The Recycling Process: Paper vs. Plastic
While many people know the importance of recycling, fewer are familiar with the recycling process itself. Often, individuals toss their recyclables into the bin, assuming the materials undergo the same process once collected. However, once sorted, the process differs for materials such as paper and plastic so that they can be used again.
Common Ground
All recycling goes through the collection process of being picked up from the bin where it was tossed and taken to a recycling center. Oftentimes, to limit the number of recyclables in landfills, recycling bins are already labeled based on the product type, such as paper, plastic, or glass. It is important to only put what is accepted for recycling in the designated recycling bins. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as much as 25% of all recycling is contaminated and cannot be recycled. Be sure to check community guidelines as well for what is accepted in your area if you aren’t sure.
The Paper Trail
Once paper products – like cardboard, paper bags, and copy paper – are collected by the local hauler, they’re taken to a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) where they are separated from other materials. Paper and paper-based packaging are then separated from other materials and transported to a paper mill. There, it’s combined with water in a pulper, where it is churned and broken down into fibers.
From there, the fibers are screened as part of the cleaning process and dried to become new rolls of paper. According to the American Forest & Paper Association, 80% of U.S. paper mills use recycled paper to create new products, including Boise Paper. Boise ASPEN recycled papers range from containing 30%-100% recycled content.
The Plastics
The plastic process is known to be more complicated than paper, as it does not break down as easily, and not all plastic can be recycled. Oceanworks states that the most easily recycled plastics are found in water and soda bottles, packing products for detergents and hair products, and plastics used in clothing or ropes.
Because not all plastics can be recycled, sorting is a key step in the process. In many parts of the world, the sorting is done by hand, but anything that doesn’t appear to fall into a category is tossed, destined for landfills. According to Oceanworks, artificial intelligence is aiding some MRFs in their sorting process, limiting the number of recyclable plastics ending up at the dump. Once the plastic is sorted, it is shredded or ground up and then heated, converting it back to a liquid state where it can be molded into something new.
The plastic that does end up recycled is only a fraction of the total amount produced. However, each piece that is able to find a new life is less plastic in landfills, less consumption of fossil fuels, and less environmental pollution.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
While much of what is meant to be recycled still ends up in landfills, it is important to recycle and to be mindful of the process. Consider separating your recycling and be sure that what you’re placing in the bin is recyclable to limit contamination.
Sources:
https://www.afandpa.org/priorities/recycling/paper-recycling-process
https://oceanworks.co/blogs/ocean-plastic-news/how-is-plastic-recycled
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