Learn the most effective recycling methods for paper, plastic, metal, glass, organic, and hazardous waste in facilities engineering. Save resources, energy, and money by recycling.

The most effective method is of course not to use the plastic at all i.e. to avoid it from the start. But if plastic is unavoidable, then mechanical recycling methods for rigid mono-material plastic types (e.g. PET, HDPE bottles and containers, PP) are already very well established. Our biggest challenge lies with recycling of flexible plastic packaging and multi-later materials. Chemical recycling (e.g. pyrolysis processes) will be able to address many of the polyolefins (PP, LDPE, HDPE).

What are the most effective recycling methods for different types of waste?

Recycling is one of the most important actions that facilities engineers can take to reduce the environmental impact of their operations. However, not all types of waste can be recycled in the same way, and some methods are more effective than others. In this article, you will learn about the most effective recycling methods for different types of waste, such as paper, plastic, metal, glass, organic, and hazardous waste.

1 Paper waste

Paper waste is one of the most common and recyclable types of waste in facilities. Paper waste can be sorted into different grades, such as white office paper, cardboard, newspaper, and mixed paper. The higher the grade, the more valuable and easy to recycle the paper is. Paper waste can be recycled by shredding, pulping, de-inking, bleaching, and drying it into new paper products. The recycling process saves trees, water, energy, and landfill space.

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2 Plastic waste

Plastic waste is another prevalent type of waste in facilities, but it is also one of the most challenging to recycle. Plastic waste can be classified into seven categories, based on the resin identification code (RIC) on the packaging. The most common and recyclable plastics are PET (1), HDPE (2), and PP (5), which can be used to make bottles, containers, bags, and other products. Plastic waste can be recycled by washing, sorting, shredding, melting, and molding it into new plastic products. The recycling process reduces oil consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and marine pollution.

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Tobias Mangelmann

Managing Director at Lasaju Consulting Sdn Bhd
Report contribution
The most effective method is of course not to use the plastic at all i.e. to avoid it from the start. But if plastic is unavoidable, then mechanical recycling methods for rigid mono-material plastic types (e.g. PET, HDPE bottles and containers, PP) are already very well established. Our biggest challenge lies with recycling of flexible plastic packaging and multi-later materials. Chemical recycling (e.g. pyrolysis processes) will be able to address many of the polyolefins (PP, LDPE, HDPE).

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3 Metal waste

Metal waste is a valuable and recyclable type of waste in facilities. Metal waste can be divided into ferrous and non-ferrous metals, such as steel, iron, aluminum, copper, brass, and tin. Metal waste can be recycled by collecting, sorting, crushing, baling, melting, and casting it into new metal products. The recycling process conserves natural resources, energy, and money.

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4 Glass waste

Glass waste is a durable and recyclable type of waste in facilities. Glass waste can be categorized into different colors, such as clear, green, brown, and blue. Glass waste can be recycled by cleaning, sorting, crushing, melting, and forming it into new glass products. The recycling process saves raw materials, energy, and emissions.

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Tobias Mangelmann

Managing Director at Lasaju Consulting Sdn Bhd
Report contribution
Glass melting is a very well established recycling process. In many countries the challenges is with the collection. The overall cost of collection (e.g. dedicated containers), transport and sorting is often higher than the value of the recyclable glass or crushed cullet. To overcome this barrier even a small EPR fee of USD 20 to 50 per ton of glass could provide the necessary funding to enable the collection of glass bottles & jars.

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5 Organic waste

Organic waste is a biodegradable and compostable type of waste in facilities. Organic waste includes food scraps, yard trimmings, wood chips, and paper towels. Organic waste can be recycled by collecting, shredding, mixing, aerating, and curing it into compost. Compost is a nutrient-rich soil amendment that can be used for landscaping, gardening, and agriculture. The recycling process reduces methane emissions, landfill space, and fertilizer use.

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6 Hazardous waste

Hazardous waste is a harmful and regulated type of waste in facilities. Hazardous waste includes batteries, paints, solvents, pesticides, fluorescent lamps, and medical waste. Hazardous waste cannot be recycled by conventional methods and requires special handling and disposal. Hazardous waste can be recycled by treating, neutralizing, stabilizing, incinerating, or detoxifying it into less hazardous or non-hazardous materials. The recycling process protects human health, environmental quality, and legal compliance.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the most effective recycling methods for different types of waste?

1

2

3

4

5

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7

1 Paper waste

2 Plastic waste

3 Metal waste

4 Glass waste

5 Organic waste

6 Hazardous waste

7 Here’s what else to consider

Facilities Engineering

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What are the most effective recycling methods for different types of waste?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Paper waste

2 Plastic waste

3 Metal waste

4 Glass waste

5 Organic waste

6 Hazardous waste

7 Here’s what else to consider

Facilities Engineering

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