Optimum source segregation bin for household solid waste and waste plastic recycling

This research aims to conceptualize a source segregation bin for household waste and demonstrate the recyclability of waste plastic. Various dumping locations were visited in order to gather field information and acquire a comprehensive understanding of the situation. We found the waste management system of Karjat (Maharashtra, India) Municipal Corporation efficient. Deriving drawbacks from this system and literature review, source segregation bin was conceptualized. In addition, to demonstrate the recyclability of waste plastic, experimentation was performed. We found that each plastic type has unique properties such as melting time, temperature, fusion and surface finish. For example, polypropylene plastic was found to be the best plastic for recycling as it fused adequately and had a smooth surface finish. Polyethylene terephthalate needed the highest melting temperature of 280 degrees C. Furthermore, we found that if plastics were not segregated at the source, there would be a problem post-melting, as they would not fuse properly and would have an uneven surface finish. Therefore, the proposed source segregation bin results in high recyclability of household waste, and use of it has no environmental impact caused by waste.

Automated summary

This research aims to design a source segregation bin for household waste and demonstrate the recyclability of waste plastic. Field visits were conducted to gather information on dumping locations and understand the situation comprehensively. The waste management system of Karjat (Maharashtra, India) Municipal Corporation was found to be efficient. By addressing the drawbacks of this system and conducting experimentation, the researchers were able to conceptualize a source segregation bin and determine the unique properties of different plastic types for recycling. It was concluded that the proposed source segregation bin enables high recyclability of household waste and has no environmental impact caused by waste.