Plastic recycling is a crucial part of managing waste and protecting the environment. After sorting plastics into categories, the next step is processing them effectively. The initial phase typically involves cleaning to remove contaminants like food residue and labels. This ensures the purity of the recycled material.

Following cleaning, the plastics go through shredding or grinding. This process breaks down large items into smaller pieces, which are easier to handle and can be more efficiently processed in later stages. Different kinds of plastic must often be processed separately as they have distinct melting points and characteristics.

The next step is often melting the plastics to form pellets, which serve as the raw material for manufacturing new plastic products. These pellets can then be used to create a wide range of items, from packaging materials to automotive parts. Through this process, the plastics regain their usability and contribute to a circular economy.

Additionally, advanced recycling methods such as chemical recycling can handle types of plastic that are challenging to recycle mechanically. This technique breaks down plastics into their chemical components which can be reassembled into fresh plastics or other chemicals. It expands the range of recyclables and further reduces waste.

Ultimately, the handling of plastics post sorting is a meticulously staged process designed to maximize the material’s reuse while minimizing its environmental impact. By understanding these steps, industries can better contribute to sustainability and efficient resource management.