An Introduction to The World of Plastics Recycling
Adrian Merrington, Michigan Molecular Institute
The ubiquitous use of plastics to meet societal demands is a result of the flexibility of design they offer engineers. But increasing quantities of plastics are being discarded as plastic parts reach end-of-life and are taken out of use. Pressures to recycle, as an alternative to disposal in landfills, continue to increase. This updated introduction to plastics recycling will discuss the economic, political, and environmental considerations that go into why and how plastics are recycled. The processes used and difficulties encountered by plastics-recycling industries will be explored and alternatives will be discussed.