Friday, August 23, 2013

Why some recyclables just dont mix

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.
Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

Not all plastics are created equal.  This has been evident to New Yorkers for some time now.  It is sometimes confusing trying to decide which plastics qualify for the recycling bin.  Some may not completely understand why they have to make this distinction.

The answer is polymers.  Different molecular structures, called polymers, determine all the properties of any given plastic.  Some plastics will melt at 325 degrees, while other may reach 720 degrees before they begin to melt.  Still other thermoset plastics, like desktop computer bodies do not melt at all.  Some plastics refuse to mix with other polymers when melted, which limits how they can be recycled and reused.  The main goal of recycling plastic is to reform the material into a new product, so recycling processors must take all of these characteristics into consideration when deciding which types of plastic they will accept at their facilities.  Recycling is a business like any other, and they weigh the costs against the benefits.  For example most cities do not accept Styrofoam because it is light weight, air filled and the transportation costs outweigh the economic benefits of recycling it. 

Separating your recyclables can be just as important as any part of your recycling process.  To learn more about the differences in polymer structures of plastic and how effects the way you recycle, please visit http://goo.gl/XSC1tM.

For any of your waste disposal and recycling needs, residential or commercial, contact Boro-Wide Recycling.  Like us on Facebook and Follow us on
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