Recycling plastic bags is an uptrend in solving waste problems, but there is still room for improvement, according to experts in the field of waste disposal. More and more grocery stores are included in the plastic bag recycling program, which plays important role. Here are some important facts about recycling plastic bags.

Total recycling of waste plastics may grow

About 13 percent of all plastic bags, plastic film and PET bottles are recycled in 2014, according to the State Environmental Protection Agency. Polythene films are used in a wide variety of products, such as packaging materials. The rate of recycling of plastic bags is much lower than that of paper and metal or the recycling of plastic bottles. Almost 60 percent of all metals are recycled in 2014, according to the Agency, while more than 50 percent of paper is recycled in the same year.

Plastic Bag Recycling: Goals. The Association of Manufacturers of Plastic Products, which includes most plastic bag companies in Russia, has set a goal of 40 percent recycling of plastic bags and films by 2018. Achieving this goal will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save electricity to heat 200,000 homes each year, and reduce waste by 100 million kilograms annually.

The danger of plastic bags

One of the biggest dangers of plastic bags is the associated pollution and energy expended on the original. manufacturing process, which mainly involves natural gas. Recycling plastic bags at a waste sorting station, along with many other products made from recycled plastic, a waste disposal company offers a much cleaner production. The amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere is reduced by 50 percent, and the energy reduction reaches 70 percent in the process of plastic recycling.

Plastic bags are also responsible for hundreds of thousands of animal deaths at sea and on land. sea ​​turtles extremely vulnerable because the floating plastic bags are like jellyfish, the main food source for turtles. Other marine animals, as well as dogs, goats, cows and other animals on land, have died after eating plastic bags.

The use of recycled plastic

The recycling process of plastic bags and other plastics results in recycled plastic and returns clean plastic granules used to make products ranging from carpets to ski jacket insulation, composite lumber and flooring.

Polyethylene granules

Polyethylene is organic compound, which is a polymer (substance with a large molecular weight, consisting of long macromolecules) ethylene (flammable, colorless gas with a slight odor). Formed as a result of the polymerization of ethylene. Occupies the largest share among plastics. Industrial production of polyethylene began in the middle of the 20th century. Often people try to hand over polyethylene by mistake, confusing it with polyethylene rephthalate (PET). However, these are different substances, and the processes for their disposal or processing occur in different ways. They are also taken separately.

And polyethylene is often confused with cellophane, not realizing that these are completely different substances. Cellophane is a wood pulp processing product.

Products made of polyethylene are familiar to everyone. Their number is very large, and is constantly growing, because this material is quite cheap, easy to use and has many applications. And if you hand over polyethylene waste for processing, then you can get secondary raw materials from them.

Varieties of polyethylene

It is customary to distinguish different types of polyethylene based on its density.

High pressure polyethylene (LDPE)

It is also commonly referred to as low density polyethylene. Obtained by the polymerization of ethylene using a tubular reactor or autoclave.

Low pressure polyethylene (HDPE)

It is also commonly referred to as high density polyethylene. It is produced using three technologies: gas-phase, suspension and solution.

Medium Density Polyethylene (PSD)

PSD is obtained by mixing LDPE and HDPE in certain proportions.

Linear high-pressure polyethylene (LDPE)

Soft and elastic material obtained by the most complex polymerization method.

Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX)

It has a high molecular weight. PEX is obtained from HDPE by cross-linking its molecules with ionizing radiation at elevated pressure.

Foamed polyethylene (polyethylene foam, PP)

Chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSP)

High elasticity material. CSP is obtained by reacting polyethylene with chlorine and sulfur dioxide.

Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)

Above durable material. UHMP is produced at low pressure with a high degree of polymerization.

The use of polyethylene and its properties

LDPE

LDPE is characterized by increased ductility, high melt flow, and low tensile strength.

LDPE is the most common packaging material. It is used to make bags, film for wrapping. PVD products are glossy, do not rustle, have a beautiful appearance.

Recycling plastic bags allows material to be reused.

HDPE

Sufficiently rigid product, has a density of 0.95 g/cm³ (or higher). It has good strength, slightly elongates at break. Resistant to low temperatures(withstands frost down to -50°C). Does not pass moisture, resistant to fats and oils. It does not emit toxic substances, therefore it is safe for humans.

LDPE is mainly used to make canisters, garbage containers, solvent containers, etc.

PSD

It has good resistance to breakage or impact, cracking and scratching. The characteristics are similar to HDPE.

