What are common methods of recycling?

Common methods of recycling include mechanical recycling, chemical recycling, organic recycling, and energy recovery.

Mechanical recycling is the most common method of recycling. It involves the physical process of sorting, cleaning, and reprocessing materials into new products. For example, plastic bottles can be shredded into small flakes, which are then melted and remoulded into new plastic products. This method is widely used for materials such as plastic, glass, aluminium, and paper. However, the quality of the recycled product can degrade with each cycle, limiting the number of times a material can be mechanically recycled.

Chemical recycling, also known as feedstock recycling, involves breaking down materials into their chemical components, which can then be used to make new materials. This method is particularly useful for materials that cannot be effectively recycled mechanically, such as mixed or contaminated plastics. The process involves using heat, pressure, or chemicals to break down materials into their basic molecules. These molecules can then be purified and reassembled into new materials. This method can produce high-quality recycled materials, but it is more energy-intensive and costly than mechanical recycling.

Organic recycling involves the decomposition of organic waste, such as food scraps and garden waste, into nutrient-rich compost or biofuel. This is typically achieved through composting or anaerobic digestion. Composting involves the breakdown of organic waste by microorganisms in the presence of oxygen, while anaerobic digestion involves the breakdown of waste in an oxygen-free environment, producing biogas that can be used for energy.

Energy recovery is a method of recycling where waste materials are converted into energy, usually in the form of heat, electricity, or fuel. This is often done through incineration, where waste is burned at high temperatures. The heat produced can be used to generate electricity or heat buildings. While this method does not produce new materials, it can help to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill and provide a source of renewable energy. However, it can also produce harmful emissions if not properly managed.