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Eggersmann Recycling Technology

What does recycling mean?

Recycling is a process in which waste and waste materials are collected, sorted and processed in order to transform them into new materials or products. This can include both the reuse of materials and the utilisation of waste materials as raw materials for the manufacture of new products. Recycling has both environmental and economic benefits. It reduces dependence on natural resources and protects the environment in many ways. In addition, recycling can also save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Some examples of materials that can be recycled are paper, glass, metal, plastic and biomass.

What recycling processes are there?

There are many different recycling processes, some of the most common are

  • Mechanical recycling
    This involves shredding, sorting and washing materials to prepare them for reuse. Examples include the recycling of paper, cardboard, plastic and aluminium.
  • Chemical recycling
    This process involves the use of chemicals to break down materials and return them to their component parts. Examples include the recycling of batteries and the upcycling of textiles.
  • Biological recycling
    This process involves the use of microorganisms to break down materials. Examples include the composting of garden waste and the fermentation of organic waste.
  • Energy recovery
    This process involves the use of waste as a fuel to generate heat and electricity. Examples include the use of waste in combined heat and power plants and the use of biomass in biomass power plants.
  • Hybrid processes: These processes combine several of the above processes to achieve the best results. Examples are the so-called mechanically biological treatments (MBT) or thermal-mechanical processes.

It is important to note that each type of waste also requires a different type of recycling and a method that works well for one material cannot automatically be applied to another material. It is also important to note that recycling is not always the best solution for the utilisation of waste. Often, combinations of recovery methods are used.