Framework for Assessment of Recycle Potential Applied to Plastics
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 119, Issue 5
Abstract
Increased rates of municipal solid‐waste (MSW) recycling are resulting in large increases in the amount of material available for reuse. We present a framework for assessment of the technical and business potential to recycle a constituent from MSW. The methodology is applied to plastics recycling in North Carolina. It includes estimation of the quantity of waste that could be available for recycle, assessment of the state of recycling technology, estimation of manufacturing capacity, and evaluation of potential markets for products manufactured from recycled resin. High‐density polyethylene milk containers and household‐chemical containers and polyethylene‐terephthalate beverage containers are the most recyclable components of the postconsumer plastics stream because these are easily recognized and separated. These constituents are projected to make up 1.1% of MSW in 1993. Proven technology, adequate manufacturing capacity, and large markets are available to handle increased quantities of these materials. There is not, at present, an adequate market for the commingled plastics remaining after removal of the aforementioned components of the MSW stream.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 119 • Issue 5 • September 1993
Pages: 798 - 810
Copyright
Copyright © 1993 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 20, 1992
Published online: Sep 1, 1993
Published in print: Sep 1993
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