Environment
The ever increasing
consumption of plastics along with an already high per capita
consumption has created environmental problems in the developed
countries, owing to low recycling levels and limited landfill
sites.
Most of these
developed countries have therefore imposed tough waste disposal
legislations. To a certain extent even setting up of new
petrochemical plants has been restricted.
The plastic waste
can be utilized in three ways - either it can be re-used,
reprocessed or recycled.
|
Process
|
User
|
Operation
|
|
Re-use
|
End user
(consumer)
|
Holding of the goods
in original form.
|
|
Reprocessing
|
Manufacturer
|
Utilizing of on-line
scrap in a processing plant.
|
|
Recycling
|
Reprocessor
|
Regaining of plastic
from scrap/ thrown away products.
|
Recycling process is
accepted as the best option, as it keeps the climate unpolluted,
creates job, develops new trade opportunities and creates
affordable products.
There are four types
of recycling processes - primary or mechanical recycling, secondary
or co-mingled plastic recycling, tertiary or chemical recycling and
quartenary or thermal recycling.
In India, per capita
consumption of plastics is one of the lowest in world and very low
compared to the world average. Yet the recycling component is
highest.
|
Particulars
|
World
|
India
|
|
Per capita
consumption
|
18 kg.
|
1.8 kg.
|
|
Plastic recycling
(urban and industrial.)
|
15-20%
|
60%
|
|
Plastic in solid
waste stream
|
7%
|
0.5-4%
|
The following is a
picture of the share of recycled plastic material in the overall
polymer consumption in India.
|
Polymers
|
Recycled share*
(%)
|
|
PP
|
60
|
|
PVC
|
21
|
|
HDPE
|
59
|
|
LD/LLD/HM
|
47
|
|
OTHERS
|
35
|
|
TOTAL
|
45
|
*1996-97
figures
A number of items
have been brought back into circulation in different forms through
effective recycling.
|
From Waste
|
To
Utilization
|
|
Bottles
|
Footwear.
|
|
Cups, TV cabinets,
cassettes
|
Cassettes, cassette
covers, novelty items.
|
|
Milk
packs
|
Carry
bags
|
|
Crates and
luggage
|
Thermoware, pens,
combs, houseware, ind. products, tooth brush, toys, PP
film.
|
|
Cement
bags
|
Sutli,
strapping
|
|
Battery boxes,
thermoware
|
Commercial goods,
luggage.
|
|
Carry
bags
|
Barsati
film
|
