What is the difference between Blade Compactors and Auger Compactors?

In the waste management industry, efficiency is key. Whether you’re operating a landfill, transfer station, or recycling facility, the ability to compact waste effectively can significantly impact operational costs and environmental sustainability. Two common types of compactors used in the industry are blade compactors and auger compactors, each with its own set of advantages and applications.

Blade Compactors: Power in Precision

Blade compactors are renowned for their precision and versatility. They use a large, flat blade or platen that moves back and forth, exerting pressure on the waste material to compact it efficiently. This mechanism is particularly effective for compressing bulky waste items and materials with low moisture content. Its wide opening avoids bridging and tangling of large items and soft plastics.

Blade compactors have a significant advantage in that they can achieve high compaction ratios on large items, which reduces the volume of waste and maximizes space utilization. This, in turn, helps to reduce transportation costs and increase landfill capacity, thereby contributing to overall cost savings and environmental sustainability.

Auger Compactors: Conquering Wet Waste Challenges and High Compaction on Cardboard

On the other hand, Auger compactors offer a unique solution for handling wet or sticky waste materials. These compactors utilise a rotating screw-like auger, which feeds waste material into a compactor bin where it is compressed. The auger’s design effectively breaks up and processes wet or sticky waste, enabling efficient compaction without clogging or jamming.

One of the key advantages of auger compactors is their ability to handle a wide range of waste materials, including food waste, cardboard, and other recyclables with varying moisture content. This versatility makes them invaluable in facilities where diverse waste streams are processed.

Additionally, auger compactors are known for their high compaction efficiency, often achieving greater compaction ratios compared to other compaction methods. This makes them ideal for limited space applications, such as in urban areas or densely populated regions.

Moreover, auger compactors excel in continuous compaction operations, making them suitable for high-volume waste processing facilities. Their robust design and reliable performance ensure consistent high-density compaction over extended periods, minimising downtime and optimising operational efficiency.

Choosing the Right Compactor for Your Needs

When it comes to selecting the right compactor for your waste management operations, careful consideration of your specific requirements is essential. Blade compactors are ideal for compacting bulky and dry waste materials, offering precision and high compaction ratios. On the other hand, auger compactors excel in handling wet and dry waste, providing efficient compaction and versatility.

Waste management professionals can make informed decisions to optimise their compaction processes by understanding the unique capabilities of blade compactors and auger compactors. Whether it’s maximising space utilisation, minimising transportation costs, or enhancing operational efficiency, choosing the right compactor is crucial for achieving sustainable waste management practices.

Visit our compactors page to explore your options further, or contact our Equipment Specialists to find out how we can help you.

Introduction to Plasterboard Recycling

In Australia, the annual production of plasterboard exceeds 1 million tonnes, with a significant portion unfortunately ending up in landfills, adversely impacting the environment. However, materials from plasterboard waste are 100% recyclable, transforming into valuable reusable products such as gypsum and paper, showcasing the potential for sustainable plasterboard recycling. Adopting recycling methods not only mitigates environmental footprints but also cuts down project waste costs, significantly reducing the volume of waste directed to landfills.

Environmental Impact of Plasterboard Waste

The environmental repercussions of plasterboard waste are significant but often overlooked. Gypsum materials, containing calcium sulfate dihydrate, decompose in landfills due to sulfate-reducing bacteria, releasing toxic hydrogen sulphide gas. Landfills provide an ideal environment for these bacteria, along with methanogenic bacteria, which convert plasterboard into methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas. Recycling gypsum waste reduces the need for quarrying for virgin gypsum and saves resources like energy, metal, and other natural resources used in producing new gypsum.

Recycling Impact

• Resource Conservation: Recycling plasterboard conserves natural resources by reducing the demand for raw gypsum.
• Landfill Reduction: Approximately 1400 tonnes of waste product per year could be diverted from landfills, mitigating environmental degradation.
• Economic Benefits: Recycling cuts down on landfill tipping fees, site clean-up costs, and waste transportation, presenting a cost-effective solution for businesses and contributing positively to their environmental stewardship profile.

Sustainable Practices

• Gyprock’s Commitment: As a leading supplier, Gyprock operates with sustainable manufacturing processes, emphasising waste reduction and efficient resource use. Over 95% of its manufacturing waste is recycled, underscoring the potential for industry-wide adoption of sustainable practices.
• Regyp’s National Solution: Offering a comprehensive solution across Australia, Regyp recycles all types of plasterboard and cornice scrap into products beneficial for agriculture, showcasing the versatility of recycled plasterboard.

The Recycling Plasterboard Process

The plasterboard recycling process is a comprehensive approach aimed at minimising waste and promoting sustainability within the construction industry. Here’s a closer look at the steps involved.

Collection and Transportation

CSR Gyprock™ operates a gypsum board waste take-back scheme across Australia, collecting offcuts and demolition material. REGYP offers services in major cities, accepting waste from all major suppliers, including demolition projects. Options for waste collection include local recycling plant disposal, waste bags, truck pick-ups, and skip bins.

Sorting and Processing

Waste plasterboard must be clean, separated, and have low levels of contamination. At recycling facilities, specialised machinery separates gypsum from other materials. The size reduction process involves shredding and sorting, followed by crushing, milling, and sieving to obtain three fractions:

• Shredded paper/cardboard,
• gypsum granules (2-10 mm),
• and fine gypsum powder (0-2 mm).

The granules, particularly those within the 2-10 mm range, are recycled as raw material for gypsum plants, where they undergo calcination for new plasterboard production. Technicians ensure the quality of the recycled gypsum before its reintroduction into drywall manufacturing.

This systematic approach not only minimises waste but also promotes sustainable resource utilisation in agriculture and construction.

Reintroduction into the Production Process

The collected material is 100% fully recycled, including the paper, with more than 95% of Gyprock’s manufacturing waste either reintroduced into the production process or converted into by-products like soil conditioners for agriculture.

