Plastics and disposal

Plastics and disposal

1. One of the useful properties of polymers is that they are unreactive, so they are suitable for storing food and chemicals safely

2. Unfortunately, this property makes it difficult to dispose of polymers. They can cause litter and are usually sent to landfill sites.

3. Most polymers, including poly(ethene) and poly(propene) are not biodegradable, so they may last for many years in rubbish dumps

4. it's possible to include substances such as cornstarch that cause the polymer to break down more quickly. Carrier bags and refuse bags made from such degradable polymers are available now.

5. Many polymers can be recycled. This reduces the disposal problems and the amount of crude oil used

6. The different polymers must be separated from each other first, and this can be difficult and expensive to do because the process uses a lot of energy.

7. When the plastics are broken down it reduces the strength and versatility of the plastic over time

8. Using bio-degradable plastics is better because they are easier to break down meaning that more energy will be used, instead of lots more energy being used to make new plastics