Mixed Plastics Recycling: Not a Pipe Dream

摘要

As much as 8% of today's municipal solid waste tonnage is plastic; and the material accounts for two to three times that percentage if measured by volume. Now the fastest growing waste stream component, plastic could account for 10% to 15% of MSW weight by the year 2000, industry analysts say. Innovative firms are pioneering technologies to recycle co-mingled plastic wastes from residential and industrial sources into marketable products. This approach can provide two income streams: revenue from sale of finished products and, in some cases, from tip fees charged for this plastic 'disposal' service. Featured here are three firms that lead in the development of mixed plastic recycling.