Question

how could mechanical engineering improve plastic recycle?

Answer 1

Plastics are too important to be eliminated from consumer products, but their disposal is an environmental problem that cannot be overlooked. Current recycling rates are very low, because of the difficulty in separating the different resins. New plastic recycling techniques eliminate the need for a sorting step by exploiting the chemical properties of each resin. However, this process still requires a lot of energy and the use of other chemical solvents. Therefore, a long-term solution seeks to replace current plastics with biodegradable polymers that can be composted with other organic waste. New material of this type would stop dangerous leaching of landfill plastic compounds into drinking water and the release of toxins and carbon dioxide through combustion. Through process development and materials engineering, scientists and engineers are tackling the challenge of polymer disposal. With increased consumer awareness, corporate sponsorship, and government incentives, these technologies have the potential to create more sustainable lifestyles and a healthier planet.