31-01-2009, 12:29 AM
Today plastic is an industry -greater than steel and aluminum combined. Plastic probably have one of the most spectacular growth history among engineering materials. Within relatively short time of their inception, these versatile materials began to replace metals and woods in variety of applications. Plastics is a product that was invented in early 20 century and now at the dawn of the century disposal of plastic is of great significance. They have taken over from other materials as the material of choice in many sectors of industry and life. In contrast to other materials, the volume of plastics in municipal solid waste (MSW) has increased phenomenally in recent years as more and more products are getting packed in plastic material. This has created demand for a better alternative for effective handling of waste other than putting it in landfill. Since plastics waste is a hidden source of potential energy and alternative raw material, recycling of the plastics waste provides net environmental and economic benefits. This paper on plastic waste disposal is intended to give you a general idea about different methods used to recover plastic waste. In some methods plastic products are made and in some another chemicals or energy is recovered. Plastics will make it possible to enhance the quality of life and use resources wisely. However, to appreciate this, we must take a life cycle approach-seeking conservation of resources in production and use and allowing the flexibility to use a range of recovery options to maximize environment gain. The future will be a place where miniaturization is the norm, as manufacturers seek to reduce the amount of natural resources they consume and the waste they produce. Prevention of waste through reduction and new developments in reusable systems are playing an increasingly important role in resource conservation and waste management. The plastics industry will continue to encourage reduction and reuse where contributions to resources conservation and prevention of waste can be balanced with fitness for purpose. The three R's-reuse, reduce and recycle-allow all these considerations to be balanced ensuring the best waste management option for net environmental gain and economic sense.
