The Violent Afterlife of a Recycled Plastic Bottle

The Violent Afterlife of a Recycled Plastic Bottle

12/30/2015

link

http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2015/12/what-actually-happens-to-a-recycled-plastic-bottle/418326/?single_page=true

summary

This article delves into the process of recycling plastic bottles and what actually happens to them after they are discarded. It explains that the recycling process begins with collection, where bottles are sorted and separated by plastic type. The article then goes on to describe the various steps involved in recycling, including shredding, washing, and converting the plastic into pellets. These pellets are then used to create new plastic products or fibers. The article also highlights the challenges faced in recycling plastic bottles, such as contamination and the limited demand for recycled plastic. Overall, it provides an insightful look into the journey of a plastic bottle from consumer use to recycling and its potential for a second life.

tags

recycling ꞏ plastic ꞏ environmentalism ꞏ waste management ꞏ sustainability ꞏ recycling process ꞏ plastic bottles ꞏ waste disposal ꞏ recycling industry ꞏ environmental impact ꞏ recycling facilities ꞏ plastic pollution ꞏ circular economy ꞏ waste reduction ꞏ waste recycling ꞏ recycling technology ꞏ plastic waste ꞏ resource conservation ꞏ plastic recycling ꞏ recycling infrastructure ꞏ environmental sustainability ꞏ recycling programs ꞏ recycling initiatives ꞏ recycling practices ꞏ waste treatment ꞏ waste segregation ꞏ plastic consumption ꞏ eco-friendly ꞏ green living ꞏ packaging materials ꞏ single-use plastics ꞏ waste management systems ꞏ plastic production