Plastic has become ubiquitous in our daily lives due to its versatility and relatively low cost. However, its mass production and use have led to a growing environmental problem: plastic pollution . Sorting plastics at recycling centers is a key element of waste management, aiming to reduce the amount of plastic waste sent to landfills and promote recycling.
Why sort plastics at a sorting center?
Plastic pollution threatens biodiversity, water quality, and ecosystems. By sorting plastics, we can prevent a large amount of plastic waste from ending up in the oceans. According to National Geographic, 91% of plastic waste is not recycled .
The steps involved in sorting plastics at a sorting center:
-Plastic sorting begins at the time of waste collection. Citizens are encouraged to separate their plastic waste from the rest of their household waste, thus facilitating subsequent sorting.
-The collected plastic waste is then transported to a sorting center where it will be sorted according to its type, color and shape.
-At the sorting center, plastic waste is unloaded and prepared for sorting. Large pieces are shredded to facilitate the sorting process.
2 types of sorting:
Manual sorting :
The plastics are sorted manually by trained operators. They inspect each item and group them into different categories according to their type of plastic and their color.
Automatic sorting :
Some sorting centers also use automated sorting technologies, such as optical sensors and sorting machines, to improve the efficiency of the sorting process by quickly identifying the type of plastic.
That is why it is important not to nest packaging items placed in recycling.
Once sorted, the plastics are compacted into bales to facilitate their transport to recycling plants.
Sorting plastics at sorting centers is an essential process for the sustainable management of plastic waste. By sorting plastics effectively, we can reduce pollution, promote recycling, and protect our environment. Governments, industries, and citizens must work together to encourage plastic sorting and promote a circular economy focused on reducing, recycling, and reusing plastics.
That's why at Cosy Club we prioritize recycled materials, especially for the filling of our cushions . This allows us to contribute to the reuse of existing materials rather than manufacturing more and more plastic. Of course, there is a cost involved in cleaning and processing these materials, but today, given the global problem of plastic pollution, this shouldn't even be an issue.
More info:
- Article on 7 simple steps to take to eliminate plastic from your daily life
- National Geographic article Why isn't recyclable waste always recycled?
