Plastics recycling and waste management in the U.S.

Conference · Thu Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1999

OSTI ID:20001880

Subramanian, P M

The increasing awareness of the environment has contributed to concerns regarding life styles and indiscriminate disposal of waste. During the last decade, the author has been trying to address this complex problem more aggressively. Discussed here briefly, are the efforts in the US in addressing the issue of solid waste and in particular, plastic wastes. These efforts have begun to show promising results. The municipal solid waste (MSW) produced annually has begun to decrease, e.g. from 211.5 million tons in 1995 to 209.7 million tons in 1996. Recycling rates and composting rates are increasing. Disposal in landfills is decreasing (from 60.9% to 55.5% in 1996). Waste disposal by combustion is also increasing. This is primarily due to the increased efficiencies of the new incinerators and their ability for the removal of particulates and harmful gases. Plastics are a small but significant component of the waste stream. It is encouraging to note that the amount of plastics being recycled has grown significantly In 1997, about 700 million pounds high density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles and 650 million pounds of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles were recycled. Recycling of durable goods, such as automotive parts, carpets, electronic and appliance housings and parts are being explored. Environmental compatibility and recyclability are being considered during the designing of new parts. Life cycle analyses and management are also being studied as tools for decision making.

• Research Organization: S.P.M. Technologies (US)
• OSTI ID: 20001880
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
COMBUSTION
DECISION MAKING
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY RECOVERY
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
LIFE-CYCLE COST
MUNICIPAL WASTES
PLASTICS
RECYCLING
SOLID WASTES
USA
WASTE MANAGEMENT