How Plastic Packaging is Recycled
Plastics are divided into seven general categories, but really there are more than 10,000 different kinds of plastics, according to the Energy Information Administration. Because there are so many types of plastics, the detailed process of recycling varies. But the basic route is the same:
The Process
- Plastic begins its transformation at a recycling facility, where it is crushed into bales with other plastics of its type. These bales weigh between 800 to 1,200 pounds.
- The bales are shipped to reclaimers, which are companies that process the plastic. The bales are torn up and the pieces are shred into tiny flakes. After a quick wash, rinse and dry, the flakes are melted together.
- This liquid plastic is pushed through an extruder. To visualize an extruder, think back on your childhood Play-Doh set where you pushed the dough through the machine to make spaghetti. This is extruding. Plastic may be extruded into various shapes. Most often pellets that can be sold to companies that use recycled plastic.
At this point, different plastics take on different destinies. They become anything from a fleece pullover to a railroad tie or a toothbrush.