Shopping bags, bags, shrink and ordinary films, screw caps, etc. are made from PSD. Since all this is common in the household, the question often arises - where to donate polyethylene? For this, there are reception points or just special containers.

LPLD

It is similar in properties to HDPE, but has the highest physico-chemical parameters. Resistant to puncture, tolerates both high and low temperatures.

A thinner film can be obtained from LDPE than from HDPE. Packaging films, film for lamination, etc. - this is the main area of ​​application of LDPE, although it is gradually replacing LDPE. HDPE films can be used for hot food packaging.

PEX

Differs in the high durability and heat resistance, does not spread when heated.

Scope of cross-linked polyethylene - pipes and various parts for water supply, heating, pipelines.

PP

Properties of polyethylene of this type: characterized by smooth surface, fine porous structure, good elasticity and resilience. It has excellent biological and chemical resistance. Durable. Weakly absorbs moisture and conducts heat poorly. Ecologically pure. Safe for humans.

It is mainly used in construction (for thermal insulation and other needs).

HSP

The properties of CSP resemble rubber. Has the ability to vulcanize. It has high chemical and atmospheric resistance, tolerates high temperatures well. It is unaffected by alkalis, acids and strong hardeners.

Paints and varnishes, adhesives, sealants are made from CSP.

SVMP

UHMP is a very durable material designed for use in extreme conditions. It has high frost resistance, resistant to shock, friction, corrosion, abrasives.

The scope of application is very wide. UHMW is good wherever heavy-duty fibers are required (medical materials, sports equipment, armor protection, protective coating for any structures and elements).

Equipment for polyethylene processing

Now in Russian cities there are many places where polyethylene can be handed over quickly and easily. Many companies buy it in order to send it to processing plants. You can also equip your own processing line. Such a line, when fully equipped, includes the following equipment:

• washing machine;
• crusher;
• centrifuge;
• drying unit;
• agglomerator;
• granulator;
• extruder.

The pneumatic conveyor, as well as the conveyor, will help to increase the efficiency of the workflow - with their help, the supply of raw materials is accelerated and improved.

The key processing device is the agglomerator. It is he who, when exposed to high temperature, forms secondary raw materials from polyethylene waste - agglomerate. Subsequently, finished products are produced from the agglomerate.

The granulator can be part of the processing line, but in some cases you can do without it.

Polyethylene is recycled by burning it. The main disadvantage of this technique is the toxic substances released during the combustion process. We have to apply increased security measures to avoid environmental pollution.

Recycled polyethylene products

Instead of recycling plastic bags and other products made from this material by incineration, it is much more profitable and efficient to send them to recycling. The features of this process are:

for the first time, you can recycle polyethylene products without any restrictions. But the number of subsequent processing is limited by certain conditions, because the quality of the material begins to gradually decline. It is possible to produce any products from polyethylene recycled several times only if the requirements for these products are significantly reduced.

Various companies accept film and other materials from polyethylene, planning to make money on it, but we must not forget that the quality of the material decreases not only due to multiple recycling cycles. The deterioration of the properties of polyethylene products is also affected by exposure to direct sunlight, temperature fluctuations, as well as some other operating conditions.

It is worth considering such a feature: products recycled from polyethylene (for example, bags) may not be too inferior in their parameters to primary ones, but at the same time they can be bought at a very attractive price.

Recycling of bags and other polyethylene products is carried out according to the following scheme:

• sorting;
• washing;
• splitting up;
• centrifugation;
• washing again;
• drying;
• heat treatment.

Polyethylene collection points (80 cities)

Video: Polyethylene recycling plant

Plastic bags and film

Additional Information:

Types of plastic bags and films.

• polyethylene(marking 02, HDPE, HDPE and 04, LDPE, LDPE): polyethylene can be of high and low density (low and high pressure respectively). If there is no marking, then one material can be distinguished from another as follows: thin, rustling packaging bags and most of the “t-shirt” bags are 02. Soft, as if oily bags, greenhouse, stretch and air-bubble film are 04.
• polypropylene(marking 05, PP, PP): most often such packaging is shiny and “crispy”, easily torn, does not stretch. Cereals, pasta, bread, cookies, etc. are packed in polypropylene. Opaque wrappers from chocolate bars are also PP with the addition of a dye, such packaging is more difficult to recycle, so it is not accepted everywhere.
• composite plastic(marking like C/xx or 07/other)
• biodegradable And pseudo biodegradable
• polyvinyl chloride(PVC, PVC, 03)

Where can I take plastic bags for recycling?

