylene

Where You’ll Find It:

* Yogurt, margarine tubs
* Medicine bottles
* Bottle caps
* Ketchup and syrup bottles
* Reusable plastic containers, such as Tupperware

Why They Use It: Polypropylene has a good chemical resistance, a high melting point and is a strong material. Therefore, it’s ideal for reusable food containers and other packaging that requires durability. But while this resin is as common as a ketchup bottle, it’s still often left out of curbside programs.

The Lowdown on Recycling: According to the American Chemistry Council (ACC), plastic #5 is a similar resin to plastic #2, which makes it more appealing to reclaimers who can use the material for water filtration systems, shipping pallets, sheeting and automotive battery casings and garbage and recycling bins. Polypropylene can be recycled back into its original form, or it can be made into products such as buckets, paint pails, automotive bumpers, automotive battery cases, furniture and flower pots. It is also used in many woven reusable bags.

Need-to-Know Info:

1. Sixty-two percent of California communities now have curbside access to non-bottle food container recycling. Out of the 100 largest communities nationwide, about one-third have curbside recycling programs for plastic #5.

2. Even though they typically aren’t printed with a #5 symbol, most plastic bottle caps (like those on water and soda bottles) are made from polypropylene.

3. According to the ACC, at least 325 million pounds of non-bottle plastics were collected for recycling in the U.S.
Plastic #6 – PS
Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com

Polystyrene used for food service packaging represents less than 1 percent by weight and volume of all landfilled materials. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com

Polystyrene

Where You’ll Find It:

* Food service items (cutlery, plates, cups, bowls)
* Takeout containers
* Foam packaging
* Packing peanuts
* Compact disc cases
* Aspirin bottles

Why They Use It: Polystyrene is a versatile plastic that can be in both foam and rigid forms. As a foam, it is lightweight and comprised of 97 percent air. General purpose polystyrene is clear, hard and brittle. It has a low melting point but has an excellent moisture barrier, making it ideal for short-shelf products. Its low thermal conductivity also makes it perfect for insulation purposes.

The Lowdown on Recycling: According to a report by the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers (AFPR), more than 65 million pounds of expanded polystyrene (EPS) packaging were recycled in 2007, while the number grew to 69 million pounds in 2008.

While most curbside programs do not accept plastic #6 or EPS, there are several community programs that will recycle the material. If there are no programs that fit your specific needs or are near your location, AFPR offers a mail-in program for consumers. Average shipping fees range from $1.50 to $9, based on the total packaging weight and volume.

Need-to-Know Info:

1. According to Virginia Lyle, deputy director of AFPR, all foam peanuts have recycled content, and most shape-molded polystyrene has at least 25 percent recycled content.

2. In the early 1900s, The Dow Chemical Company invented a process for extruding polystyrene to achieve a closed cell foam that resists moisture. Commercially known as Styrofoam, the material is the most widely recognized brand in insulation today.

3. Several cities and programs are against using polystyrene foam. In fact, San Fransisco initiated a ban against all food service EPS containers.
Plastic #7 – Other
Products carrying the term "biodegradable" are only compostable in a commercial composting system. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com

Products carrying the term "biodegradable" are only compostable in a commercial composting system. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com

Where You’ll Find It:

* Bio-based plastics made from corn, potato or sugar derivatives
* Three- and five-gallon reusable water bottles
* Some citrus juice and ketchup bottles
* Oven-baking bags, barrier layers and custom packaging
* Any plastic product that does not fit into resin categories 1-6

Why They Use It: Plastic #7 the catch-all category for those plastic products that do not fit into 1-6. These plastics are multi-layered combinations of more than one plastic resin. Its usage and properties depend on the types of resins used to produce it.

The Lowdown on Recycling: Programs for the “other” category vary greatly by location. Since it is such a broad category, many curbside programs will not accept plastic #7 at all. Bio-based plastics are often lumped into this category as well. These plastics are often touted as more eco-friendly because they will degrade faster than other resins.

However, consumers should keep in mind that these plastics are only biodegradable in a commercial composting system. Generally, the plastic will not degrade in backyard compost piles because the temperature isn’t high enough.

Need-to-Know Info:

1. The presence of BPA (bisphenol A) is a controversial issue for plastic #7. BPA is typically used as an additive in plastics manufacturing, as it makes the plastic more shatter-proof.

2. Plastic #7 includes two main types: acrylonitrile styrene or styrene acrylonitrile (referred to as AS/SAN), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Both are prolific and are used to make high quality, strong plastics.

3. In the few instances when it can be recycled, plastic #7 quickly downcycles to non-renewable plastic. However, some plastic #7 products are considered to be e-waste and can be properly disposed of in an electronics recycling program.

Rainwater Harvesting

Saves you and the environment some green

Rainwater harvesting is “the process of intercepting storm-water runoff and putting it to beneficial use.” Pretty simple concept. Oddly enough, it is illegal in some states. The Colorado legislature, in its 2009 session, legalized rainwater harvesting for residents with private wells. Other states and municipalities are in the process of changing their laws. You’ll need to do a little research to determine what is lawful in your state. Whatever the case, I don’t think the police are going to show up at your door if you choose to harvest rainwater.

