Recycling of Plastic, Cans and Paper

RECYCLING OF
PLASTIC, CANS
AND PAPER
Daniel Escoto
Claudio Casco
Plastic
Plastic is a synthetic material made from polymers,
which are large molecules composed of repeating
structural units. Plastics are versatile, durable, and
lightweight, making them useful for a wide range of
applications, from packaging to construction to medical
devices.
Plastic pollution occurs when plastic products

accumulate in the environment, causing harm to
wildlife, ecosystems, and human health.
How can we
recycle?
Collection: Plastics are collected from various
sources like households, businesses, and industrial
sites.
Sorting: Plastics are sorted by type (e.g., PET,

HDPE) and color. This can be done manually or using
automated systems with sensors and air jets.
Cleaning: The sorted plastics are washed to remove

contaminants like labels, food residues, and dirt.
Shredding: Clean plastics are shredded into small

pieces called flakes.
Melting and Extrusion: The plastic flakes are melted

and extruded into pellets or granules. These can be
used to manufacture new plastic products.
Cans
Cans, typically made of aluminum or steel, are widely
used for packaging beverages, food, and other
products. They are popular due to their durability, light
weight, and ability to preserve contents. However, like
plastics, cans can contribute to pollution if not properly
managed.
Cans that are not disposed of properly can end up as

litter in natural environments, including parks, streets,
and waterways. Littered cans can take many years to
decompose, contributing to long-term environmental
pollution.
How can we
recycle?
Gather Used Cans: Collect all your used aluminum and steel cans. Rinse them
out to remove any leftover food or beverage residue. This helps prevent
contamination and makes the recycling process more efficient.
Separate Materials: If your local recycling program requires it, separate

aluminum cans from steel (tinplate) cans. Aluminum cans are typically used for
beverages, while steel cans are often used for food products.
Know the Rules: Familiarize yourself with your local recycling program’s
guidelines. These can usually be found on your city or municipality’s website.
Some programs have specific requirements for preparing recyclables.
Curbside Recycling: Place your sorted cans in the appropriate recycling bin
provided by your local waste management service. Ensure the bin is out for
collection on the scheduled day.
Recycling Centers: If curbside recycling is not available, take your cans to a

local recycling center. Many supermarkets and community centers also have
can collection points.
Return for Deposit: In areas with bottle and can deposit programs, return your
cans to designated return points to get a refund. This encourages recycling and
reduces litter.
Paper
Paper is a material made primarily from cellulose fibers
derived from trees and other plants. It is used for a wide
variety of purposes, including writing, printing, packaging,
and sanitation. While paper is often considered more
environmentally friendly than plastic, its production, use, and
disposal can still have significant environmental impacts.
How Paper Can Pollute
Habitat Destruction: Large-scale logging for paper production

leads to deforestation, which destroys habitats for wildlife and
contributes to biodiversity loss.
Chemical Runoff: The paper manufacturing process involves

the use of chemicals such as chlorine, which can run off into
waterways and pollute them.
How can we
recycle?
Collect Paper: Gather all the paper waste you
generate at home, work, or school. This includes
newspapers, magazines, office paper, cardboard,
and junk mail.
Separate different types of paper.

White office paper: Printer paper, notebooks, and
copy paper.
Mixed paper: Magazines, catalogs, junk mail, and
colored paper.
Cardboard: Corrugated boxes, cereal boxes, and
other cardboard packaging.
Newspaper: Old newspapers and newsprint.
Remove Contaminants: Remove any non-paper

materials such as staples, paper clips, plastic
windows from envelopes, and tape.
THANKS
FOR THE
TIME

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RECYCLING OF

Plastic pollution occurs when plastic products

Sorting: Plastics are sorted by type (e.g., PET,

Cleaning: The sorted plastics are washed to remove

Shredding: Clean plastics are shredded into small

Melting and Extrusion: The plastic flakes are melted

Cans that are not disposed of properly can end up as

Separate Materials: If your local recycling program requires it, separate

Recycling Centers: If curbside recycling is not available, take your cans to a

How Paper Can Pollute

Habitat Destruction: Large-scale logging for paper production

Chemical Runoff: The paper manufacturing process involves

Separate different types of paper.

Remove Contaminants: Remove any non-paper

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