We do not accept all types of packages. Accurate current list see our instructions!

• packages: packing, T-shirts, ziplock, for shopping
• film: bubble, greenhouse, stretch
• spunbond bags
• "sugar" bags and similar bags, bags
• foam polyethylene
• with markings:

02, HDPE, LDPE, C/02, C/HDPE
04, LDPE, HDPE, C/04, C/LDPE

How to return packages and film?

1. independently to the collection point of the Collector
2. order Collector
3. on the shares of our movement, from which we export to the warehouse of the Collector

Do not accept for processing from individuals:

• "biodegradable" plastic;
• polyvinyl chloride (PVC/PVC/03);
• plastic 07.

On this site, we collect bit by bit information on where to donate rare types of recyclables and things. We keep the data up-to-date and check the collection points if you are not sure about them.

Most of our activities are supported by volunteers, but in order to structure the information, keep it updated and maintain the site, we need daily work content manager. Please, so that we can continue to post relevant information for you!

Plastic bags.

Plastic bags owe their existence to recycled oil and natural gas. They have high strength, but they are also not biologically decomposed. Not even 60 years have passed since the invention and popularization of the first packages, which means that none of them has yet undergone absolute biological decay in natural conditions. Household packages that have lost their consumer properties and ended up in natural environment, create sustainable pollution throughout the ecosystem. When heated and burned, they release harmful substances, toxic to the entire ecological system. The plastic bag can be recycled in an industrial environment, only by separating it from the contents.

Plastic bags.

Cellophane is a transparent fat and waterproof material made from viscose. The environmental safety of cellophane is due to high speed its biological decomposition and the absence of plasticizers in the composition, and containing glycerin is harmless to living organisms and, in general, to the environment. These qualities of cellophane revives interest in this type of packaging - when separated from dyes and impurities, it is completely processed by microorganisms and secondary processing is possible.

Oxo biodegradable bags.

In their production, the same polymer raw materials (crushed plastic bottles - flex PET) are used as in the manufacture of plastic bags, but with the addition of degraders. Additives artificially accelerate the process of biodegradation in the environment into carbon, water, trace elements and biomass under the influence of temperature, ultraviolet and oxygen. The decomposition period of oxo-biodegradable packaging is 1-3 years. Impurities that reduce mechanical strength and contribute to the speedy decay of plastic make it impossible to recycle it in its pure form.

Hydro-biodegradable bags.

The basis for their manufacture are food crops - vegetable polymers obtained from food highly starchy crops such as beets, corn, wheat. They are distinguished by high environmental friendliness at all stages of operation, but low strength indicators and high resource costs in production. The process of complete biological decomposition into carbon and water in 30-70 days, as a result of decomposition, biomass (compost) is formed. A T-shirt type bag is made from natural material; garbage bags and packing bags.

Paper bags. Kraft paper bags.

The raw material for their production is wood or waste paper. They have a short service life, thereby increasing their quantitative consumption and production costs for electricity and water. The ideal scheme for optimizing production and environmental costs includes the integrated responsibility of the manufacturer and the buyer. Several recycling of one paper bag is possible - wood is used to make packaging material, which after the period of use is recycled back into packaging. At the same time, waste paper is recycled with lower energy costs, and paper, having completed its consumer cycle, decomposes in the soil by microorganisms.

Reusable polyester bags.

Sewn from synthetic artificial material obtained from polymeric recycled waste (secondary plastic). Completely eliminate the need to purchase plastic bags. With daily use, one such bag will last from three to five years and replace several thousand bags. Polyester products are included in the list of materials permitted by the state sanitary supervision authorities of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation for contact with food products, non-toxic when burning and decomposing.Polyester bags are recommended for recycling.

Textile bags.

They are made from plant fibers - jute, cotton, flax, bamboo or recycled materials. Eco-bags have become not just impersonal shopping containers, but an independent part of the wardrobe. Having completed their consumption cycle, bags decompose into non-toxic substances.

Each of us can improve the situation with the environment, we just need to be careful about our own garbage and throw it into separate containers for solid waste.

flexpet.ru

Plastic bags and films | SEPARATE COLLECTION ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENT

Everything you wanted to know about packages and didn't hesitate to ask.

There are quite a few companies that process soft polymers, but most of them prefer to work with production waste. large enterprises and looks at “household” plastic with distrust. There is good reasons: household plastic is often contaminated with substances that unpredictably affect the recycling process, and it turns out that it is more difficult to wash these substances from soft packaging than from hard packaging. Companies naturally do not want to risk expensive equipment and the quality of entire batches of finished products due to impurities in raw materials and they take the path of least resistance. Unfortunately, there are still few people willing to invest in new raw material pretreatment technologies that reduce the above-mentioned risks.

