The
Recycling Cycle
Did you ever
wonder what is done with the many things that we recycle?
We have brief synopsis of three different Recyclable
materials.
Paper:
Paper is taken
from the bin and deposited in a large recycling container along with
paper from other recycling bins.
The paper is
taken to a recycling plant where it is separated into types and
grades.
The separated
paper then goes through a cleaning process to remove inks, plastic
film, staples and glue. The paper is put into a large holder where
it is mixed with water to create ‘slurry’.
By adding
different materials to the slurry, different paper products can be
created, such as cardboard, newsprints or office paper.
The slurry is
spread using large rollers into large thin sheets.
The paper is
left to dry, and then it is rolled up ready to be cut and sent back
to the shops.
Glass:
The consumer
throws glass into a recycle bin.
Glass is taken
from the bin and taken to a glass treatment plant.
The glass is
sorted by color and washed to remove any impurities.
The glass is
then crushed and melted, then molded into new products such as
bottles and jars. Or it may be used for alternative purposes such as
brick manufacture or decorative uses.
The glass is
then sent back to the shops ready to be used again.
Glass does not
degrade through the recycling process, so it can be recycled again
and again.
Aluminum:
The consumer
throws aluminum cans and foil into a recycle bin.
The aluminum is
then collected and taken to a treatment plant.
In the
treatment plant the aluminum is sorted and cleaned ready for
reprocessing.
It then goes
through the melting process again and turns into molten aluminum,
this removes the coatings and inks that may be present on the
aluminum.
The aluminum is
then made into large blocks called ingots. Each ingot contains
approximately 1.7 million drinks cans.
The ingots are
sent to mills where they are rolled out, this gives the aluminum
greater flexibility and strength.
This is then
made into aluminum products such as cans, chocolate wrapping and
ready meal packaging.
In as little as
6 weeks, the recycled aluminum products are then sent back to the
shops ready to be used again.
Remember,
recycling not only helps to keep America Beautiful it also helps the
environment; you are also conserving resources and saving energy.