astic film or hard plastic cases
Plastic waste can be collected as scrap (i.e. in its original state), or it can go through the compacting process.
Plastic is usually collected separately in recycling, although some collection companies may offer mixed recycling collections. Some waste collectors may be able to take all types of plastic for disposal or recycling, while others may specialise in certain types.
Waste management companies can assess your business’ needs, such as the amount of plastic you use and the ways in which it should be disposed of, and provide a service accordingly.
How to choose a commercial plastic waste disposal provider
While there are a several factors to consider when selecting a waste management company, the following points will help you in the process:
- Assess the waste – how much of it can be recycled, and how much will have to go to landfill?
- Sort the waste – collection services or providers may be able to advise on how to best sort your plastic waste, which is especially relevant when disposing of scrap plastic
- How to dispose of it – plastic waste can be bought and sold
- Process – can it be easily traced?
- Material – can it be repurposed?
- Regulations – does the company meet British Standards (BSI) or international measures, like ISO?
- Area covered – do you need a local provider, or one that can travel further distances?
After collection, the plastic can be taken to treatment or waste disposal sites in the UK, or it may be exported.
4. How to recycle plastic
Plastic isn’t biodegradable – if it’s sent to landfill, it won’t break down.
When commercial plastic waste is recycled, it goes through the following processes:
- Separated from regular waste
- Sorted – e.g. bottles are squashed, lids are removed (the polymer type will determine if they can go in the same stream or not)
- Stored in containers e.g. bags, bins, sacks or skips
- Separated by colour
- Shredded or granulated
- Dirty materials are cleaned (for example, food waste left on packaging can make it difficult to go through the machines) and labels are removed
The fact that plastic can be made from different polymers – as well as dyed – can affect how it’s recycled, meaning it’s a more complicated process than glass recycling.
Some ready meal trays can’t be recycled, as they can’t be identified by the optical sensors on the sorting machines.
5. What are the benefits of commercial plastic recycling?
By choosing to recycle the plastic waste produced by your business, you could experience a number of benefits. These include:
- Cut costs – it can be cheaper to recycle waste than send it to landfill
- Help the planet – waste plastic can be made into material that can be used again, which also helps to reduce the amount of emissions created when producing new plastic
- Improve brand awareness – following recycling and other green practices could help position your company as one that cares about sustainability
- Reach your target audience – depending on who your customer base is, taking an eco-friendly stance could help you to connect with consumers who are aligned with your company’s ethos
During the plastic recycling process, plastic is collected and then melted. After this, it’s usually turned into pellets that can then be used to make new plastic materials.
Recycled plastic can be used in many ways. Indeed, it can be used in utility pipes for gas and water supplies, road infrastructure, and even petroleum.
You could also consider not creating plastic waste in the first place, or at least lessening the amount. This has been helped by the nationwide introduction of the 5p plastic bag charge. Other possible ways include:
- Use canvas (or other non-plastic material) for bags and wrapping – ideal if you run a shop
- Offer reusable cups instead of disposable ones in your cafe or restaurant – you could consider offering discounts or incentives for customers who bring their own, too
Not only will these actions help reduce the amount of commercial plastic waste you produce, but they can also be used as a way of branding your start-up.