Companies that do not impose strict requirements on raw materials also exist, for example, manufacturers of polymer-sand tiles and other building materials are ready to accept even a mixture of different types of soft plastic.

Types of plastic bags and films.

• polyethylene (marking 02, HDPE, HDPE and 04, LDPE, LDPE): polyethylene can be of high and low density (low and high pressure, respectively), if there is no marking, then you can distinguish one material from another as follows: thin rustling packaging bags and large part of the T-shirt packages is 02; and soft, as if oily bags, greenhouse, stretch and air-bubble film - 04.
• polypropylene (marking 05, PP, PP): most often such packaging is shiny and “crispy”, easily torn, does not stretch. Cereals, pasta, bread, cookies, etc. are packed in polypropylene. Opaque wrappers from chocolate bars are also PP with the addition of a dye, such packaging is more difficult to recycle, so it is not accepted everywhere.
• composite plastic (marking type C/xx or 07/other)
• biodegradable and pseudo-biodegradable (be sure to read about the difference in a separate material!)

Don't confuse plastic bags with "cellophane"!

A huge number of people, out of habit, call this word any rustling waterproof bags. In fact, today 99.9% of bags and films are made of plastic - polyethylene (HDPE, LDPE) or polypropylene (PP). Cellophane, as reflected in its name, is a chemically processed cellulose - that is, it is the closest relative of paper and is marked PAP (that is, paper, paper).

Cellophane "boom" occurred in the 70s - 80s. Since the beginning of the 90s, it has been replaced by cheaper and easier-to-manufacture polyethylene. However, if a plastic bag quickly decomposes into organic components, a plastic bag will decompose for about 150 years.

The question of how much more environmentally friendly cellophane is than polyethylene is ambiguous - after all, to produce a plastic bag, you need to not only connect a couple of molecules, but cut them down. living tree and process it thoroughly. However, due to its advantages in terms of reducing the global landfill, this material is slowly re-entering the market. Mixing cellophane with plastic bags and film going for recycling is dangerous - cellulose can flare up in conditions in which plastic cannot catch fire in principle. In addition, if it gets into a tile made from shredded bags, the cellophane will begin to rot, which will cause it to become unusable ahead of time. Therefore, a big request: if you come across a transparent, crisp film marked PAP, send it to the general trash.

Cellophane article on Wikipedia

Where can I take plastic bags for recycling? (Information as of January 2018)

We were able to obtain reliable information about several companies, both large and small, that actually collect, process (and partially recycle) soft plastic from the population. We hope that the list will be supplemented and expanded, including with your help. Write to us if you learn something new!

The company "ExpertVtor" prepares different types recyclable materials, also accepts and independently processes LDPE bags and film, and some time ago they began to accept PP (5) and HDPE (2) packages, but not any (for details, see the table below10. These packages are sorted, pressed by 'ExpertVtor' and sells to other processors.

• stationary point of reception at the design factory "Flacon" st. Bolshaya Novodmitrovskaya, 36, building 15. (to the right of building 15). There is a receptionist at the checkpoint during working hours, but even without him, the checkpoint works offline every day and around the clock!
• on the actions of our movement:

The Tsessor company is based in Elektrostal near Moscow and is engaged in the collection and partial processing of recyclable materials, incl. polymer. It accepts any bags / soft polymer packaging, except for foil packaging and the one with markings 3 and 7. During the tour to the Tsessora processing plant, our activists learned that recyclables from stocks are sent to other processors. If the raw material is pre-sorted by type (and color!), then it has a chance for a higher level of processing than becoming an additive in polymer sand tiles. Recyclers that Cessor works with: recyclene.ru, mplastika.ru, etc. Where they accept:

• stationary containers in Elektrostal (see recyclemap.ru map)
• on the actions of our Movement “Separate Collection:

The Ecoline company works under a long-term state contract in the districts of the Central Administrative District and the SAO, declares that in their containers for separate collection it is possible to fold some types of soft packaging (see details in the table below), but has not yet provided information on what happens next.

