Recycling Process and Waste Management Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What environmental benefit is NOT directly achieved through recycling?

  • Decreased urban sprawl (correct)
  • Lower greenhouse gas emissions
  • Reduced consumption of fresh raw materials
  • Reduced energy usage
  • Besides water what is the most consumed material by humanity?

  • Aluminium
  • Steel
  • Plastic
  • Concrete (correct)
  • What is the primary purpose of the chipping/crushing step in the recycling process?

  • To reduce the size of the plastic material for further processing (correct)
  • To prepare the plastic for melting by increasing its surface area
  • To sort different types of plastics into separate streams
  • To remove any remaining liquids from the plastic
  • What is the primary reason for Malaysia facing a potential waste management crisis?

    <p>Overcapacity of existing landfills and limited space for new ones (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the approximate mesh size of the grill floor used during the chipping/crushing stage?

    <p>10 mm (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it crucial to maintain a washing temperature below 40°C when processing HDPE?

    <p>To avoid discoloration of the plastic material (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the waste hierarchy, what is the priority order for waste management?

    <p>Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of extruding melted plastic through a fine grill during the pelleting stage?

    <p>To remove any solid contaminants that remain (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of paper item is specifically mentioned as needing to be separated and bound before recycling?

    <p>Newspapers (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What preparation step is essential for metal containers before they can be recycled?

    <p>Draining liquids and rinsing (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the water spray during the pelleting process?

    <p>To prevent the plastic strands from sticking together (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the shape of the pellets produced during the pelleting process?

    <p>Oval (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following plastic items is suitable for recycling according to the content?

    <p>Plastic bags (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary motivation behind the introduction of plastic codes by the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI)?

    <p>To facilitate more efficient plastic recycling (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended preparation method for glass items before recycling?

    <p>Washing them. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of plastic is commonly used for soft drink bottles, water bottles, and salad dressing bottles, according to the provided text?

    <p>Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET, PETE) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these characteristics accurately describes PVC, according to the description?

    <p>Durable against weather and sunlight, but contains toxins. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is PVC referred to as the 'poison plastic'?

    <p>Because it contains and can release numerous toxins throughout its life cycle. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a common application of LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)?

    <p>Plastic grocery bags. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the reusability and recyclability of LDPE products compare to other plastics?

    <p>LDPE products are reusable; however, recyclability depends on local collection services. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key property of polypropylene (PP) that makes it suitable for use in cereal box liners?

    <p>Barrier against moisture, grease, and chemicals. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the typical applications for products made from recycled LDPE?

    <p>Plastic lumber, landscaping boards, and floor tiles. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    For which application should PVC products NOT be reused?

    <p>Applications with food or for children’s use. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately contrasts products made from recycled LDPE versus recycled HDPE?

    <p>Recycled LDPE products are less hard and rigid than those made from recycled HDPE. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following reflects the 'Reduce' principle for a greener lifestyle?

    <p>Planning errands to minimize trips and conserve fuel. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does choosing paper over plastic contribute to environmental sustainability?

    <p>Paper is a renewable resource, unlike the petroleum used to make plastic. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Aside from separating materials, what does recycling involve?

    <p>Returning ink jet and laser printer cartridges for recycling. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of polypropylene products are currently being recycled in the US?

    <p>3% (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is implied by the principle of 'Respect' within the context of environmental consciousness?

    <p>Minimizing one's environmental impact and living in harmony with the Earth. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following items is made from recycled polypropylene?

    <p>Brooms (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action exemplifies the 'Reuse' principle in an office setting?

    <p>Using manila folders and envelopes for scratch paper instead of discarding them. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant environmental concern related to polystyrene?

    <p>It breaks easily and disperses in nature. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What would be the greatest impact of educating “the masses” about renewable energy?

    <p>Decreased reliance on fossil fuels. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What potential health risk is associated with polystyrene products?

    <p>Leaching of carcinogens (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is recycling polystyrene challenging?

    <p>There is a lack of collection services. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When is it most appropriate to replace appliances with energy saving models?

    <p>When appliances break down or become obsolete. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is BPA, and why is it a concern in #7 plastics?

    <p>A xenoestrogen that can disrupt endocrine function. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does reducing subscriptions to newspapers and magazines accomplish?

    <p>Conserves natural resources and reduces waste. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following categories of plastics is recognized for having non-standardized reuse and recycling protocols?

    <p>#7 - Other (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of landfill material is accounted for by polystyrene?

    <p>35% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the environmental benefits of using recycled plastics over virgin plastics?

    <p>Significant reduction in water usage (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which plastic product is commonly made from recycled polythene?

    <p>Fibers for pillows (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of post-consumer plastic waste is recycled according to a 2001 Environment Agency report?

    <p>7% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a major advantage of reusing plastic over recycling it?

    <p>Reusing consumes less energy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What change occurred in the use of returnable plastic crates by major supermarkets from 1992 to 2002?

    <p>Increased from 8.5 million to 35.8 million (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main disadvantage of recycling plastics?

