Plastic buckets are lightweight and convenient containers that are used everywhere. While in a household, it’s unlikely for a person to use more than 10 buckets over a certain period of time (for example, 10 years), in industries like construction or food production, plastic buckets are used in tons.
In light of this, every entrepreneur faces the question of how to properly dispose of worn-out containers and benefit from it. The answer is simple: recycle them.
The process of recycling plastic buckets
Plastic buckets, being a type of polymer, should be recycled without fail. Why is that? When plastic decomposes, it causes irreparable harm to the environment. It pollutes the soil and contaminates groundwater with harmful substances, and this damage persists not just for decades, but even for hundreds of years. Moreover, discarding waste that has already been paid for and can be recycled is simply not financially beneficial.
Disposing of PVC waste through recycling is the right solution. It is not only economically wise but also a significant step towards improving the ecological situation, both within the country and globally.
Recycling and disposal of plastic buckets
In order for plastic to be reused, it needs to undergo appropriate processing, such as melting it down to produce new packaging, toys, or household and professional products. After collection and sorting, the waste is sent for the production of new material.
In recycling facilities, several methods are used: mechanical shredding, thermal or chemical treatment. A physicochemical method is also applied. These processes disrupt the integrity of the plastic structure, creating a base material for manufacturing new products.
Can plastic paint buckets be recycled?
Yes, plastic buckets from paint can be recycled, provided that they are made of a recyclable plastic resin. The specific type of plastic resin used in the buckets determines their recyclability. Commonly used plastics for paint buckets include high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP), both of which are widely accepted for recycling.
By recycling plastic buckets, we can reduce waste, conserve resources, and minimize the environmental impact of plastic consumption. It offers a way to give a new purpose to these containers and contribute to a circular economy.
The main thing is not to throw plastic into the general landfill, where it will decompose for hundreds of years. It is almost impossible to burn plastic at home; it simply melts in a fire or in an oven. This is a serious harm to the environment, which nature cannot quickly eliminate.