Project "Glass" from Butovo. Where it takes place: at shares in Butovo in the South-Western Administrative District, Moscow

The company "Sphere of Ecology" at its collection point on "Artplay" currently accepts only transparent packaging and air-bubble film LDPE (04). Where he receives: Moscow, Nizhnyaya Syromyatnicheskaya st., 10, building 3 (from 9 to 19, without lunch and days off)

How bags and film mixtures are recycled (video)

Recycling bags and films

The problem of plastic bags and examples of solutions in the world.

The key components in PE bags are oil and natural gas. About 4% of world oil production is spent on their production. At the same time, the average lifespan of a package is 20 minutes, and decomposition is from 100 years.

Few people think that this handy invention creates a huge number of problems, kills millions of birds and animals every year, and sometimes even leads to floods.

Now more than 150 million tons of plastic pollute the world's oceans, said the British environmental NGO Ellen Macarthur Foundation.

The problem of used bags in the world is already so acute that various measures are being taken to combat environmental pollution with polyethylene, and about 40 countries have already introduced a ban or restriction on the sale and production of plastic bags:

IN European Union On April 16, 2014, a directive was adopted to reduce the number of plastic bags by 50% by 2017 and by 80% by 2019.

Denmark. In 1994, a tax was introduced on the free distribution of plastic bags. After that, demand for it fell by 90%.

Germany. The disposal of the bags is paid by the consumers, while the sellers and distributors are responsible for the collection and recycling.

Ireland. An "environmental" tax has been introduced. As a result, package consumption has decreased by 90%.

Singapore, Bangladesh, Taiwan. A total ban on the use of plastic bags has been introduced. The reason for this was the facts of sewage blockage and blocking of river beds with plastic. Recall that in Bangladesh, plastic bags were the main cause of floods in 1988 and 1998, which flooded 2/3 of the country.

Tanzania. Here, for the production, import or sale of plastic bags, they are fined $ 2,000 or imprisoned for a year.

Zanzibar. The import of plastic bags is prohibited.

Australia. Since January 2004, on Kangaroo Island, the authorities have introduced a ban on plastic bags. By the end of 2008, there was an outright ban on the use of plastic bags in supermarkets across the country.

England. Here, the population has been using biodegradable bags since 2004.

Latvia. A tax on disposable bags is used to reduce their use.

Finland. In this advanced country, there are machines in stores for recycling and producing new plastic.

China. From June 1, 2008, it is forbidden to produce, sell and use plastic bags with a film thickness of less than 0.025 mm, and their free distribution will be prohibited in shops and supermarkets.

Italy. Since January 1, 2011, the use of plastic bags has been banned in the country. Instead, they use reusable bags or biopackages.

Rwanda. Stores around the country have banned the distribution of plastic bags to customers. Local police on the street stops those who dare to walk with a bag in their hands. Environment Minister Drosella Mugorevera said some supermarkets that failed to comply with the law had their trading licenses revoked.

India. Under the new law, any citizen who uses plastic bags can be imprisoned for up to 7 years or fined up to 100,000 rupees, equivalent to 2,000 US dollars. This ban was introduced following the example of South Africa.

Egypt. The ban on the use of plastic bags was introduced in 2008. The authorities decided to take these measures in order to preserve the unique ecosystem of the Red Sea, where plastic bags thrown into the sea are the first to suffer Coral reefs.

France. In 2017, France passed a ban on single-use plastic bags (less than 10 liters capacity and less than 50 microns thick - that's a millionth of a meter) that are distributed in large supermarkets around the world. This is only part of a large EU program against the use of plastic, where they already understand that it is he who has a significant impact on the environment.

Russia. There are no official restrictions on the use of plastic bags in our country. However, in Russia, plastic bags have recently been banned from being called “biodegradable”. Unfortunately, we are still very far from the ban on plastic bags. Meanwhile, in the capital alone, about a hundred thousand tons of plastic bags are used every year, and hardly a third of this amount is disposed of (most often through conventional burial).

What to do?

rsbor-msk.ru

from collection to recycled plastic

Recycling plastic bags is a rising trend in solving waste problems, but there is still room for improvement, according to experts in the field of waste disposal. More and more grocery stores are getting involved in the plastic bag recycling program, which is playing an important role. Here are some important facts about plastic bag recycling.

Total recycling of waste plastics may grow

About 13 percent of all plastic bags, plastic film and PET bottles are recycled in 2014, according to the State Environmental Protection Agency. Polythene films are used in a wide variety of products, such as packaging materials. The recycling rate for plastic bags is much lower than that for paper and metal or recycling plastic bottles. Almost 60 percent of all metals are recycled in 2014, according to the Agency, while more than 50 percent of paper is recycled in the same year.

