Platics
What are plastics separated by? (Hint: think visual properties.)
color, thickness, and size
What does glass screening do? (Hint: think separation.)
Separates based on the size of the crushed glass pieces and takes off any paper or labels that still may be attached to the glass.
Why is paper products shredded?
To break down the materials
How many days does it take from when a can is recycled to produce a new recycled can? *Take your best guess
As little as 60 days
How long does it take for plastic to decompose?
450 years
Why do plastics get shredded after being sorted?
To make transportation easier and allows other particles to get filtered through.
How is glass sorted? (Hint: think physical properties)
Color and type of glass
How many times can paper be recycled before it is no longer any good? **Take your best guess
5-7 times
Why are the aluminum cans shredded?
To shrink the volume and make it easier to handle.
What percentage of trash can be recycled?
75% of trash can be recycled
Do plastics get melted down? If so, why do you think that is?
Yes! Plastics get melted down to make the re-manufacturer easier and helps with compact transportation.
Does the melted glass get poured into molds?
Yes! When the glass is in molds, it makes it easier for new products to be made.
How is paper separated? **Use your best guess
Why is the melted down cans poured into molds?
It makes the process of forming a new can easier.
How many pounds of trash does someone dispose of in one day?
4 pounds worth of trash a day
Why are plastics washed before they get melted down?
To get rid of any contaminants that may be on the plastics.
How is the glass broken down? What liquid is often used to help control the glass particles?
With hammers or crushers. Water is often used to keep particles from flying everywhere.
List the different kinds of paper materials (*3 is required.)
Newspaper, cardboard, magazines, white paper, and paper grocery bags
Where can Aluminum cans be recycled? *Give 2 or more answers
Scapyards, recycling bins, deposit return systems
What type of useful metals can be found in recycled electronic waste?
gold, silver, copper
How is a plastics density detected? (Hint: think water.)
Plastics are floated in water. Denser plastics sink, while less dense plastics float.
What particles are removed from the glass during the decontamination process?
Any metals, and paper and plastics which are manually removed.
Do the paper products get cleaned? If so why?
Yes! To make sure other particles aren't in the paper pulp before the paper making process takes place.
What does recycling aluminum cans help reduce? *2 or more answers required.
Fossil fuels, reduces energy consumption, and minimizes waste
How many times can glass be recycled before it is no good anymore?
Glass can be recycled FOREVER.