Challenges and Solutions in Plasterboard Recycling

Challenges

Navigating through the complexities of plasterboard recycling, several challenges emerge, notably the scarcity of adequate waste management facilities, existing legislation hurdles, and the inherently fragmented nature of construction projects. These obstacles often result in large volumes of potentially recyclable materials being relegated to landfills, primarily due to contamination issues. The situation is further exacerbated in remote and regional areas where kerbside municipal waste collection and recycling services are sparse.

Solutions

• Designated Storage Zones: Establishing specific areas on construction sites for plasterboard waste can significantly reduce contamination.
• Separation of Waste Streams: Encouraging the segregation of plasterboard from other construction and demolition waste enhances recycling efficiency.
• Leveraging Local Recycling Centres: Utilising nearby facilities for plasterboard disposal and recycling can minimise transportation costs and environmental impact.
• Recycling Payback Arrangements: Negotiating agreements with recycling services can offer financial incentives for proper waste management practices.

Improvements

• Enhanced Collection and Processing: Upgrading facilities to better handle co-mingled waste can reduce contamination and boost resource recovery rates.
• Optical Sorting Equipment: Investing in advanced sorting technologies can improve the separation of recyclable materials, making the recycling process more efficient.
• Education and Awareness: Raising awareness among construction professionals about the benefits and methods of plasterboard recycling can foster greater participation.

Benefits of Plasterboard Recycling

Recycling plasterboard not only aligns with environmental sustainability goals but also offers tangible benefits for the construction industry and beyond. Here’s a closer look at the multifaceted advantages:

Construction and Economic Benefits

• Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to council regulations for recycling building materials becomes streamlined with CSR Gyprock™ plasterboard recycling.
• Site Safety and Cost Savings: Improved occupational health and safety by removing offcut plasterboard, leading to cleaner, safer sites, and reduced landfill fees.
• Enhanced Business Image Demonstrates a commitment to corporate social responsibility, appealing to environmentally conscious homebuyers and enhancing the company’s offering.

Agricultural and Environmental Advantages

• Soil Improvement: Gypsum, derived from recycled plasterboard, is rich in calcium and sulfur, crucial for plant growth, acid soil improvement, and aluminium toxicity treatment.
• Waste Reduction: Significantly reduces the volume of waste sent to landfills, contributing to a decrease in environmental pollution.

Broader Implications

• Resource Management: Encourages efficient on-site resource management, leading to cleaner construction sites.
• Market Preference: Builders who prioritise recycling and use products with a lower environmental impact are preferred by eco-conscious consumers, potentially increasing market share.
• Enhanced Business Image: Demonstrates a commitment to corporate social responsibility, appealing to environmentally conscious homebuyers and enhancing the company’s offering.

By focusing on plasterboard recycling, the construction industry can achieve cost savings, comply with environmental regulations, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Applications

Recycled plasterboard materials, transformed through innovative plasterboard recycling and Gyprock crushing processes, find utility in various applications beyond the construction industry. These applications showcase the versatility and sustainability of recycled plaster products, contributing significantly to environmental conservation and resource management.

Agricultural Uses

• Soil Conditioner: Gypsum, derived from recycled plasterboard, improves soil structure, aeration, and water permeability, enhancing crop yield.
• Nutrient Supply: Supplies essential nutrients like calcium and sulfur, promoting plant growth.

Construction Materials:

• New Plasterboard Production: Recycled gypsum is reintegrated into new plasterboard, reducing the need for virgin gypsum.
• Cement Manufacturing: Gypsum acts as a set retarder in cement, improving its workability and strength.

Land Rehabilitation:

• Reclamation Projects: Utilised in land reclamation efforts, recycled gypsum helps in soil remediation and stabilization, aiding in the recovery of degraded lands.

These diverse applications of recycled plasterboard and Gyprock products underscore the importance of plasterboard recycling in promoting a circular economy, where waste is transformed into valuable resources, fostering sustainable practices across industries.

Mavitec Depacker

A Viable Solution

The Mavitec Paddle Depacker solves your waste problem by the separation and resizing of organic and packaged fractions from packaging/outer materials. This product destruction unit is able to depack a wide variety of packaged and multi-material/multi-layered waste to produce a clean material output, with official lab results of > 99.7%, as well as the cleanest packaging fraction in the market.

The Mavitec Depacker has proven to be effective for the processing of pre-shredded plasterboard, including paper separation and size reduction to desired granules. Waste Initiatives recent data capture from the Depacker S, on pre-shredded plasterboard waste using 10/15 mm screens, resulted in an acceptable finely granulated output. For further details, please reach out to our team.

Conclusion

The transition from Gyrock to Gypsum highlights a significant opportunity for the construction industry in Australia. Effective plasterboard recycling isn’t only addressing environmental concerns; it’s also offering economically sustainable solutions.

By repurposing plasterboard waste into valuable resources like gypsum and paper, we’re demonstrating the potential for cost savings and enhanced efficiency. From reducing landfill fees to improving site safety, the advantages of embracing plasterboard recycling are clear.

As equipment specialists, we understand the challenges and opportunities in the industry. By investing in recycling infrastructure, upgrading facilities, and educating stakeholders, real change is driven towards a more sustainable and profitable construction landscape.

Visit our website to explore your options further, or contact our Equipment Specialists to find out how we can help you.

 

References

Regyp. https://regyp.com.au/plasterboard-recycling/
Paul’s Rubbish Removal. https://www.paulsrubbish.com.au/plasterboard-recycling/
Materials Market. https://materialsmarket.com/articles/what-is-plasterboard-made-of/
Siniat. https://www.siniat.co.uk/en-gb/uk/plasterboard/
Saint-Gobain. https://www.saint-gobain.my/events-news/gypsum-board-uses-and-benefits
Department of the Environment and Energy. https://www.dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/env/pages/9014ac31-f832-48bd-85b9-f02d8ef70fbe/files/csr-gyprock.pdf
Environmental Protection Authority. https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/-/media/epa/corporate-site/resources/managewaste/100084-plasterboard-removal.pdf
Queensland Department of Environment and Science. https://www.des.qld.gov.au/policies?a=272936:policy_registry/wr-eowc-approved-plasterboard.pdf
Boral. https://www.boral.com.au/sites/corporate/files/media/field_document/07_Environmental_impacts.pdf
Plasterer Melbourne. https://plasterer-melbourne.com.au/is-it-possible-to-recycle-plasterboard/
Gyprock. https://www.gyprock.com.au/about-us/plasterboard-recycling
Business Recycling. https://businessrecycling.com.au/recycle/plasterboard
Regyp. https://regyp.com.au/agricultural-benefits-of-gypsum/
McNaughts. https://www.mcnaughts.com/gypsum-for-soil/
Pacific Fertiliser. https://pacificfertiliser.com/mined-gypsum/
Waste Initiatives. https://wasteinitiatives.com.au/your-waste/plasterboard/
Eco-Resource. https://ecoresources.net.au/eco-resource/

