approaches of waste plastic
Answers
ALTERNATIVE PLASTIC WASTE MANAGEMENT APPROACHES
Given that traditional waste management practices do not solve the problem entirely, possible alternative solutions are currently been explored to handle plastic pollution where some of the most popular are described below.
CHEMICAL RECYCLING
Chemical recycling is a process by which the decomposition of the polymer takes place to obtain the starting components (monomers). From these monomers, and after a new polymerization process, new polymeric materials can be obtained. Generally speaking, plastics could be converted into fuels that could be used to produce new plastic products. Chemical recycling can be done through different processes where some of them are:
Pyrolisis
Plasma arc gasification
Conventional gasification
These processes could theoretically, divert plastic waste disposed to landfills, reduce the environmental risks caused by the emissions of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere caused by conventional incineration and produce useful byproducts at the end of the cycle. These advantages make chemical recycling one of the most promising alternatives to solve plastic pollution. However, lack of commercial facilities, poor energy transformation efficiencies and the absence of technologies to handle diverse input mixes of waste hinders this alternative to be commercially viable at scale.
ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS
The use of alternative materials to replace the functions of plastic has also been discussed lately as a possible solution to plastic pollution where glass and metal are portrayed as the most suitable replacements.
PLASTIC EATING MICROORGANISMS AND WORMS
Microorganisms capable to reduce the biodegradation time of plastics and worms which can break down plastic and turn it into compost have been recently discovered by the scientific community. Nevertheless, the consumption rate of both alternatives is low and further research is pending to determine whether these solutions could be available at scale. Also, there is a potential risk that bee colonies could be drastically reduced by farmed plastic-eating worms, disrupting the ecological balance needed to keep a healthy ecosystem.
BANS AND TAXATION
With rising concerns about plastic pollution and low recycling rates seen around the world, governments are imposing taxes and bans on plastics to discourage the use and demand of plastics. With these measures, governments expect to reduce plastic consumption promptly while forcing retailers and producers in developing more sustainable alternatives. Moreover, imposed taxes could diminish the economical costs needed to mitigate the negative environmental impacts caused by plastic pollution.