Framework for Assessment of Recycle Potential Applied to Plastics

Increased rates of municipal solid‐waste (MSW) recycling are resulting in large increases in the amount of material available for reuse. We present a framework for assessment of the technical and business potential to recycle a constituent from MSW. The methodology is applied to plastics recycling in North Carolina. It includes estimation of the quantity of waste that could be available for recycle, assessment of the state of recycling technology, estimation of manufacturing capacity, and evaluation of potential markets for products manufactured from recycled resin. High‐density polyethylene milk containers and household‐chemical containers and polyethylene‐terephthalate beverage containers are the most recyclable components of the postconsumer plastics stream because these are easily recognized and separated. These constituents are projected to make up 1.1% of MSW in 1993. Proven technology, adequate manufacturing capacity, and large markets are available to handle increased quantities of these materials. There is not, at present, an adequate market for the commingled plastics remaining after removal of the aforementioned components of the MSW stream.