PCR Use in Mobile Refuse Containers Closing the Loop

摘要

The use of technically advanced methods for collecting refuse and recyclables, usingrnsemi- automated and automated pick-up systems with rollout carts made fromrnpolyethylene resin, has increased several fold over the last five years in the United States.rnFirst introduced in Europe in the 1960's, where they are now predominant, mobilernsystems are efficient and improve community esthetics. The increase in the United Statesrnreflects the similar pattern experienced in Europe. The life expectancy for the carts hasrnalso increased and the useful life of these carts has now generally been specified to bernover ten years.rnThis long life requirement, usually accompanied with performance guarantees, hasrndictated the establishment of in-use tests, which will predict and verify the useful life ofrnthe carts. These performance tests were initially established individually by U.S.rnManufacturers, generally using the European standards as a point of reference, as well asrnby Dr. Brent Strong, Brigham Young University. This lead to standards being developedrnand included in American National Standards for refuse equipment, ANSI 2245-30-1994,rnto meet United States requirements.rnThese tests and development thereof will be described herein.rnMany cities are beginning to become interested, some even specifying a certainrnpercentage of post consumer recycled (PCR) resin. The percentage has graduallyrnincreased from 5% to a current 12%; some cases as high as 25% in a few municipalities.rnThe performance of high recycle contents was unknown. Injection and rotational moldedrncontainers have process limitations, which restrict the use of PCR content. This paperrnreports on the performance of high recycle (up to 50%) content of blow molded refuserncarts. The standard 10 year performance tests are used as judgment criteria. The testingrnwas conducted by Dr. Brent Strong, Professor at Brigham Young University,rnManufacturing Technology Department and Ronald Walling, Advance Materials Center,rnOttawa, Illinois.rnThe excellent performance of these blow molded carts tested, suggests the use of PostrnConsumer Reprocessed material in refuse carts is a feasible technology that should bernadapted widely by municipalities to encourage the use of post consumer material. Thisrngives rise to the possibility of arrangements whereby PCR collected by the municipality,rnor hauler, may be re-used in the new refuse containers delivered to them, as well as arnreturn (buy back) of containers at the end of their useful life so that this material may alsornbe recycled.rnWith the prospect of a 15% increase per year for residential refuse carts over the nextrnseveral years, the possibilities of an end use for post consumer polyethylene material,rnprincipally retail bottles, is exciting.