Ways of utilization and processing of plastic waste:
1.Dumps. It is the cheapest, but unsafe way of waste recycling. Due to the penetration of atmospheric precipitation and storm drains toxic substances enter the underground waters.
2. Burning. It is established that by the burning plastic, polyethylene or products from polyvinylchloride dioxins are released. They are known as dangerous poisons which act at the cellular level and poison organism.
3. Pyrolysis. It consists in the thermal decomposition of substances at high temperature. However , this method is considered not very cost-effective, since as a result of pyrolysis, harmful chemical compounds arise and expensive equipment and filters are used to prevent them from entering the atmosphere.
4. The mechanical recycling is way of processing of waste which is carried out due to crushing of plastic waste, and further their thermal forming.
Currently active developments on plastic replacement with alternative materials which would be quickly utilized of after use without polluting the environment.Biodegradable plastic gains huge popularity as it is eco-friendly and safe for the environment.
The term biodegradable plastics includes wide range of the polymers that can, under appropriate conditions, decompose into components that are harmless to nature.The great popularity was gained by bio-bags which decompose faster and better than simple polyethylene, and do not pollute the environment. Externally, bio-packages are no different from simple packages. Most biodegradable materials are made from plant-based raw materials. Currently, natural polymers such as cellulose, natural rubber, and others are used. Great interest is attracted by starch as raw materials, rather inexpensive at the price, which is obtained from potatoes, wheat, corn, rice.
Now produce commercially the following biodegradable plastic: polylactide (PLA) which accounts for 24% of global production of biodegradable polymers, starch mixtures (43.8%), biodegradable polyesters, including polibutilensuktsinat (PBS) and polibutilenadipattereftalat. (PBAT) (23%) and polyhydroxyalconates (PHAs)(5.6%).
Today world production and expense of biodegradable plastics increases high rates.However, special conditions are required for the decomposition of such products. In the natural environment, biodegradable materials decompose only partially, leaving small plastic pieces and pellets. It exacerbates the problem of environmental pollution by microplastics.
The production of biodegradable materials requires a large amount of energy and water, valuable organic cultures, that leads to production rise in price. Biodegradable packaging materials are 10-15% more expensive than traditional ones. However consumers, especially in the developed countries, are ready to pay more, getting the products packed into eco-friendly material, taking care of their health and the environment.
In the countries where there is no developed infrastructure for ensuring the correct utilization of biodegradable materials, the introduction of compostable and biodegradable bags can only increase plastic pollution.
