10.2.4. Steps Involved in the Recycling Process

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is the first step in the recycling process?

   Hint

   Think about what you do first before recycling.

2. 2.

   Name one type of plastic that can be recycled?

   Hint

   What is commonly used for water bottles?

3. 3.

   What is the first step in the recycling process?

   • Segregation
   • Processing
   • Selection

   Hint

   What do you need to do before anything else?

4. 4.

   True or False: Segregation helps prevent contamination in materials.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about why we keep things separate.

5. 5.

   Calculate the total weight of materials that can be recycled if a factory produces 100 kg of plastic waste, 50 kg of paper waste, and 25 kg of metal waste, assuming that 80% of plastic, 90% of paper, and 70% of metal can be recycled.

   Hint

   Calculate the recyclable percentages for each type of waste.

6. 6.

   Discuss the implications of improper segregation in a recycling facility. What can happen if materials are mixed?

   Hint

   Think about how contaminants affect the recycling process.