How to choose the right recycling equipment for plastic waste

Recycling plastic waste can be complex due to the different types, sizes and formulations of plastic products. Selecting the right equipment for the recycling process, such as pelletizers, feeding systems, filter equipment and degassing systems, can significantly increase efficiency. The key is to accurately identify the type and condition of the plastic waste before making a decision.

Key steps for identifying plastic waste and selecting equipment

To find the best recycling machine, you need to consider some critical factors about the plastic waste. Here are six essential questions to help you choose the right equipment.

1. What type of polymer is present in the plastic waste?
   The polymer type, such as HDPE, LDPE or ABS, affects the properties of the plastic. This affects the melt flow rates, viscosities and the type of die required. For polymers with a melt flow index of 30 or more, linear cutting is recommended, while others are suitable for water ring cutting.
2. What shape and size are the plastic waste?
   The size and shape of plastic waste affect its hardness and the way it should be processed. For example, films and soft materials require cutting and compaction systems, while sheet plastics can be fed directly into the extruder. Proper pre-treatment, such as shredding or cutting, is key to efficient processing.
3. Where does the plastic waste come from and what condition is it in?
   Whether your waste is clean, industrial or post-consumer, it should be cleaned and dried before recycling. This step is crucial to improve both efficiency and pellet quality. The condition of your waste will determine whether additional equipment such as a cleaning line or dryer is required.
4. What percentage of the surface of plastic waste is printed?
   The presence of ink can affect the melting process and cause gas production. Depending on how much ink is present on the plastic, you may need a special degassing system and filters. POLYSTAR offers several degassing options to accommodate different amounts of ink.
5. How much pellet output per hour is needed?
   Different recycling machines are designed for different pellet outputs. Knowing how many kilograms of pellets you need per hour will help you choose the appropriate machine. Potential future growth can also influence whether you invest in a larger machine now or buy several smaller machines later.
6. Can you provide photos of the plastic waste?
   Pictures or videos of your plastic waste are invaluable in making a precise recommendation for the right pelletizing machine. This helps the experts to better understand the material and assess the most suitable solution.

Dealing with different types of plastic waste

If your plastic waste consists of different types, Rumtoo's pelletizing machines are flexible enough to process different shapes and materials, such as films, bags and rigid plastics. For different waste streams, you should consider using several smaller machines rather than one large one, especially if each material requires different treatment.

Upgrading your recycling equipment

To improve your recycling performance, Rumtoo a range of optional equipment. Flexible layouts can also be selected based on your factory space to optimize overall performance.

Conclusion

Understanding the type and condition of your plastic waste is critical to selecting the right recycling equipment. Once you have answered the key questions above, contact our sales team for tailored recommendations on the best equipment for your needs.

FAQs:

Question 1: “What factors should I consider when selecting recycling equipment?”
Answer 1: “Consider the plastic waste type, its size and shape, source and condition to select the right machine.”

Question 2: “Why is polymer type important when selecting recycling equipment?”
Answer 2: “Different polymers have different properties such as melt flow index and viscosity that affect the cutting and extrusion process.”

Question 3: “Can one machine process different types of plastic waste?”
Answer 3: "Yes, Rumtoo's pelletizing machines can process multiple types of waste, but it may be more efficient to use smaller machines for different waste."

Question 4: “How do printed plastics affect the recycling process?”
Answer 4: "Ink on plastics can cause gas production during melting. The amount of prints determines whether special degassing and filtering systems are required."

Question 5: “What is the meaning of pellet output per hour?”
Answer 5: “Knowing the required pellet output will help you select the right machine size for your production needs.”