Introduction

As waste management practices rapidly advance, the demand for high-performance shredders has never been more critical. Shredders are crucial in breaking down various materials, reducing their size, and preparing them for further processing or disposal. Whether you are dealing with plastic, e-waste, cardboard, metal, or tyres, choosing the right type of shredder is essential to ensure optimal results and cost-effectiveness.

When it comes to shredders, there are three main types to consider: single, dual, and four shaft shredders. Each type offers unique features and benefits, making them suitable for different applications and waste management requirements.

Single Shaft Shredders

KEY UNDERSTANDING

Single-shaft shredders are varying speed shredders capable of high volume throughput, widely used in various industries due to their versatility and efficiency. Rugged and reliable, these machines are available with high or low-speed configurations depending on processing material, with sized output determined by perforated screen size. These shredders have a rotating shaft with blades that cut and shred the materials. They are often used in the plastic industry for in-house recycling through waste processors shredding MSW and waste-to-energy plants.

ADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS

One of the key advantages of single-shaft shredders is their ability to handle a wide range of materials efficiently, and they can shred bulky items, such as plastic containers and large cardboard boxes. Single-shaft shredders offer high throughput rates, allowing for efficient processing and effective particle-size control through a sizing screen. Another key benefit is the way the cutters are mounted in the rotating drum allow them to be turned to get 4 uses from each single blade.

However, it is important to note that single-shaft shredders may have limitations when processing certain materials. For example, they are ineffective in shredding metal or tyres, which require more robust shredding capabilities, and may require frequent maintenance due to the higher stress on the single shaft.

Dual Shaft Shredders

KEY UNDERSTANDING

As the name suggests, dual-shaft (or 2-shaft) shredders feature two rotating shafts with interlocking blades. They are slow-speed shredders for heavy-duty size reduction, often used as primary shredders in recycling lines. They are known for their ability to process contaminated waste streams containing metal or non-shreddable materials. Particle size is determined by the width of the cutters and output at undetermined lengths. Dual-shaft shredders are commonly used for processing plastic, e-waste, cardboard, pallets, wood, drums, bottles, cans, organic materials, and tyres. They can be used in principle size-reduction applications where output sizes are not critical – such as abattoirs, tyres & E-scrap recycling facilities.

ADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS

Dual-shaft shredders are a popular waste management choice due to their effective shredding of rigid materials for size reduction. They offer automatic reversing capability and large heavy-duty cutters, which ensure long-lasting performance. These shredders are versatile and can handle multiple materials, making them a cost-effective solution for waste processing, such as product destruction and MSW.

Two-shaft shredders have a limited particle size range and typically shred materials into strips of varying lengths. Depending on the material, particle size can range from a few inches to a few feet. However, some applications require a more consistent and smaller particle size, which two-shaft shredders may not be able to produce.

Four Shaft Shredders

KEY UNDERSTANDING

When it comes to heavy-duty shredding in industrial settings where you need to reduce and destroy a material completely, four-shaft shredders are the go-to choice. These shredders integrate pre-shredding, precise cutting, and sizing in one pass, streamlining operations. They have a perforated screen to determine product size. Side shafts with cutters return oversized products for re-shredding through the main cutters. Product size is influenced by cutter width and screen perforation size. Four-shaft shredders are commonly used for processing continual volumes of challenging materials, such as timber, rigid plastics, medical waste and e-waste.

ADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS

Four-shaft shredders excel in industrial waste management, boasting efficient shredding capabilities at low speeds, thus reducing maintenance costs. They handle tough materials and generate a more uniform particle size compared to two-shaft shredders while maintaining a robust cutting mechanism. With different screens available for required throughput sizing, they are highly effective in industrial settings requiring consistent throughput rates, adept at handling large quantities of heavy materials efficiently.

They find extensive use in applications such as product destruction, organic waste processing, and timber processing, particularly for destroying sensitive materials like medical and E-waste. However, unless completelty refining materials into small particles or destroying electronics, a four-shaft shredder may be superfluous to your needs.

Choosing the Right Shredder for Your Specific Needs

It is essential to consider your specific waste management requirements when selecting the ideal shredder. Factors such as the type of material, desired output size, processing capacity, power consumption, maintenance needs, and cost should all be considered.

PLASTIC SHREDDERS

For plastic waste management, single and dual-shaft shredders can be suitable options depending on the specific needs of your operation. Single-shaft shredders are often preferred for processing bulkier plastic items to a more refined-sized particle, whereas dual-shaft shredders are ideal for handling mixed plastic materials and achieving consistent, less refined sizing.

Ideal Equipment: WT3080 | GL2180
Case Study: 4×4 Concepts

E-WASTE SHREDDERS

E-waste, which includes electronic devices and components, requires specialised shredders to ensure proper disposal and recycling. Depending on volume and sizing requirements, e-waste can be managed with single, dual, or four shaft shredders customised to suit your needs.

Ideal Equipment: WT2260 | FS10080
Case Study: Green technology Recycling

CARDBOARD SHREDDERS

Cardboard shredders are essential for recycling operations dealing with large volumes of cardboard boxes or cores. Single and dual-shaft shredders are effective for handling cardboard materials, but the choice depends on the desired output size and processing capacity required for your specific operation.

Ideal Equipment: WT40120 | GL2180
Case Study: Prima Print

METAL SHREDDERS

Regarding shredding metal, single-shaft shredders are suitable for processing light metals, while dual-shaft shredders offer more power and durability for heavier materials. These shredders can be customised to process metals such as aluminium, steel and copper, commonly found in waste scrap metal, thin-walled disposed steel, vehicle bodies, engine houses, aluminium cans, and other metal lights and fines from recycling processes.