Recycling plastic bags: Goals. The Association of Manufacturers of Plastic Products, which includes most plastic bag companies in Russia, has set a goal of 40 percent recycling of plastic bags and films by 2018. Achieving this goal will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save electricity to heat 200,000 homes each year, and reduce waste by 100 million kilograms annually.

The danger of plastic bags

One of the biggest dangers of plastic bags is the associated pollution and energy wasted in the original manufacturing process, which mostly uses natural gas. Recycling plastic bags at a waste sorting station, along with many other products made from recycled plastic, a waste disposal company offers a much cleaner production. The amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere is reduced by 50 percent, and the energy reduction reaches 70 percent in the process of plastic recycling.

Plastic bags are also responsible for hundreds of thousands of animal deaths at sea and on land. Sea turtles are extremely vulnerable because the floating plastic bags are like jellyfish, the turtles' main food source. Other marine animals, as well as dogs, goats, cows and other animals on land, have died after eating plastic bags.

The use of recycled plastic

The recycling process of plastic bags and other plastics results in recycled plastic and returns clean plastic granules used to make products ranging from carpets to ski jacket insulation, composite lumber and flooring.

meclean.ru

Where to put plastic bags. Solution Options

Plastic bags in the kitchen are a common thing. They appear in the house with products from shops and supermarkets and simply in the form of packaging. Each of us would like to reduce the negative impact of polyethylene on environment, and for this he uses plastic bags for the second, and even for the third time. So you have to hide them all over the kitchen in order to use them again after a while. But the number of plastic bags waiting to be reused is growing exponentially, and it's starting to get annoying. But only to make room for new plastic bags. To bring your nervous system in order, read our tips on where to put plastic bags and how to store plastic bags.

ecological option.

Almost every city has a recycling center. These points accept used batteries, plastic, polyethylene, rubber tires used batteries. To find where to drop off plastic bags in your city, just google the plastic collection points on the Internet. Collect all the bags in a large bag (sorry for the tautology) and go to donate. In addition to the feeling of satisfaction received from the contribution to the ecological state of your city, you will receive money from the recyclers. Let small, but still.

Read about the creation, use and disposal of plastic bags on the Wikipedia website.

Economical option.

No hardware store will offer you an option on how to store plastic bags at home. If you visit online stores, you can choose the option that suits you best, in which to store plastic bags - a kind of organizer in which cellophane bags are placed from above, and removed through a special hole. Such containers from the Internet can be placed on the table, hung on a hook on the work wall, on the doorknob, or hung in a niche under the sink. They are made of plastic or metal, have all kinds of shapes and colors. But, each of us knows how to count money. And no one needs additional expenses in the form of buying a container for cellophane. Therefore, we suggest choosing for yourself not only where to store plastic bags, but also how. It is convenient to store plastic bags in:

• packaging from under paper napkins. Those who do not use such napkins can successfully use a tea box. In general, any cardboard, metal, plastic box will do. The compact size allows you to keep such a container in any kitchen drawer. To ensure maximum convenience, you can cut a hole in the top of the box.
• plastic bottle. Cut off the bottom and neck of the bottle (determine the required volume yourself). Then put the bags in it and use it with pleasure. Needlewomen and creative personalities can decorate the bottle with decor. This design is also convenient because it can be attached from the inside of any kitchen door.
• Continuing the theme of a plastic bottle, a container for liquid detergent or washing powder is suitable for the role of a bag storage.
• knitted bag. It costs nothing for needlewomen to crochet or knit a cellophane storage bag from the remnants of yarn. If in your house there is an old knitted thing that no one is going to wear, then you can make a storage of plastic bags from the sleeve of the product. On both sides of the cut off sleeve, stretch the lace or braid and tighten. It will turn out something like sweets or sausages (as you like).
• embroidered bag-doll. To make such a doll, we turn on the imagination and creatively approach the execution of storage for cellophane. In the finished doll, the sewing pattern of which is on the Internet, we place a capacious bag under the skirt. In this bag we will store the packages. To prevent them from falling out, we tighten the bottom of the bag with an elastic band.
• knitted bag made of plastic bags. If you know how to knit, then instead of yarn to create a bag storage, use cellophane. This, by the way, to the question of where you can use plastic bags.
• sleeve from paper towels or foil. If there are not too many bags, then you can hide them in a cardboard sleeve remaining after using paper towels or foil. You can store these sticks with cellophane bags inside anywhere.
• spice basket in the package. In such a container, which is a colored basket, it is convenient to store folded large bags in an upright position, having previously tied them with a rubber band.

