The Reality of Recycling Non-Recyclable Plastic

When we talk about recycling plastic, it is crucial to understand the limitations and realities behind the process. The terms 'recyclable' and 'recycled' can often be misleading. Not all plastic can be transformed back into its original form, and the energy and resources required for this process can be substantial.

Decomposition vs. Recyclability

The concept of 'recyclable' plastic can be deceptive. While some plastics can be remixed into fresh plastic to a certain extent, the quality degrades with each subsequent use. Eventually, these plastics will reach a point where they are no longer viable for recycling. The process of decomposing plastic back to its atomic elements and recreating long polymer chains is energy-intensive and not always feasible or profitable.

Solutions to Plastic Waste

A more practical approach might be to find alternative uses for plastics that are too contaminated or degraded for conventional recycling. One innovative method involves the use of enzyme digestion, as demonstrated by a plant in France. This plant utilizes enzymes to break down plastic into monomers, which can then be used in a variety of ways. These plastics do not need to be sorted and can use relatively degraded feedstock, making it a promising solution for dealing with plastics in the ocean.

Temporary Solutions and Innovations

Another temporary solution involves pressing plastics between metal roofing panels and baking them in an oven to create modular wall panels. These panels can be used for construction and are designed to last for a century or two. They offer protection against various environmental factors and show potential in long-term construction projects. However, there is a need to address the issues of photo degradation and outgassing.

The Importance of Keeping Plastic Out of the Sun

Photo degradation is a significant issue in plastic recycling. It not only affects the quality of recycled plastics but also has a substantial impact on food and drink contamination. Protecting plastic from sunlight is essential to maintain its integrity and safety for various applications.

The Long-term Solution

The most effective solution to the plastic crisis is to reduce our dependence on plastic altogether. The excessive and often unnecessary use of disposable plastics contributes significantly to environmental issues. Recycling and other alternatives are valuable, but they cannot solve the problem on their own. By decreasing our plastic consumption, we can reduce the burden on recycling systems and minimize the environmental impact of plastic.