Ideal Equipment: WT3080 | GL40130

TYRE SHREDDERS

Tyre shredders are designed to handle the unique challenges of shredding tires. Both dual and four-shaft shredders are suitable options for shredding tyres, as they can effectively break down the rubber and steel components. The choice between the two depends on the desired output size and processing capacity required for your specific operation.

Ideal Equipment: GL32120 | FS8080
Case Study: Oz Tyre Recyclers

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Shredder

When choosing a shredder, it is important to consider several factors to ensure optimal performance and cost-effectiveness. These factors include the processing capacity, power requirements, maintenance needs, and overall cost of the shredder.

CAPACITY

The processing capacity of a shredder refers to the amount of material it can handle within a given time frame. Choosing a shredder with a capacity that matches your waste management requirements is important. Consider the volume and type of materials you need to shred daily to determine the appropriate capacity.

POWER

Power requirements vary depending on the type and size of the shredder. Consider the available power supply in your facility and choose a shredder that can be easily accommodated without causing electrical issues or overloading the system.

MAINTENANCE

Regular maintenance is essential to ensure your shredder’s longevity and optimal performance. Consider the maintenance needs of different shredder types and choose one that aligns with your maintenance capabilities and schedule.

COST

The cost of a shredder includes not only the initial purchase price but also the operating costs, maintenance expenses, and potential downtime. Consider your budget and the long-term cost implications when selecting a shredder. It is important to strike a balance between upfront costs and long-term savings.

Conclusion

Choosing the right shredder is crucial for effective and cost-efficient waste management. Whether you need to process plastic, e-waste, cardboard, metal, or tyres, different shredders are available to meet your specific requirements.

• Single-shaft shredders are versatile machines that can handle high-volume throughput at varying speeds. They are best suited for processing “clean” material streams that require tight particle-size control.
• Dual-shaft shredders operate at slower speeds and are ideal for heavy-duty size reduction tasks where precise, finer output sizes are not required. They also handle contaminated waste streams containing metal or non-shreddable materials.
• Four-shaft shredders are designed for heavy-duty shredding applications and offer superior shredding capabilities and continuous throughput rates. They are suitable for processing mixed materials streams and challenging medical and e-waste materials.

When selecting a shredder, it’s essential to consider factors such as the type of material you need to process, desired output size, processing capacity, power consumption, maintenance requirements, and cost. Careful consideration of these factors will help you choose the optimal shredder to enhance your waste management practices.

Visit our shredders page to explore your options further, or contact our Equipment Specialists to find which of our shredders can benefit your waste management practice.

Introduction

Fashion’s constant evolution and high demand for new shoes result in over 20 billion produced annually, contributing to environmental issues. The global footwear industry, expected to exceed $95 billion by 2025, accounts for 1.4% of manufacturing-related greenhouse gas emissions. Non-biodegradable materials make shoe decomposition challenging, taking up to 1,000 years, and landfill disposal releases toxic chemicals.

The need for sustainable shoe recycling to address End-Of-Life (EOL) shoe waste has become more apparent than ever.

Sustainability Options

To promote sustainability with discarded shoes, individuals can donate gently used pairs to charities or sell them online. For shoes beyond wear, collection points like shoe banks recycle or repurpose materials. Although EOL shoe recycling options in Australia are limited, ongoing efforts are focused on developing more efficient methods to address environmental concerns and foster sustainability. One such initiative is “TreadLightly” – a national recycling program in Australia that repurposes unwanted sport and active lifestyle footwear, fostering collaboration among various stakeholders in the sporting community to minimize environmental impact. Find out more.

Challenges

While the concept of recycling EOL shoes is appealing, it presents significant challenges. The complex construction of shoes, with multiple materials bonded together, makes the recycling process difficult. Shoes often contain dozens of materials, including metals, which hinder effective shredding and recycling. As a result, shoe recycling is not a common practice in Australia, and only a small percentage of shoes are recycled.

The Role of Shredding Technology in EOL Shoe Recycling

The use of shredding technology offers numerous benefits for shoe recycling. It allows for the efficient disassembly of EOL shoes, breaking them down into individual parts. This makes it easier to recycle each component, resulting in less waste and higher recycling rates. Shredding also simplifies the extraction of valuable materials, such as rubber, which can be repurposed to produce new products.

Shredding process:

Similar to other recycling systems like tyre and C&D, the shredding process can be outlined as follows;

1. Sorting: Categorising shoes before batch processing enhances material yield and purity. High-foam-content shoes are recycled separately from leather-based ones.
2. Pre-Shredding: Shoes are pre-shredded to expose embedded metal parts, ideally creating 20-30 mm chips.
3. Metal Removal: Specialist equipment, including magnetic separators, removes metal components. Manual removal is an option but may be cost-prohibitive.
4. Granulation: Further fragmentation into 3–6 mm crumb optimises yield and purity through a granulator after metal removal.
5. Material Separation: Air separation technologies utilise particle size and weight differences for efficient separation of fines and rubber.

The Benefits of Shredding Technology

Shredding technology offers several benefits for EOL shoe recycling:

1. Efficient Material Separation: Enables precise separation of shoe materials, boosting resource recovery and minimising waste.
2. Increased Recycling Rates: Break down shoes into smaller pieces, streamlining the recycling process, elevating recycling rates, and promoting sustainable waste management.
3. Resource Conservation: Shredding reduces the demand for new materials in shoe production, supporting a circular economy and natural resource conservation.
4. Environmental Gains: Diverts EOL shoes from landfills and incineration, curbing carbon emissions and pollution associated with disposal.
5. Economic Opportunities: The technology opens doors for new industries and job creation, contributing to economic growth in EOL shoe recycling.

Diversification

Existing recycling facilities that use shredding technology, such as tyre recycling centres, have the potential to diversify their feedstock by including EOL shoes or deconstructed shoe soles in their rubber output, potentially combining the crumb for the manufacture of recycled products, such as rubber matting.