How to compactly fold plastic bags.

We have decided on the type of cellophane storage. However, we all understand that if you try to cram all the bags together, then the capacity suffers. But if you fold the bags compactly, then much more bags will fit into the organizer or storage bag. Folding in a neat order will not only increase the number of bags in the “bag storage”, but also align them.

• triangle folding. Level the bag on a flat surface. Fold in half lengthwise, and then a couple more times. Grasping the bottom edge of the bag from the fold, bend it into a triangle. Next, continue to bend the triangle to the very top. Such a tiny triangle takes up little space.

if you fold a large plastic bag with handles into a triangle, then fill the handles of the bag into a triangle. Then they won't hang out.

• rolling into a tube. We level the bag on the table, and then fold it several times to make a strip. We wrap the strip around two fingers, and fix the bag with the wrapped handles of the package. To do this, we wrap the handles around the ring from the bag.

Rigid large packages are simply folded in half or three. This will be the solution to the problem of how to fold plastic bags into a box. Any of these methods of folding cellophane allows you to identify torn, dirty or old bags during the folding process and dispose of them.

How can plastic bags be used?

It is not only possible, but also necessary to give a second life to cellophane bags (we don’t keep them in vain?). Plastic bags can be used for:

• cleaning up after pets while walking on the street. When you go out for a walk with your four-legged pet, put a few plastic bags in your pocket to use as gloves when cleaning up after the animal.
• work in the horticultural area. Putting such a cellophane bag on your palm, you can safely dig in the ground without fear of getting your hands dirty.
• garbage. Don't buy special trash bags, but use the used bags in your house.
• protect brushes from drying out. After working with paints and varnishes, wrap the brush with a bag so that it does not dry out.
• sending a parcel by mail. Wrap the parcel or parcel in bags, then the recipient will receive the item or thing you sent in integrity and safety.
• warming plants in the offseason. Many people know how dangerous spring frosts are. Therefore, you can cover seedlings with bags for the night. A kind of mini-greenhouse will protect young sensitive plants.
• knitting bags and rugs. Colored polyethylene rugs will be appropriate in the hallway. And in a plastic bag you can not only store old bags, but also go to the grocery store with it.
• repeat purchases. Everything is clear here.
• visits medical institutions. Plastic bags can be used instead of shoe covers. By putting bags on your shoes, save on shoe covers. You still have to throw away this and that.

What can replace plastic bags.

You can reduce the amount of cellophane in the kitchen and at home by using instead of bags:

• paper bags.
• translucent pouches sewn from tulle.
• large shopping bags made of environmentally friendly materials. Such bags are sold in shops and supermarkets near the cash register.
• foil. Wrapping sandwiches and other foods in foil is much more convenient.
• food film. Similar to the previous point.

As practice shows, you cannot do without plastic bags, but it is possible to reduce the amount of polyethylene used and tidy up your kitchen.

Video on how to conveniently store packages

Plastic bags are made from the same substance as all plastic: oil.

Oil materials and products have two main disadvantages: significant amounts of pollution are released during production, and the product is not biodegradable.

In other words, it is difficult to produce and almost impossible to get rid of once produced.

According to the Natural Environment website, between 60 million and 100 million barrels of oil is required to produce plastic bags per year worldwide, and it will take about 400 years for them to completely decompose.

Therefore, plastic bags are best recycled.

The recycling symbol (three closed arrows) is found on most plastic products, but is often a marketing gimmick.

Many packages built by factories cannot be recycled. Most of them end up in landfills. to lie there for the next hundreds of years.

There are, however, biodegradable packages, but in this topic, too, not everything is clear. Is it true that they decompose in nature, or is this another trick to increase sales, we figured it out.

Plastic is a strong, lightweight and cheap material. It can be easily molded into a wide range of products.

Production and use of plastic bags increased over the past 10 years.

Therefore, their reuse, recovery and recycling are extremely important.

You can recycle packages made from:

• polyethylene;
• cellophane;
• other polymers.

Polyethylene

Recycling of polyethylene is important because in most cases it is not biodegradable and can accumulate in landfills for decades. At the same time, the processing of polyethylene is quite easy to implement.

Due to the composition of the waste plastic can be melted to a liquid state.

As it hardens, it is reshaped or extruded, making the material reusable.

Therefore, the recycling of plastic bags can lead to the creation of new, durable products that also are cost effective and environmentally friendly.

