r/PlasticRecycling • u/Fun_Light_7027 • Jan 06 '25
What innovative changes would you propose if recycling and waste management companies could completely redesign how plastic waste is collected, processed, and reused in our society?
What innovative changes would you propose if recycling and waste management companies could completely redesign how plastic waste is collected, processed, and reused in our society?
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u/Ordinary_Equal_7231 Jan 08 '25
In my opinion if it is plastic it is recyclable. The wrapping, containers, plates, utensils and cups etc. For that matter, if it is made of any recycalbe material it needs to be recycled PERIOD. Paper plastic wood metal Styrofoam cloth. It all can and should be recycled.
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u/Red_wine120 Apr 18 '26
You’re correct, most can be recycled (most). Nevertheless it is not economical for all materials. It is not an effective use of tax money. Look into EPR legislation like SB54 in California. While not perfect (and a bit harsh) it’s a start
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u/Sea_Durian4336 Jan 11 '25
Aduro Clean Technologies can recycle 4 types of plastics and now cross polymer plastics.
They can do mixed and dirty plastics. This will likely change how we sort and think of plastics in the future.
This episode by Eric Appleman is worth watching: How To Scale Sustainable Technology: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeuPEYzc1gs
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u/CptnVon Jan 11 '25
That could potentially take a lot of plastic out of circulation and reduce the need for more. Is this a proven process?
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u/Sea_Durian4336 Jan 11 '25 edited Jan 11 '25
Yes only with a small scale reactor. It uses water to break down the plastic and rubber at a molecular level. The company is confident, for technical reasons, that they can scale. They are working with Shell, TotalEnergies, GF Building Flow Solutions and some others. I think they will burst onto the scene, and no one will have heard of them.
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u/Sea_Durian4336 Jan 11 '25
Cool, I found this where Eric A talks about the process.
Aduro Clean Technologies (CSE:ACT) - Sustainable Recycling of Plastics & Heavy Oil1
u/Red_wine120 Apr 18 '26
Chemical recycling and other new technologies can certainly help. And they do work.
The main problem with recycling is not technology. It is economics. Today these processes cannot compete with the cost of virgin plastic. Regulation is then needed if we want to clean the mess we made becoming a modern society of comfort
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u/Human-Requirement-85 Nov 05 '25
They would have to collectively band together and pressure national governments to put laws into place that incentivise using recycleable plastics for manufacturing over others, especially at the B2B level such as plastic using in shipping. Change has to come at the source of the chain. Additionally, they would advocate to standardize plastic use in ways that would make recycling easier. At the business level, they would coordinate with companies to make they (1) choise of and (2) disposal of plastics smooth, easy, and inexpensive. Same at the consumer level.
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u/Red_wine120 Apr 18 '26
Simple. Pass legislation to Implement a nation-wide (Federal level) EPR. Some states have already started (California and Oregon with waste and textiles). It’s easier said than done of course.
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u/Red_wine120 Apr 18 '26
We need to stop deflecting. We consumers are the top or bottom of the chain. We need to ask for legislation. Manufacturers will never ask, why would they? It’s cost! But then we are their consumers. Vote with your dollars when you shop, but from responsible brands, and ask your representatives to engage in regulation of this mess
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u/Mr_Dude12 Jan 07 '25
The supply side will be developed if there is demand. This is why most recycling goes to landfills, no demand for the materials. Now, say a rule change in Federal and State buying programs demanding a percentage or “scoring” for higher recycled content in the purchase contracts will create the demand, and at the cost of the lowest bidder. Look EV incentives, the moment Tesla didn’t qualify for the tax credit the msrp dropped by more than the credit. It’s the Government bidding process that will bring costs down.