Recycled material applications

Advanced recycling processes are revolutionising the disposal of End-of-Life (EOL) shoes, extracting leather, rubber, foam, and textiles for various sustainable applications. Leather is repurposed into sheets or insulation, reclaimed rubber for eco-friendly surfacing, recycled foams find use in flooring and soundproofing, and mixed textiles contribute to construction and insulation. Despite the perception of down-cycling, these applications offer environmental and economic benefits over traditional landfill disposal.

Manufacturers, recognising the urgency to divert shoe waste from landfills, are in the race to design sneakers that can be recycled back into sneakers easily in a sustainable, cost and energy-efficient way. This strategic shift will propel the industry towards a circular economy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the pressing issue of over 20 billion shoes being produced annually demands attention to end-of-life (EOL) waste. Shredding technology is a key solution, enabling efficient recycling and resource conservation. Diversifying existing facilities to include EOL shoes offers economic potential. At the same time, the applications of recycled materials present sustainable alternatives, emphasising the importance of embracing innovative recycling for a greener footwear industry.

Sources

Jennifer Okafor, BSc Sept,2023.

Michael James Lee, Shahin Rahimifard.

Lucianne Tonti. Jan, 2023.

Buy Recycled

Tread Lightly

NSW Bin Trim Equipment Rebates are now open!

Rebates are available for NSW workplaces to promote waste reduction, boost recycling efforts, and enhance financial performance, thanks to a $6 million rebate initiative over the next 3 years.

What is the Bin Trim Equipment Rebates Program?

This funding program provides up to $50,000 as a maximum 50% co-contribution funding to NSW businesses and other organisations with a commercial and industrial (C&I) waste service for equipment or technology that avoids, reduces, reuses, or recycles C&I waste. $6m in funding is available until allocations are depleted.

What is the main objective of the rebate program?

The Rebates Program aims to support projects that address priority waste issues. It is designed to fund various equipment and technology solutions that reduce organics, plastics and other waste generated from commercial and industrial activities.

Who’s it for?

Businesses with a commercial and industrial (C&I) waste service at a site in NSW, have a valid ABN, employ one or more full-time employees in NSW, and send C&I waste to landfill in NSW. This includes private entities, registered charities, not-for-profits, public entities (including schools and hospitals), and government organisations.

Eligibility

To be eligible for funding, equipment and technology must effectively divert new waste from landfills, be economically viable, and contribute to waste reduction through avoidance, redesign, reuse, remanufacture, or recycling methods.

Businesses must undergo a waste assessment to apply for the rebate. To determine eligibility, applicants can self-assess using the Bin Trim App or contact Bin Trim directly at bin.trim@epa.nsw.gov.au.

Recipients will be required to provide the EPA with data showcasing the waste outcomes of the funded equipment, detailing the extent to which waste is avoided, redesigned, reused, remanufactured, or recycled.

What sort of equipment is eligible?

Equipment that may be funded include:
· balers
· presses
· bulk bag stands and bulk bags
· cardboard perforator
· compactors
· glass crushers
· granulators
· organic rapid decomposition units
· shredders
· source separation bins, wheelie bins, skip bins, bin tippers and other bin equipment with bin signs and stickers
· trolleys to transport waste

What’s different from the previous Bin Trim Rebates Program?

This rebate program has introduced leasing options of up to $10,000 as 50% contribution funding with a minimum lease period of 12 months (1st Lease), allowing for subsequent 12-month lease renewals or equipment purchases until no more than $50,000 total is allocated.

How can Waste Initiatives help?

Our Equipment Specialists at Waste Initiatives are well acquainted with the Bin Trim Application process. They can assist you in your waste assessment and application and help you find suitable equipment for your waste management solution. Check out our case study of a previous Bin Trim recipient by clicking here.

For more information on this grant, contact Waste Initiatives at [email protected].

Sources

NSW EPA. Nov 2023. Bin Trim Equipment Rebates Program.

NSW EPA. The Bin Trim App.

NSW EPA.2023. Bin Trim Equipment Rebates – Guidelines for applicants 2023.

NSW EPA.2023. Bin Trim turns plastic waste into profit. Case study – Furnware Group.

Bulk bags, also known as bulka bags or flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs), play a crucial role in various industries, including agriculture, construction, and manufacturing, due to their ability to transport and store bulk materials. However, their widespread use has raised concerns about the environmental impact of bulk bag waste in Australia. Here, we will outline the challenges associated with bulk bag waste, the benefits of recycling and reusing these bags, and the initiatives to manage bulk bag waste sustainably.

Environmental Challenge

Bulk bags are predominantly made of polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE), all of which are derived from petroleum. With their extensive use in industries across Australia, the disposal of these bags poses environmental challenges. Due to their frequent disposal in the regular waste stream, these bags exacerbate the ongoing issue of plastic waste accumulation.

Approximately only 1% of bulk bags reach recycling facilities globally, with most polypropylene (PP) ending up in landfills. This results in polypropylene breaking down slowly, releasing harmful chemicals into the local environment, leading to significant environmental challenges and further straining our already overburdened waste management systems.

Reusing or recycling bulk bags reduces the demand for plastic production and oil, a non-renewable resource. It is reported that for every 1 tonne of plastic processed, 1.47 tonnes of CO2 emissions are avoided, and $2500 in landfill costs are saved. Recycling bulk bag waste fosters a growing commitment to corporate environmental responsibility, addressing the problem of bulk bags entering the waste stream through landfills, waterways, marine environments, and incineration. Employment opportunities are also generated through the plastics circular economy.

Reused (Or Reclaimed) Bulk Bags

Cost reduction is a pivotal factor in opting for the reuse of bulk bags, commonly referred to as reclaimed or upcycled. By integrating reclaimed bulk bags with new ones, substantial savings can be achieved. Reclaimed bulk bags not only provide cost-efficiency but also bring versatility, sustainability, predictability in shipping, and compliance with industry standards. These advantages make them an attractive option for various industries, including agriculture, construction, pharmaceuticals, and logistics.

