FAQS
WHAT IS PLASTIC WASTE RECYCLING?
​
Plastic waste recycling, as the name implies, is the process of gathering used plastics from wastes and converting them into useful products such as bricks for building houses. Plastics are generally non-biodegradable (cannot be broken down by the action of living organisms); hence, the need for us to recycle them to turn them into something useful. This action brings a win-win situation. This is because recycling does not only help reduce solid wastes in the environment, but also help with creating better and stronger shelter.
HOW IS RECYCLED PLASTIC WASTE CONVERTED TO A BRICK?
Converting recycled plastic wastes into bricks is similar to how most things are transformed. The process includes;
• First shredding or grinding the selected plastics into flakes or pieces with the use of a machine
• Followed by mixing the shredded plastics with volcanic Sand, Tricalcium Aluminate, and Dicalcium Silicate
• Placing the mixture into a brick-formed mold;
• Melting it to a boiling point of about 200 degrees to 250 degrees to prevent toxic air from escaping
HOW MANY RECYCLED PLASTICS ARE NEEDED FOR A COMPLETE BUILDING?
The number of recycled plastics needed to complete a full building depends on the building structure and type. However, give or take, an average building may require up to 10 or more tons of plastics to complete.
WHAT TYPES OF PLASTICS DOES ONE EXISTENCE FOUNDATION RECYCLE?
The following are the types of recycled plastics that One Existence Foundation uses;
• Polyethylene Terephthalate (abbreviated as PET or PETE): Commonly used for water bottles and plastic carbonated bottles. Recycling symbol for PET is #1
• High-Density Polyethylene (abbreviated as HDPE): A Strong plastic commonly used to make bottles and jugs for short-term storage. Recycling symbol for HDPE is #2
• Polyvinyl Chloride (abbreviated as V or PVC): It is commonly used in the construction industry. Also used to make signs, fiber for clothing, and healthcare applications. Recycling symbol for PVC is #3
• Low-Density Polyethylene (abbreviated as LDPE): It is primarily used in film applications because of its toughness, flexibility, and relative transparency. Also used in the production of wires and cables. LDPE recycling symbol is #4
• Polypropylene (abbreviated as PP): This is commonly used in various applications such as consumer goods packaging, automotive plastic parts, textiles, etc. PP recycling symbol is #5
• Polystyrene (abbreviated as PS): This is commonly used in various commercial goods packaging. Recycling symbol for PS is #6