How to Recycle PET Plastic
PET stands for polyethylene terephthalate, a type of plastic commonly used to make beverage bottles. It is a recyclable material and should not be disposed of in the trash. Since the material is not biodegradable, it stands to remain in a landfill for hundreds of years. However, when recycled, new PET products can be made. Bringing PET plastic to a recycling drop-off location can begin this process.
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Instructions
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Sort the PET plastic by color. This will make the process of making a new product easier. Choosing the plastic based on color will be simple if there is no mixing.
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Wash the PET plastic. This will remove any germs and bacteria that may be present on the bottles.
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Crush the PET plastic. This makes the plastic easier to gather and transport.
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Separate and dry the PET plastic.
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Shred the PET plastic into small fragments. They should be approximately 1 inch square. These fragments are referred to as "PET flakes".
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Filter the PET flakes to remove any remains of shredded labels and other debris.
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Melt the PET flakes. Melting time, style, and shape will depend on what product the PET flakes will become.
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Tips & Warnings
Pick up PET plastic that has been improperly disposed of on the ground. Help save the environment.
Proper training and safety gear is needed to work in a recycling plant. Make sure to follow every safety precaution when working with heavy equipment.
References
Resources
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