Whether you aim to send waste bags for reclamation, integrate reclaimed bags into your supply chain, or use them for internal processes, the reclaimed bulk bag is a viable and sustainable solution for managing waste of this kind. This approach not only helps reduce costs but also contributes to environmental responsibility by extending the lifespan of these bags and minimising waste generation.

Recycling Bulk Bag Waste

Recycling bulk bags has emerged as a primary focus in addressing the mounting challenge of the growing PP plastic waste stream in Australia, particularly in light of the 2022 ban on plastic exports. Since then, brand owners and government entities have actively promoted a circular economy for bulk bag recycling.

They do this through initiatives like government-endorsed product stewardship programs, which create a framework for collaboration among stakeholders and communities to find solutions. These stewardships target plastic bags with content exceeding 15 kg/l, specifically sacks and bulk bags made from woven polypropylene (wPP) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). These programs adhere to strict accreditation criteria, ensuring recyclability, and include performance metrics and reporting obligations.

Collaborating with collection partners, stewardships can offer comprehensive collection coverage across all local government areas in Australia. Most bags are sourced directly from businesses, while councils, community groups and even retailers can provide accessible drop-off facilities for consumers at no cost, as the stewardship fee covers the expenses. Key stakeholder and contracted recyclers handle the processing of all collected bulk bags, ensuring recycling occurs within Australia. To find out more about government-accredited stewardships, visit https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/protection/waste/product-stewardship/products-schemes

Bulk Bag Waste Handling and Processing

Like most recycling procedures, the initial step involves gathering recyclable materials. The most efficient and simplest way to handle bulk bags is by compacting them into bales. Graded bags (by cleanliness) are loaded into a baling machine and compressed into bales efficiently to be governed by the waste collection provider.

Once used bulk bags are collected, compressed and bailed for transport to a recycling facility, they are cleaned of contaminants and processed into small chips or pellets to be transformed into a viable commodity.

The resin pellets are used to create a range of plastic products, including new bulka bags, cables, bins, planter pots, sound reduction and structural panels, plastic furniture, and even evaporation (or odour suppression) floating covers for treatment plants.

Bulk Bag Waste Handling and Processing

Recycling equipment is essential for the economical and practical handling of bulk bags. Waste Initiatives have a range of compaction equipment that efficiently compact bulk bags into transportable bales.

The WastePac 300LH Vertical Baler is an industrial baler suitable for compacting bulk bags. It is designed to handle medium to high volumes of waste in applications with low-height clearances and a tight footprint. This automatic baler can create bales weighing up to 300 kg and exert a pressing force of up to 20 tons. To see this in action, click here.

For higher volumes, the WastePac heavy-duty vertical baler range includes 450 HD and 550 HD. These balers have pressing forces of up to 25 and 50 Ton and produce hi-density mill-sized bales up to 450 and 550 Kg, respectively. These WastePac vertical balers have automatic bale ejectors, are compact and versatile, and are ideal for retail and industrial waste management.

For medium to high throughput in large industrial and manufacturing plant settings, where semi and full automation is required, the WastePac Horizontal Balers are ideal for handling various materials, including bulk bags (with some customisation).

In conclusion

Addressing the environmental challenges posed by bulk bag waste demands a comprehensive approach, with recycling and reusing as pivotal strategies. Initiatives like the bulk bag stewardships exemplify the commitment to creating a circular economy for bulk bag plastic recycling. To facilitate this process, efficient recycling equipment, such as WastePac balers from Waste Initiatives, is crucial in making it practical and economical. We encourage you to learn more about our range of equipment and explore how you can contribute to sustainable waste management. For further information, please get in touch with us at info@wasteinitiatives.com and join us in taking action towards a more eco-friendly and responsible future.

Sources

https://circularcommunitiesaustralia.com.au

https://www.dcceew.gov.au

https://businessrecycling.com.au

https://bulkbagreclamation.com

Discarded cardboard is a waste that plagues all across Australia. It litters the bins, garages and sheds of our homes. Though more concerningly for businesses, it can become an overwhelming problem without processes or equipment to minimise its volume.

Commercial buildings in Australia deal mainly with cardboard and paper waste, with these materials demanding 76% of the bin space compared to plastic, glass and food wastes (1). 

Though despite cardboard and paper waste accounting for approximately 5.8 mega tonnes of Australia’s waste in 2020 to 2021 (2), many businesses – small like retail and office buildings, through to large industrial sites, still opted to shrug it off as normal. The consequence of this out-of-sight, out-of-mind mentality is that high costs were and continue to accumulate in the disposal of this unmanaged waste.

To reduce the damage cardboard and other wastes are placing on the environment, Australian industry and government have together shared their support behind The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) and their 2025 National Packaging Targets – viewable here. The APCO describes these targets as “Australia’s journey towards a circular economy for packaging”.

Unfortunately, these targets aren’t expected to be fully reached by the 2025 timeline (3), as seen through the ‘100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging’ target which, for example in 2019-20, was only realised at 86%. 

This stumble in reaching the targets, although disappointing, has in-turn generated a significant level of awareness into how solvable this waste problem is. Many businesses are now reviewing their processes, pinpointing why used materials within their operations like cardboard can’t be fully reinvested into the circular economy for packaging. 

Waste Initiatives is supporting these environmentally responsible businesses, by sharing our expertise across the WastePac range of baler and compactor machinery.

There are two different types of balers within the WastePac range (vertical and horizontal), which both provide various advantages and different customisable figurations – suitable to the goals and budget of a business. Before purchasing a cardboard baler, there are several other factors that businesses should carefully consider. We list these considerations, as well as the recommended actions businesses should undertake when ready to obtain a cardboard baler, here. 

To view our range of compactors, in particular the WastePac roto compactors which are particularly effective for reducing the volume of cardboard received in store deliveries, click here. 