    <p>Results in lower quality plastic products (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How much oil is saved for every tonne of recycled polythene produced, according to a study?

    <p>1.8 tonnes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of the world's oil production is used for plastic production?

    <p>8% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Recycling

    The process of turning used materials into new products.

    Benefits of Recycling

    Prevents waste, reduces raw material use, energy usage, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.

    Concrete

    Humanity's most consumed material after water; contributes CO2 emissions.

    Landfill Issues in Malaysia

    Malaysia produces 45,000 tonnes of waste daily, with many landfills at capacity.

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    Recyclable Paper Items

    Items like newspapers, manuals, and paper boxes that can be recycled after separation.

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    Recyclable Metals

    Aluminium and tin cans that need to be drained and rinsed before recycling.

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    Recyclable Plastics

    Items like plastic bottles and containers that must be rinsed before recycling.

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    Recyclable Glass

    Glass items that need to be washed and stored separately for recycling.

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    Chipping / Crushing

    The process of cutting sorted plastics into small pieces using blades.

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    Washing Process

    Chips are washed to remove contaminants like glue and dirt.

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    Temperature for Washing PET

    PET plastic must be washed at 90ºC for 12 minutes.

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    Temperature for Washing HDPE

    HDPE must be washed below 40ºC to prevent damage.

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    Pelleting Process

    Melting chips and extruding them into small pellets through a die.

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    Water Spray during Pelleting

    Water is sprayed on extruded plastic to prevent sticking.

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    Plastic Codes

    A resin coding system introduced to improve recycling efficiency.

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    Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

    A common plastic type, known for strength and barrier properties.

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    PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

    A soft, flexible plastic used in various consumer products, known as 'poison plastic' for containing toxins.

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    PVC Recycling

    Less than 1% of PVC material is recycled, and products are generally not recyclable.

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    LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)

    A flexible plastic found in shrink wraps and grocery bags, considered less toxic.

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    LDPE Recycling

    LDPE is not commonly recycled, but programs are improving; checks with services are needed.

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    PP (Polypropylene)

    A tough, lightweight plastic with excellent heat resistance, used in various daily items.

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    Safety of LDPE

    LDPE is considered less toxic than other plastics, making it safer for many uses.

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    Versatility of PP

    Polypropylene is used for containers, bags, and as a moisture barrier.

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    Environmental Impact of PVC

    PVC releases toxins throughout its life cycle and is problematic for the environment.

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    Polypropylene (PP)

    A recyclable plastic used in various products, only 3% recycled in the US.

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    Recycled PP uses

    Recycled polypropylene is used in landscaping, brooms, and battery cases.

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    Polystyrene (PS)

    A lightweight plastic used for cups, containers, and foam packaging, often problematic for recycling.

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    Health risks of PS

    Polystyrene can leach harmful substances and is linked to health issues.

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    Landfill impact of PS

    Polystyrene accounts for about 35% of landfill waste due to low recycling rates.

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    BPA (Bisphenol A)

    A chemical in polycarbonate plastics linked to health risks, especially in food containers.

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    #7 Plastics

    Category for various plastics, including polycarbonate; recycling and safety vary.

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    Recycling challenges

    Many plastics, especially PS and #7, face recycling obstacles and limited markets.

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    Benefits of recycled plastic

    Using recycled plastic reduces energy, emissions, and water usage significantly.

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    Reusing plastics vs. Recycling

    Reusing plastics is better as it requires less energy and resources than recycling.

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    Post-consumer plastic waste

    Most plastic waste (80%) goes to landfill, only 7% is recycled.

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    Environmental savings from recycling

    Recycling plastic saves oil, reduces landfill waste, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions.

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    Long-life plastics

    Plastics designed for multiple uses reduce waste and environmental impact.

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    Quality of recycled plastics

    Recycled plastics are often lower quality and can't be reused for the same products.

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    Pollutants from plastic production

    Producing virgin plastic generates higher levels of sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide.

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    Reuse rate in supermarkets

    Supermarkets increased use of reusable crates significantly, reducing plastic waste.

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    Energy Conservation

    Reducing energy use through efficient practices and products.

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    Reuse

    Using items again instead of discarding them.

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    Recycle

    Process of converting waste into reusable material.

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    Renewable Resources

    Resources that can be replenished naturally, like paper.

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    Clean Up Subscriptions

    Reduce paper consumption by cutting unnecessary subscriptions.

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    Cleaning Supplies Reduction

    Minimizing the number of cleaning products in your home.

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    Respect for Environment

    Valuing and caring for our planet to reduce ecological footprint.

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    Cartridge Recycling

    Returning ink and laser cartridges for reuse instead of discard.

