It's Time for the Recycling Industry to Review its Methods of Plastic Recycling and Stop Adding to Plastic Pollution

The recycling industry has long been seen as a champion in the fight against environmental pollution. However, as the understanding of plastics and their impacts evolves, it has become increasingly clear that the methods employed by the industry are doing more harm than good—when it comes to the creation of microplastics and nanoplastics.

These tiny particles are not just an environmental concern; they are a growing threat to human health, with recent studies showing alarming results.

The Hidden Threat of Microplastics and Nanoplastics

What Are Microplastics and Nanoplastics?

Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 millimetres, while nanoplastics are even smaller, often invisible to the naked eye. These particles are generated from the breakdown of larger plastic items, whether through environmental wear and tear or during recycling processes.

Environmental and Health Impacts

The environmental damage caused by microplastics is becoming well-documented. They have been found in oceans, rivers, and soil, infiltrating ecosystems and food chains. Marine life, in particular, is at risk as these particles are ingested, leading to physical harm and toxic chemical exposure.

However, the impact on human health is even more concerning. A recent study revealed that microplastics and nanoplastics were present in 100% of humans tested, with particles found in blood, lungs, and even the placenta.

The implications for human health may be dire, with potential effects on fertility, hormone regulation, and long-term health.

To carry on as now is a huge risk because scientists simply don't know enough about plastic pollution.

Nobody thought through the consequences of the fact that experts suggest that these bits of plastic take about 450 years to finally revert to their original molecules.

Unfortunately, this is made worse by the density of plastics, with most being close to, or slightly lighter than, water, meaning that they float around near the surface of oceans, rivers, and lakes. They also tend to become concentrated by water currents, meaning that they end-up on beaches thousands of miles from their origins.

Beaches and the margins between the tides have become plastic pollution-hot-spots, just where many of the most productive wildlife habitats on the planet host many of the baby creatures that we need so badly to thrive.

They get caught up in the bubbles formed as waves hit our beaches and cliffs in a process known as air-flotation. From the bubbling frothing surf during stormy weather, they are blown in the wind across beaches and cliffs in the air we all breathe.

Applying the common sense of precaution, no scientific body would allow any industry to even start on the present "plastic pollution experiment" playing out globally today.

But, unfortunately, unless the global recycling industry wakes up now and changes its use of recycling machinery from old milling and grinding, to non-destructive separation, the problem will grow.

Much increased recycling is now essential, with food and other organic waste collection increasing. And, it must be increased to reduce climate-changing emissions. So, without modernising the machinery to avoid making tiny plastic pieces that get out into the wild, things will get much worse.

The Role of the Recycling Industry in Microplastic Pollution

The Problem with Current Recycling Practices

The recycling industry is inadvertently contributing to the microplastic problem. Traditional methods of processing plastic waste, including milling and grinding, are not equipped to handle the complexities of modern plastic materials. As a result, these processes often break down plastics into smaller and smaller particles, eventually creating microplastics and nanoplastics.

Single-use plastics, prone to careless disposal, have a high potential for microplastic creation. They severely contaminate water bodies, and when broken down into small particles and ingested through food and water, they pose significant health risks.

Mixed plastic waste like that found in food waste, catering waste, garden waste, and the organic fraction of household bin waste, has an even higher potential for generating microplastics and nanoplastics because of the added chemicals (plasticizers, colourants etc) "non-food-use" plastics contain. This type of waste is also persistent in ecosystems, leading to long-term environmental damage. For human health, mixed plastic waste poses potential risks for respiratory issues and fertility problems.

Organic waste contaminated with plastics also has a high potential for microplastic creation. The presence of plastics in organic waste degrades soil quality and leads to bioaccumulation of plastics when the output is spread on land and gets into the food chain, which poses serious health concerns.

The Twister Depackager and Separator: A Solution for Source Separated Organics (SSO)

One promising technology that addresses these issues is the Twister Depackager and Separator. Unlike traditional methods that rely on aggressive mechanical processes, the Twister Depackager is designed to separate plastic contaminants from organic waste without breaking them down into smaller particles.

Effective Separation: The Twister Depackager uses a combination of mechanical separation and advanced design to cleanly separate organic waste from plastic contaminants.

Minimizing Microplastic Creation: By avoiding the use of shredding and grinding, this technology significantly reduces the potential for microplastic and nanoplastic formation.

Versatility: The Twister can handle a wide range of waste streams, including kitchen and catering waste, garden waste, and other SSO, making it a versatile solution for modern waste management.

The Elephant in the Cupboard: Unseen Plastic Pollution

The waste industry has long focused on visible pollution, but the real threat may be hidden in plain sight. The unseen microplastics and nanoplastics generated by outdated processing equipment are a growing concern that can no longer be ignored. The public is being duped into thinking that the problem is being solved when, in reality, it is being exacerbated by current practices.

A Call for Action by the Recycling Industry

It is high time for the waste industry to acknowledge this issue and take decisive action. The industry must:

1. Review and Revise Current Practices: Stop relying on outdated grinding and milling machines that contribute to microplastic pollution.

2. Invest in Modern Technology: Adopt solutions like the Twister Depackager that minimize the creation of harmful particles.

3. Educate the Public: Raise awareness about the hidden dangers of microplastics and nanoplastics and explain why they are investing in new equipment to replace still functioning, but old, technology to meet the need for better recycling methods.

4. Accelerate the Shift: Move without committing any "greenwash" towards more sustainable waste processing techniques that align with the world's agreed 2050 net-zero targets.

In Short...

The recycling industry stands at a crossroads. Continuing with the same outdated methods will only accelerate the environmental and health crises caused by microplastics and nanoplastics.

However, by embracing innovative technologies like the Twister Depackager and Separator, the industry can turn the tide and lead the way towards a safer, healthier future.

The time to act is now—before the threat of plastic pollution from unseen microplastics and nanoplastics explodes into an even bigger crisis.