Recovering value from mixed plastics waste

This paper explores plastics recovery in Europe and in particular the UK. It highlights various technologies employed, which include mechanical recycling, feedstock recycling and direct combustion, plus some of the companies active in this sector and the drivers for increased recovery levels. When considering the reprocessing of plastics in the broader context of resource management, it is logical to review all potential sources of recoverable plastics. With this in mind, the final third of the paper collates feedback from a selection of industry stakeholders worldwide on the potential of plastics recovery from landfills. This ‘informal’ research reveals an interest in the concept of landfill mining for plastics, although very little direct activity in landfill mining at this time. The paper’s conclusions bring together both sections and suggest areas for further research.