Plastic sorting is a crucial step in the recycling process, ensuring that different types of plastics are separated and prepared for subsequent treatment. After plastics have been sorted, there are several methods for processing them to create new products or raw materials.

One common method is mechanical recycling, where sorted plastic is cleaned, shredded, and melted down to form pellets. These pellets can then be used to manufacture new plastic products. This approach is effective for many types of thermoplastics that can be re-melted without significant degradation.

Another method is chemical recycling, which involves breaking down plastic polymers into their monomers or other basic chemicals. These chemicals can then be used to produce new plastics or other materials. Chemical recycling is especially useful for plastics that are difficult to recycle mechanically, such as mixed or contaminated plastics.

In some cases, plastics can be processed through pyrolysis or gasification. These thermal processes involve heating plastics in the absence of oxygen to convert them into fuels, such as synthetic oil or gas. This method is beneficial for dealing with plastics that cannot be easily recycled through other means.

Furthermore, some sorted plastics can be used in energy recovery processes, where they are burned to generate energy. While not a preferred method due to environmental concerns, energy recovery may be a viable option for certain types of plastics that are otherwise challenging to recycle.

Another innovative approach is the use of biotechnological processes, where microorganisms are employed to decompose plastics into biodegradable materials. This emerging field shows potential for addressing plastic waste that cannot be conventionally recycled.

In summary, the treatment of plastics after sorting involves various methods including mechanical and chemical recycling, thermal processes such as pyrolysis and gasification, energy recovery, and biotechnological solutions. Each method has its advantages and is chosen based on the type and condition of the sorted plastics, contributing to a more sustainable approach to plastic waste management.