Polymer Recycling: Opportunities and Limitations

The disposal of polymer solid waste by means other than landfilling is necessary. The various approaches-source reduction, incineration, degradation, composting, and recycling-all have their roles and must be employed in an integrated manner. Where appropriate, recycling has ecological advantages, b...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - PNAS 1992-02, Vol.89 (3), p.835-838
Main Author: Stein, Richard S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bottles
Environmental protection
Incinerators
Landfill
Landfills
Material degradation
Materials
Plastics
Polyethylenes
Polymers
Recycling
Solid waste disposal
Solid wastes
Waste disposal
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Summary:The disposal of polymer solid waste by means other than landfilling is necessary. The various approaches-source reduction, incineration, degradation, composting, and recycling-all have their roles and must be employed in an integrated manner. Where appropriate, recycling has ecological advantages, but its application is dependent upon the feasibility of collection, sorting, and/or compatibilization of resulting mixtures to produce economically viable products. The practice should be encouraged by societal or legislative pressure which recognizes that the cost of disposal should be a factor in determining the cost of a product.
ISSN:0027-8424
1091-6490
DOI:10.1073/pnas.89.3.835