Recyclable polyethylene includes bags:

• for shopping;
• from under milk, kefir, etc.;
• for garbage;
• all types of thin and very soft bags are made of low density polyethylene.

Cellophane

As a rule, cellophane is not recyclable, although it can be considered a recyclable material with scientific point vision.

The plastic bag decomposes naturally (because it is not plastic). Therefore, for disposal, it is better to put it in compost.

In the production of cellophane use carbon disulfide and sulfuric acid which may cause contamination.

Therefore, it is necessary to limit burst packets and make the most of each.

Products from other polymers

From films used to make plastic bags, the most common four polymers:

1. High density polyethylene (HDPE).
2. Medium density polyethylene (MDPE).
3. Low density polyethylene (LDPE).
4. Linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE).

The vast majority of grocery shopping bags are made from HDPE.

Characteristics of HDPE:

• moderate opacity;
• tendency to bruises;
• high strength;
• lack of ability to stretch.

High-density polyethylene bags tear easily, but because of their strength, they are well suited for use as grocery bags, clothing, and packaging.

PESP resins are less opaque than HDPE, but not as transparent as LDPE.

Bags made from PESP do not stretch and do not have high strength.

PESP is used in consumer packaging for paper products such as paper towels and toilet paper etc.

LDPE is used to make bags with moderate tensile and strength properties, high degree transparency.

LLDPE is slightly thinner than LDPE and has an elastic consistency.

This material usually feels tacky and is used as a stretch film.

All these raw materials are recycled in waste disposal factories. More durable plastic is not recyclable because the material clogs sorting equipment at processing facilities, which leads to its breakdown or stoppage.

Processing technology and equipment

The simplest of the plastic bag recycling processes includes the processes:

• collection;
• sorting;
• grinding;
• flushing;
• swimming trunks;
• granulation.

Manufacturing processes vary depending on the composition or type plastic.

Majority processing enterprises work in two stages:

1. Automatic plastic sorting or manual sorting to eliminate all contaminants from the plastic waste stream.
2. Melting plastic directly into new form or grinding into flakes then melting before final processing into granules.

For recycling plastic bags the following equipment is involved:

• sorting plant;
• plastic injection molding machines;
• extrusion machines
• installations for blow and vacuum molding;
• molding and thermoforming equipment;
• other equipment depending on the level of production.

Disposal of packages at home

Besides that plastic bags reusable and reusable in the kitchen, at home and in the garden, they can also be recycled at home. The result is the desired durable plastic sheets for crafts and further use.

To do this, you need accumulated plastic bags (at least 100 pieces), ordinary parchment for baking, an iron and scissors, and an oven.

The bags must be pre-washed and dried. It is better to use HDPE bags, and color and patterns don't matter.

Having cut off the handles, the bottom and cutting the side, we add the resulting rectangles in layers. The layer should consist of no more than 5 packages.

On a heat-resistant surface (plywood, OSB) we place a large sheet of parchment, fold the first 5 bags on top and lay another sheet of parchment.

iron iron sheets at medium temperature starting from the middle towards the edges. If the sheets are poorly fused, then we increase the temperature, if holes appear, we reduce it.

By choosing desired temperature, ironing the rest of the stacks of sheets.

Next comes the adhesion of five-layer sheets to each other. We also iron the first two five-layer sheets, but with more high temperature. On the resulting we impose the next five-layer soldering and iron it again.

Sheets must be added to the thickness you need, applying to different sides of the soldered stack (i.e., it is better to turn over).

The sheets are quite dense, so already a five-layer soldering can be applied anywhere you want.

But for better sheets they need bake in the oven:

1. Place on a baking sheet parchment.
2. We lay out a multilayer briquette on parchment.
3. Cover with a sheet of parchment.
4. Place a baking sheet on top as well.
5. Place on the top tray a couple of bricks for weighting.
6. Put it in the oven for 30 minutes at 200°C.
7. We take it out and wait until it cools down, without removing the bricks.
8. When cool, check the edges of the polyethylene. They must be uniform.. If not, place in the oven at a higher temperature up to 230 ° C.
9. For the received briquettes trim the edges.
10. We use recycled polyethylene.

Related videos

We offer you to watch a video about the disposal of plastic bags:

Conclusion

The goal of plastic bag recycling is to reduce plastic pollution rates while reducing the cost of purchasing start-up materials for the manufacture of new plastic products.

This approach helps to save energy and frees the environment from plastic bag pollution, and reusing polyethylene at home will save on the cost of buying some things and materials.

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