1. https://skipthetip.com/business-waste-stats-in-australia/
2. https://acehub.org.au/news/how-much-waste-does-australia-generate-and-where-does-it-go#:~:text=Most%20used%20materials%20%E2%80%93%20waste%20generation%20vs%20recycling&text=These%20were%20followed%20by%207.4,2.6%20mega%20tonnes%20of%20plastics.
3. https://apco.org.au/national-packaging-targets

Introduction

In pursuing a cleaner environment and a regenerative, circular economy, the recycling and reuse of materials play a vital role. One such material that has gained significant attention is scrap tyres. These discarded tyres can pose environmental hazards and occupy valuable landfill space if not properly managed. However, innovative technologies, such as Tyre Derived Fuel (TDF), provide a sustainable solution to address these challenges. In this article, we will explore the concept of tire-derived fuel, its applications in various industries, and the environmental benefits it offers.

The Growing Need for Tyre Recycling

The ever-increasing number of vehicles on the road has led to a corresponding rise in the volume of used tyres, creating both a waste management challenge and an opportunity for resource recovery. Approximately 51 million equivalent passenger units of end-of-life tyres are generated annually in Australia. The disposal of these tyres in landfills not only contributes to land pollution and human health impacts but also represents a loss of valuable resources that could be recycled or recovered. Tyre recycling offers a sustainable alternative by extracting value from used tyres, effectively diverting them from landfills.

Tyre Derived Fuel: An Alternative Energy Resource

Among the promising avenues in tyre recycling, Tyre Derived Fuel (TDF) stands out as a renewable energy source. Shredding tyres produce TDF and are often mixed with other fuels like wood, coal, or chemical waste to supplement industrial processes. It serves as a substitute for finite fossil fuels in applications such as cement kilns, electricity generation, and industrial process heat. Over 80% of Australia’s recycled used tyres are exported as TDF to South East Asia, where it replaces coal in cement kilns and power generation facilities.

The use of TDF as an alternative fuel delivers a trifecta of environmental benefits. It reduces our dependence on finite fossil fuel resources, conserving natural reserves. TDF combustion generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional fossil fuels. In fact – for every tonne of TDF replacing black coal, one tonne of CO2 is saved, making it a potent ally in the fight against climate change. Furthermore, TDF significantly reduces the volume of waste tyres destined for landfills, addressing the waste management challenge associated with end-of-life tyres.

Applications of Tyre Derived Fuel

Tyre Derived Fuel finds applications across various industries, providing a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels:

1. Cement Kilns: Approximately 46% of TDF is used in cement manufacturing facilities. It is burned in kilns to produce gypsum for concrete mix. Cement kilns are an ideal fit for TDF, as they can burn both the rubber and the wire content, eliminating the need for wire removal and reducing processing costs.
2. Pulp and Paper Mills: TDF can be blended with wood chips in pulp and paper mills to create a hotter and drier fire, enhancing efficiency. The ash produced in this process contains lower levels of toxic heavy metals than coal ash, benefiting farmers.
3. Electric Utilities: Electric utility companies can use TDF as an alternative fuel in their boilers to increase burning temperatures and reduce nitrate emissions, providing a sustainable option for energy production.
4. Dedicated Tire to Energy Facilities: These specialised facilities, like the one in Sterling, Connecticut, burn whole tyres directly, producing energy sold to local utilities. While initial construction costs can be high, these facilities offer an efficient and environmentally friendly solution for tyre waste management.

Environmental Benefits of Tyre Derived Fuel

While the environmental impact of TDF remains a topic of debate, several key findings shed light on its implications:

1. TDF combustion produces energy comparable to burning petroleum and 25% more energy than burning coal, making it a more efficient fuel option.
2. The ash produced from TDF combustion contains lower levels of toxic heavy metals than coal ash, reducing the environmental impact of waste disposal.
3. TDF combustion produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels, contributing to climate change mitigation.

Processing TDF into Crumb and Powder

In addition to its use as a fuel, TDF can be further processed into crumb and powder forms for various applications. Crumb rubber is produced by shredding and grinding TDF into small particles, which can be used in applications such as paving, rubber mats, and athletic tracks. Powdered TDF can be used as a filler in rubber products, reducing the need for virgin materials and enhancing the sustainability of rubber manufacturing. These processing methods open up new avenues for TDF utilisation, promoting a more circular and sustainable approach to tyre recycling.

Advancements in Pyrolysis Technology

Pyrolysis, a chemical recycling process, has emerged as a game-changing technology in tyre recycling. It involves the thermal decomposition of tyres in an oxygen-free environment to produce valuable by-products. Pyrolysis offers the opportunity to convert end-of-life tyres into high-value chemicals, materials, and fuels, contributing to a circular economy. Ongoing research and development in pyrolysis technology pave the way for widespread adoption and optimisation in various regions.

Realising the Potential of Tyre Derived Fuel

Although Tyre Derived Fuel (TDF) has found its way into various Australian applications over the last decade, the untapped potential awaits optimal resource recovery. Acknowledging the promising prospects of TDF in achieving economic and sustainable results is crucial. It’s worth highlighting that the financial feasibility of tyre recycling initiatives ideally has a minimum throughput of approximately 3 tonnes per hour. Additionally, it’s noteworthy that while unprocessed EOL tyres were prohibited in 2021, TDF (in sizes under 150 mm) remains an exportable form of tyre waste. This ensures the continuity of export partnerships and creates new opportunities.

By integrating TDF into industrial processes, we can boost resource recovery and play a pivotal role in reducing Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tyre recycling, with a primary focus on Tyre Derived Fuel (TDF), offers a sustainable solution to the challenges posed by end-of-life tyres. TDF serves as a renewable energy source, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving finite resources, and diverting waste from landfills. With advancements in pyrolysis technology and ongoing industry initiatives, the tyre recycling sector is poised for a greener and more sustainable future. Embracing tyre recycling and TDF can help us contribute to a world that is environmentally conscious, resource-efficient, and circular.

For more information on TDF Recycling, contact Waste Initiatives at info@wasteinitiatives.com.

Plastic pipes have become an indispensable component of modern infrastructure, serving a wide range of industrial, public, and private applications for over 75 years. Whether it’s transporting wastewater, drinking water, or gas, plastic pipes, particularly those made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), offer exceptional resistance and flexibility. However, proper disposal and recycling of plastic pipes have emerged as critical concerns in recent years.