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    Study Notes

    Recycling Overview

    • Recycling processes used materials (waste) to create new products
    • Recycling prevents waste of useful materials
    • Recycling reduces consumption of raw materials
    • Recycling reduces energy usage
    • Recycling reduces air pollution (from incineration) and water pollution (from landfilling)
    • Recycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to virgin production
    • Recycling is a key component of modern waste reduction
    • Recycling is the third step in the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" waste hierarchy
    • The annual waste production in Malaysia is 45,000 tonnes, and most ends up in landfills.
    • Currently, 80% of Malaysia's 230 landfills are full
    • Recycling rates vary by source, with household waste making up 70% and commercial waste composing 30%

    Recycling Rates

    • Recycling rate for Household Waste (2000-2020) has shown an increasing trend
    • Recycling rate for Commercial Waste (2000-2020) has shown an increasing trend
    • In 2020, 16.76 million tonnes of waste is expected to be generated by Malaysia
    • By 2020, 45,900 tonnes of waste is estimated to be generated daily in Malaysia

    Materials Recycling

    • Paper: Newspapers, manuals, school books, computer paper, leaflets, catalogs, and paper boxes need separation before recycling
    • Metals: Aluminum cans, food and sauce cans, tin containers (milk, Milo, etc.), and biscuit tins need to be drained of liquid, rinsed, and placed in bags/boxes before recycling
    • Plastics: Soft drinks and juice bottles, mineral water bottles, food and sauce containers, liquid soap and detergent bottles, shampoo and lotion bottles, and plastic bags should be rinsed and separately placed in bags/boxes
    • Glass: Soft drinks and juice bottles, jars, sauces, seasoning bottles, and vitamins/cosmetics need to be washed and placed separately in bags/boxes
    • Cartons: Tetra pack beverages and food cartons need to be rinsed and flattened; aseptic cartons can be stored and transported without refrigeration

    Tetra Pak Cartons

    • About 70% of tetra pack cartons are aseptic and can be stored/transported without refrigeration
    • This results in considerable energy savings because of these cartons being 20% lighter now compared to 30 years ago
    • Fewer resources are used, less energy is used in producing them, and less waste to dispose off

    Recycling Process of Plastics

    • Plastics recycling is done in 5 steps:
    1. Collection
    2. Manual sorting
    3. Baling
    4. Crushing
    5. Washing
    6. Regeneration
    7. Pelleting
    • Plastics come from two main sources: post-consumer plastics (used by people) and post-industrial plastics (industry rejects).
    • Plastics are collected in recycling bins and domestic roadside collections, or directly from industry.
    • Step 2: Manual sorting, to separate the incoming plastic into PET, HDPE, and other categories.
    • Step 3: Chipping, in which the stream of plastic is separated and sent to a chipper. The material is cut until it can go through the grill.
    • Step 4: Washing, in which the glue, paper labels, and other remnants are removed. Both streams (other and PET) are washed at 90oC for at least 12 minutes.
    • Step 5: Pelleting, by melting the chips and extruding them through a grill to remove dirt, or metal particles and then through small holes to make pellets.

    Plastic codes

    • Plastic codes (resin coding system) were introduced by SPI in 1988 for efficient recycling
    • Understanding plastic types help with recycling

    Edible Cutlery

    • Spoons made of carrot, beetroot, spinach
    • Chopsticks and bowls (edible)
    • Edible and biodegradable plates

    How Fibreglass is Recycled

    • Fibreglass waste is sent to Zajons in Germany
    • It is consolidated and the calorific value is adjusted with recycling materials
    • The crushed fibreglass is sent to Holcim
    • Holcim uses it to produce cement, saving coal, chalk, sand and aluminum oxide. It produces no dust, ash, or other residues.

    Circular Economy Package

    • Designed to help businesses and consumers transition to a stronger circular economy
    • It aims to close the loop of product lifecycles through greater recycling and reuse
    • Examples include using kenaf, rice husk, coconut fiber, palm husk, mud, and mango seeds

    5Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Renew, Respect) for a Greener World

    • Reduce: Reduce consumption of stuff, driving, energy, subscriptions, and cleaning supplies.
    • Reuse: Reuse office items, repurpose items around the house, and use reusable shopping bags.
    • Recycle: Recycle glass, newspapers, printer cartridges; car batteries, tires, and motor oil. Properly separate materials.
    • Renew: Use renewable resources like paper over plastic, and invest in renewable energy options.
    • Respect: Respect the environment by leaving the smallest footprint possible.

    8Rs (Reduce, Refuse, Reuse, Repair, Rethink, Recover, Recycle, Regift) for a Greener World

    • Reduce: Reduce consumption of energy and materials
    • Refuse: Don't consume what you don't need
    • Reuse: Share with others, find new uses for old things
    • Repair: Fix and upgrade objects, rather than throwing them away
    • Rethink: Mindful consumption, balance between objects and care for earth
    • Recover: Recover energy and materials
    • Recycle: Close the loop and remake
    • Regift: Share and be part of the gift economy

    Uses of Recycled Plastic

    • Recycled plastic can be used for almost anything virgin plastic is used for (except food packaging)
    • Recycled plastic is often pelletized and sold to other companies for molding into a range of products (such as carpets)
    • Some recycled plastic is used locally, and the rest is exported to other countries such as Asia and the United States

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