Why would I want to harvest rainwater anyway?

According to the EPA, a homeowner can save 1,300 gallons of water a month. That will help with your water bills or reduce stress on your well. You can use the water in your evaporative coolers, to water plants, your lawn, your pets or livestock. It reduces your carbon footprint by saving on electricity to pump water and then deliver it to your home. Besides, it simply makes good sense to have water stored to guard against times of drought or emergency.

rainwater harvesting diagramSo I’m building or rebuilding a home and want to incorporate this. How?

You can begin by designing your home, buildings, and surrounding landscape to maximize the amount of rainwater catchment. You can do it like Jerry Brock of Monte Sereno, California and use four gravity-fed 5,000 gallon tanks. Or, there are companies like Rain Harvesting Systems (RHS) that specialize in elaborate and wonderful systems for your home or commercial building.

You can do it like people have been doing it for thousands of years—with some type of cistern. Cisterns, now, aren’t some Biblical clay container thing , but are usually some type of composite plastic. Here are some links to places you can buy one and also some “do it yourself” harvesting systems.

http://www.plastic-mart.com/class.php?cat=187

http://www.rain-barrel.net/category/rainwater-harvesting

http://www.ehow.com/how_5126202_harvest-rain-water.html

http://www.off-grid.net/2009/06/20/how-to-harvest-rainwater/

Bottom line: it can be as simple as putting a big bucket out under your rain gutter and using the water for dry spots on your lawn. Get an elaborate rainwater harvesting system or get a container with a cover (keeps mosquitoes from breeding and slows evaporation) and do your part to help your budget and your planet.

Recycling for pros!

We have many readers who have made huge reductions to the amount of landfill waste they create already.

Our belief is that there is always more you can do. Here are ten suggestions and we’d love to hear yours!

1- Help your community to recycle more. Perhaps you live near an elderly person who finds it confusing to read the codes on plastic bottles. Maybe a neighbour doesn’t have transport to the local recycling centre or perhaps you could club together and share trips to the civic amenity site to save on fuel and time.

2- Get writing. Campaign to your local MP, council, local supermarket or product manufacturers to improve recycling facilities in your area and packaging. Once we get the ‘big boys’ behind us, things are so much easier for everyone else.

3- Separate your wants from your needs. According to the story of stuff, the majority of the things we buy end up in the landfill within a few months. How many purchases have you made, only to discover you didn’t really want them at all? Start questioning yourself before you buy something new - do you want it or do you really need it?

4- Repair. Look after the things you already have by learning a new skill. Perhaps you could learn to knit, sew or do basic DIY. If you take care of the things you have, there are less things to throw away.

5- Take a look around your house and see what things you could reuse instead of recycling. Recycling is great, but it’s not the solution. Try and get more use from the things you buy. Check out Junkk.com for lots of ideas.

6- Examine your shopping habits. Is there anything else you could make a better purchase on or are ready to give up to reduce your household waste further? At the beginning of 2009 I gave up kitchen towel and switched to washable cloths. What about you?

7- Look into some harder-to-recycle items that might be lurking in your garage or shed and see how you might dispose responsibly of them. Paint, car batteries, spectacles and electrical items are all things we have occasionally to responsibly dispose of. Try Recycle Now for advise or ask in the comments below for suggestions.

8- Scout around your home and see if you’ve got a forgotten mobile phone somewhere, looking for a new home. 15 million mobile phones are discarded in the UK each year but only 4% are recycled or reused. Donate them to friends and family or give them to a charity to use. If you need (not want, remember!?) buy a recycled mobile phone from Purple Gossip.

Learn more about mobile phones and recycling in ‘Love it, hate it, but don’t bin it’ article

9- Buy in bulk to reduce packaging. Why not club together with friends or neighbours and set up a food co-op. Companies such as Suma provide bulk purchases of cleaning products and foods in large polythene bags instead of individual packaging.

10- Set up a plastic bag free campaign in your nearest town. Read all about the inspiring story of Modbury; Britain’s first plastic bag free town and read the fabulous “ban the plastic bag” book for tips on how to start your own plastic bag free town.

We’d love to hear your suggestions about the things you are doing to reduce your household waste!

Not Done Yet !!!

We do not have the fair, ambitious and legally binding agreement that millions around the world hoped the world leaders gathered here would deliver.

Not Done YetDespite overwhelming scientific evidence, and massive popular support from citizens in countries North and South, world leaders chose national political self-interest over the fate of future generations and failed to resolve the issues blocking the road towards a just outcome. While this deal cannot be judged as a success, it is impossible to be without hope.

This year, from a strong, but small seed of climate campaigning, a movement touching millions of people in hundreds of countries around the world has grown. Over the last two weeks while leaders were dithering an additional 5 million people joined the campaign, resulting in a total of 15 million voices calling for a fair, ambitious and legally binding deal.


