Impacts of techniques for plastic waste management

The impact of plastic waste on the environment has led to the development and implementation of various recovery options. Mechanical recycling involves reprocessing plastic waste into new products, reducing the need for virgin plastic production. However, challenges arise from the limitations of recycling certain types of plastics, and the quality of recycled materials. Chemical recycling presents an alternative approach by breaking down plastics into their chemical components, enabling the production of new plastics or other chemicals. This technique opens the recycling of a broader range of plastic types, including mixed and contaminated plastics despite cost-effectiveness remains its main issue. Incineration of plastic waste offers energy recovery and can reduce landfill volume, but it also requires proper emission control to avoid air pollution. Disposal represents the least favorable option as it contributes to the accumulation of plastic waste. The present work poses a focus on the benefits and limitations of each approach and their impact in achieving a sustainable and circular plastic economy.