Abstract
Mechanical recycling is one alternative for the revaluation of plastic waste. In this study, the activities of a factory in Teresina-PI, which mechanically recycles polyethylene (LDPE and HDPE) to produce plastic bags were analysed. The quality of the raw material after use influences the quality of the final product and determines the need for additional processing stages when compared with the virgin resin, such as washing, drying and extrusion for grain production. The effluent generated by the pretreatment of the recycled goods, the energy consumption and the human resources involved have an impact on the environmental, economical and social aspects of the process. Mechanical recycling can only be considered advantageous if: what is not used by the factory is correctly disposed of; if the economic externality to treat the effluent generated is incorporated to the recycling process and when it qualifies and remunerates fairly the individual who collects the raw material for the factory.
Keywords:
environmental management; mechanical recycling; polyethylene