2019 Recycling Industry Yearbook

ISRI.ORG 39 Sources: EPA, John Dunham & Associates THE PLASTIC RECYCLING PROCESS Here’s how recycled plastic bottles get recycled into new plastic products. START Your family separates your household plastic and puts it in the bin. Manufacturers also collect trimmings and other leftover plastic used making new products. The plastic is shredded into small pieces and is ready to be melted down. These pellets are sold to manufacturers to be molded and shaped into new plastic products. The plastic is washed to remove contaminants such as labels and dirt. The plastic is sorted by color using optical technology combined with air jets. The plastic is then melted down and turned into small pellets ready for re-use. Plastics