PROCESS OF RECYCING

1. How paper is recycled

Paper is taken from the bin and deposited in a large The paper is taken to a recycling plant
recycling container along with paper from other recycling bins. where it is separated into types and grades.

The separated paper is then washed with soapy water By adding different materials to the slurry,
to remove inks, plastic film, staples and glue. The paper different paper products can be created,
is put into a large holder where it is mixed with water to such as cardboard, newsprints or office paper.
create ‘slurry’.

The slurry is spread using large rollers into large The paper is left to dry, and then it is rolled up
thin sheets. ready to be cut and sent back to the shops.

Vocabulary :
Slurry - a thick liquid consisting of cement, clay, waste from farm animals etc. mixed with water.
plant - a place where a manufacturing process takes place
2. How glass is recycled

The consumer throws glass into a recycle bin. Glass is taken from the bin and
taken to a glass treatment plant.

The glass is sorted by colour and washed to The glass is then crushed and melted, then moulded into new
remove any impurities. products such as bottles and jars. Or it may be used for
alternative purposes such as brick manufacture or decorative uses.

The glass is then sent back to the shops Glass does not degrade through the recycling process,
ready to be used again. so it can be recycled again and again.

Vocabulary :
treatment – a process to deal with a person or a thing
alternative – other, different
moulded - shaped
degrade –to make something become less complex
3. How aluminium is recycled

The consumer throws aluminium cans and The aluminium is then collected and taken to
foil into a recycle bin. a treatment plant.

In the treatment plant the aluminium is sorted It then goes through a re-melt process and turns into
and cleaned ready for reprocessing. molten aluminium, this removes the coatings and inks
that may be present on the aluminium.

The aluminium is then made into large blocks The ingots are sent to mills where they are rolled out,
called ingots. Each ingot contains about this gives the aluminium greater flexibility and strength.
1.6 million drinks cans.

This is then made into aluminium products In as little as 6 weeks, the recycled aluminium products are
such as cans, chocolate wrapping and then sent back to the shops ready to be used again.
ready meal packaging.