How to Choose the Right Recycling Machine Based on Your Plastic Waste

Choosing the right recycling machine is crucial for maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste. With plastic products coming in various shapes, sizes, and polymer types, recycling them effectively can be challenging. Selecting the right machine tailored to your specific needs can significantly boost recycling efficiency. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to choose the right plastic recycling machine based on your plastic waste.

1. What is Your Plastic Waste Polymer Type?

Understanding polymer types such as HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, PP, CPP, BOPP, ABS, etc., is the first step in choosing the right recycling machine. Different polymers have unique properties that influence the recycling process.

For instance, polymers differ in terms of their Melt Flow Index (MFI) and viscosity. These differences help determine the appropriate pelletizing system with the right die-head design and pellet-cutting methods. Most polymers are suitable for water-ring cutting, but if the MFI is 30 or higher, strand-type cutting is more effective.

2. What Are the Shape and Size of Your Plastic Waste?

The shape and size of your plastic waste are critical when choosing a recycling machine. Different shapes and sizes affect the stiffness, strength, and feeding efficiency of the material into the plastic pelletizer.

• Film and bag scraps or soft raffia need an integrated cutter-compactor system.
• Regrind and flake materials can be directly fed into the extruder.
• Woven bags and stiff lumps require an integrated shredder system.

Understanding the material’s shape and size ensures that the recycling machine has the appropriate feeding, cutting, and crushing systems.

3. What Are the Sources and Conditions of the Plastic Waste?

Is your plastic waste post-consumer or post-industrial? Is it clean or dirty? These factors play a significant role in the recycling process. Clean, dry materials are ideal for feeding into the recycling pelletizers.

For dirty, unwashed plastic waste, a washing line and dryer may be necessary before recycling. The source and condition of the material help determine whether additional filtration and degassing systems are needed for optimal efficiency.

4. What is the Percentage of the Printed Surface?

The amount of ink on the plastic waste also affects the recycling process. The higher the percentage of ink, the more gas will be released when the plastic is melted. This is where the degassing system becomes essential.

For example:

• If the waste is fully printed or contains over 50% ink, a double or triple degassing system may be required.
• Materials with less than 10% printed surface may only need a single degassing system.

The RUMTOO filter repositioned design is ideal for dealing with high ink content, ensuring smooth recycling without blockages.

5. What is the Desired Pellet Output Interval Per Hour?

Different recycling machines have varying capacities, ranging from 80-120 kg/hr to 800-1000 kg/hr or more. It’s essential to consider your current waste output and potential business expansion when choosing the machine size.

Investing in a slightly larger machine upfront can be more cost-effective than purchasing another machine later as your business grows.

6. Provide Photos of Your Plastic Waste

To make an informed decision, it’s helpful to provide photos or videos of your plastic waste. This allows the recycling machine provider to evaluate your waste material better and suggest the most suitable machine.

7. Handling Multiple Types of Plastic Waste

If you have more than one type of plastic waste, Rumtoo plastic recycling machines are flexible enough to process different materials in one machine. However, in some cases, it may be more efficient to invest in multiple smaller machines than one large machine to handle different materials.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right recycling machine depends on several factors, including your plastic waste’s polymer type, shape, size, condition, and printed surface. Identifying these key aspects will help you select a machine that enhances efficiency and meets your recycling goals.