How to Recycle Plastic Waste and Its Stages
The use of plastic is indeed still common and often used in Indonesia. However, there are many alternatives that can be done to recycle its waste. This is aimed at preventing plastic waste from becoming hazardous waste for the environment.
The way to recycle plastic waste is a fairly complex stage because almost all plastic materials can be recycled and processed back into new plastic products. The plastic recycling process can be done not only on an industrial scale but also at the household level.
Plastic Industry Recycling Stages
The plastic recycling industry is one of the economic circulations that involves many parties. The process is quite lengthy to be able to process plastic waste into new plastic material.
Sorting
Plastic waste needs to be separated based on color and type. Usually, the selling price of clear shredded plastic is higher than that of colored plastic. The sorting process is also carried out based on its type, for example, the plastic bottle of drinking water is separated into the plastic bottle part, the label part, and then the cap part.
Shredding
This process aims to cut plastic into small pieces measuring 2.5 – 3 cm at the plastic pellet factory. The size is set to avoid mixing with unwanted contaminants.
Washing
To produce high-quality plastic, recycled plastic must be separated from contaminants. Therefore, plastic is rinsed from contaminants such as grease, oil, paint, glue, ink, and so on. At this stage, washing can also be assisted using detergent.
Drying
The drying technique is aimed at speeding up the evaporation process of water. This process is usually carried out on a cement floor or using tarpaulin on a flat surface.
Packing
The shredded plastic waste will be transferred into a container. The media commonly used for packing is sacks. This method is also used so that the type of plastic is easier to use and identified according to its type.
How to Recycle Plastic Waste at Home
The process of recycling plastic waste is not only done by recycling factories. To be reused, plastic waste can also be processed and transformed into other products. However, the plastic to be recycled should still be cleaned. Here are ways to recycle plastic that you can do at home.
Sending waste to a waste bank
For those who do not want to reuse packaging, do not throw it away immediately. Even though it has been separated by type, organic and inorganic waste is still often combined again at the final disposal site. So, if you are used to separating types of waste, you can send plastic waste to a waste bank.
Using plastic bottles to water plants
The easiest way to utilize plastic bottles is to rinse them until clean. After that, make a hole in the bottle cap. The bottle only needs to be filled with water to be used as a plant watering can. So, there is no need to buy a plant sprayer anymore.
Making a mini ‘greenhouse’
Do you have a plastic bottle that is too large to use for watering plants? A used liter beverage plastic bottle can be reused for a mini ‘greenhouse’. You just need to remove the bottle cap and cut the bottom part of the PET bottle. Place it around the plants to protect the vegetable plants from the wind.
Reusing as a flower pot
Flower pots or plant seedlings at home can grow in used plastic containers. Don’t forget to make holes in the bottom of the plastic container so that water can drain properly. Choose a bottle that is large enough to provide sufficient planting media for root growth.
Weaving plastic into shopping bags
Plastic can still be used for shopping. In fact, plastic waste can be creatively transformed so that you can shop with a unique appearance. Yes, packaging plastic waste can be woven into shopping bags. There are even many local designers who intentionally create ready-to-wear products from recycled materials.
Now, there are many alternatives that can be done to recycle plastic waste. So, remain consistent in managing waste according to its type to avoid causing harm to the environment!
Author: Rizkita Darajat