More than 250 partner organisations have come together to form an unprecedented alliance under the TckTckTck banner – including development, human rights, environment, religious and youth groups, trade unions and scout groups. Over three days of global action, these partners have mobilized unprecedented numbers of people campaigning for urgent action on climate change. In Copenhagen on December 12, one hundred thousand people marched in a powerful manifestation of this unity.

And, when naysayers, fearmongers, and the business-as-usual-crowd try to usurp the issue, they will be met by a surging sea of people from all around the globe and all walks of life unified in their demand for a real deal.

The global climate movement - more diverse than ever before - stands united in the face of tonight's disappointing news. This weekend we are mounting an unprecedented response, with joint messaging appearing on the global public websites of our partners, to ensure world leaders know we are unimpressed with their lack of real progress and failure to deliver a real deal.

We have come so far in a short space of time. Millions around the world look to the future and see hope, justice, and opportunity. It is up to each of us to make our voices heard and to get the real deal that the world needs.

The world’s leaders still have a chance to get it right. They must realize that we expect, and will not accept, anything less.

They’re not done yet. Neither are we.

The following organisations have taken the extraordinary step of adding this consistent response to take over the home pages of their global websites.


http://www.panda.org/
http://oxfam.org/
http://greenpeace.org/
http://amnesty.org/
http://avaaz.org/
http://www.oikoumene.org/
http://www.conservation.org/
http://www.christianaid.org.uk/
http://www.consumersinternational.org/
http://www.1sky.org/
http://www.civicus.org/
http://www.iclei.org/index.php?id=10325
http://www.wcrp.org/
http://www.oneworld.net/
http://www.350.org/

Recycling automotive plastics is profitable and good for the environment

Recycling automotive plastics is profitable and good for the environment

(Download printer-friendly, PDF version-
http://www.anl.gov/Media_Center/News/2005/ES051111.pdf)

ARGONNE, Ill. (Nov. 11, 2005) — Recycling is not just good for the environment, it is good for business. Argonne researchers have developed a technology to successfully recover plastic from obsolete automobiles that may add plastic to the list of valuable materials recycled from old cars and trucks.

"About 75 percent of the weight of an obsolete car is already profitably recycled," explained Energy Systems Division Director Ed Daniels, "so we are working on the balance of that material." Developing and evaluating new process technology for industry is one of Energy Systems Division's main thrusts.

Old cars and trucks end their days at dismantling facilities where usable parts are recovered. The metal is recycled next, leaving shredder residue – polyurethane foam, polymers, and some metal oxides, glass and dirt. Between 3 and 4.5 million tons of shredder residue a year ends up in landfills.

Argonne is working with the American Plastics Council and the Vehicle Recycling Partnership of USCAR to develop and advance sustainable technologies for automotive materials recycling.

Current research at Argonne is focused on "mechanical recycling" – recovery of materials such as plastics from shredder residue for re-use in automotive and other applications. The technology being developed at Argonne consists of two major processes. The first is a bulk separation process to separate shredder residue into constituent fractions, followed by the second process, which recovers specific plastics from a polymer concentrate.

Researchers designed and installed a large-scale shredder-residue separation pilot plant at Argonne. The mechanical separation facility can process about 1 ton of shredder residue per hour. About one-third of the shredder residue – the plastic-intensive portion – is recovered as a polymer concentrate.

"Our first year of the project we focused on the bulk separation process to ensure that we were getting most of the plastics into the polymer concentrate," Daniels said. At 95 percent, they have recovered more of the plastics in the concentrate than anyone else has done, according to published reports.

Now work turns to the second part of the technology – recovering high-quality plastics from the concentrate. Using a technique Argonne developed earlier – the wet density/froth flotation process – researchers set up a mixed plastics separation facility.

"We take the polymer concentrate from the first part of the process and run it through a series of stages," Daniels explained. "At each stage we recover a specific automotive plastic.

"We have recovered the polyolefins from the concentrate in the first stage at a sufficient quality to produce car parts," Daniels said. A battery tray and steering-column components were made in mold trials from the recovered materials.

"The economics are promising, but we really want to recover some of the other plastics from the polymer concentrate," Daniels said. "We are working to determine how much material is actually recoverable and the quality at which we can recover each of the different polymers from the concentrate."

The separation facility has a series of six separation tanks. The chemistry of the solutions in each tank controls the separation effectiveness of the overall process. Researchers are now working to recover acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene and a number of other specific polymers.

This research is being conducted under a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) between Argonne, the American Plastics Council (APC), and USCAR's Vehicle Recycling Partnership (VRP) whose members are DaimlerChrysler Corp., Ford Motor Corp., and General Motors Corp. Funding is provided by the VRP, APC and the U.S. DOE Office of FreedomCAR and Vehicle Technologies.

While Argonne's focus under the CRADA has been on demonstrating mechanical recycling technology; this is just one technical approach the CRADA team is evaluating. Other technologies under study include energy recovery and the conversion of shredder residue materials to chemicals and fuels. — Evelyn Brown


Contact Persons: edaniels@anl.gov