The production of HDPE pipes generates significant amounts of waste, including production scrap and old pipes that no longer meet quality requirements. Fortunately, HDPE is an ideal material for in-house recycling, making it possible to keep this valuable resource within the production cycle for as long as possible. To achieve this, the first step is shredding the plastic pipes into manageable pieces.

The Challenge of Shredding Plastic Pipes

Shredding plastic pipes, especially HDPE pipes, presents unique challenges due to their dimensions, robustness, and weight. Traditional shredders may struggle to efficiently handle large diameters, wall thicknesses, and sizes. However, advancements in shredding technology have led to the development of specialised plastic pipe shredders that can tackle these challenges head-on.

One such solution is the WasteQuip single-shaft shredder, which is designed to process pipe scraps into a uniform material size. These shredders have proven to be effective for smaller-diameter pipes with manageable wall thicknesses. However, as the dimensions increase, more powerful and specialised plastic pipe shredders are required to ensure optimal processing efficiency.

Optimal Shredders for Plastic Pipe Processing

To meet the demands of processing larger and more robust plastic pipes, Waste Initiatives offers a range of specialised shredders. These shredders are specifically designed to handle the unique characteristics of plastic pipe waste, such as HDPE, PVC, and PP. Let’s explore two primary types of plastic pipe shredders: vertical and horizontal.

Vertical Plastic Pipe Shredders

Vertical plastic pipe shredders are a game-changer in terms of production efficiency. These shredders are equipped to handle long pipes up to 2 meters in length without the need for pre-processing or manual downsizing. The innovative design features a sliding hopper that directs the pipe into the vertically-oriented rotor, ensuring seamless feeding and efficient shredding.

Vertical shredders excel in processing HDPE pipes of various diameters and wall thicknesses. Their high-throughput capabilities and reliable cutting mechanisms make them an ideal choice for industrial-scale operations. Furthermore, these shredders can be integrated with downstream equipment, such as granulators, through conveyors and augers to achieve the desired final particle size for recycling.

Horizontal Plastic Pipe Shredders

Horizontal plastic pipe shredders offer the perfect solution for extremely large pipes, up to 6 meters in length and 800mm in diameter. These shredders eliminate the need for pre-processing or manual downsizing, saving time and labour costs. Equipped with a large chamber and a horizontal ram, these shredders efficiently feed the pipe into the cutting shafts for precise and thorough shredding.

Similar to their vertical counterparts, horizontal plastic pipe shredders can be seamlessly integrated into existing recycling systems. The shredded material can be directed to granulators or other downstream equipment for further size reduction and processing by utilising conveyors and augers.

Advantages of Plastic Pipe Shredders

Investing in specialised plastic pipe shredders offers numerous advantages for companies in the plastic pipe manufacturing and recycling industry. Some key benefits include:

1. Enhanced Production Efficiency: Plastic pipe shredders are specifically designed to handle the unique challenges of processing large-diameter, thick-walled pipes. Companies can optimise their production processes and reduce downtime by shredding these pipes into smaller, uniform pieces.
2. Cost Savings: Shredding plastic pipes not only facilitates recycling but also enables companies to save on disposal costs. By integrating plastic pipe shredders into their operations, companies can efficiently manage and recycle production waste, minimising the need for external waste disposal services.
3. Sustainable Resource Management: Plastic pipe shredders play a crucial role in promoting a circular economy. By shredding and recycling plastic pipes, companies can reintegrate the material into manufacturing, reducing the demand for virgin plastic and conserving valuable resources.
4. Versatile Applications: Plastic pipe shredders are not limited to HDPE pipes. They can also process other thermoplastics, such as PVC and PP, expanding their versatility and applicability in different industries.

Best Practices for Shredding Plastic Pipe Waste

To achieve optimal results when shredding plastic pipe waste, it is essential to follow best practices and utilise the right equipment.

1. Equipment Selection: Assess the dimensions, wall thicknesses, and sizes of the plastic pipes to determine the appropriate shredder. Choose a shredder that can handle the specific requirements of your operation, ensuring efficient and effective processing.
2. Integration with Downstream Equipment: Consider integrating the shredder with granulators or other downstream equipment to achieve the desired final particle size for recycling. This seamless integration enhances the overall recycling process and maximises resource recovery.
3. Maintenance and Safety: Regularly maintain and inspect the shredder to ensure optimal performance. Follow all safety protocols and provide proper training to operators to minimise the risk of accidents or equipment damage.
4. Environmental Compliance: Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and standards when handling plastic pipe waste. Proper disposal of any residual waste or by-products is essential to minimise environmental impact.

Conclusion

Plastic pipe shredders are revolutionising the recycling and waste management practices in the plastic pipe industry. With advancements in shredding technology, companies can efficiently process and recycle plastic pipes, optimising their production processes and minimising environmental impact. Companies can unlock efficiency, cost savings, and sustainable resource management by investing in specialised shredders designed for plastic pipe waste.

Waste Initiatives offers a range of plastic pipe shredders, including vertical and horizontal options, to suit the unique needs of different operations. With their high-throughput capabilities and reliable cutting mechanisms, these shredders are the perfect solution for processing plastic pipe waste. By embracing these innovative shredding solutions, companies can contribute to a more sustainable future while maximising operational efficiency.

Contact Waste Initiatives to explore the optimal shredding solutions for your plastic pipe processing needs. Together, we can create a more sustainable and efficient waste management system.

How to Benefit from Recycling Tyres into Transportable Materials

Tyre waste in Australia grows on average by 459,000 tonnes a year. 70% of that waste is recovered and used across the world. The remaining 30% is either piled into landfill or dumped(1). This pollution greatly damages the environment, due to the tyres’ inability to decompose. In their dumping grounds, exposure to the sun releases chemicals from the tyre into the air, water and as well the ground. This kills beneficial bacteria in the soil, which is catastrophic to plant and animal life.

Some turn to burning tyres as a method of disposal, which is incredibly irresponsible, given that toxic black smoke pours into the atmosphere in this process. Tyres on fire also cannot be extinguished by water, and those who try doing this only spread the tyre’s chemicals, which often wash into waterways(2).

To avoid coastal reserves from becoming tyre junkyards(3), or if you think financially, avoiding ten-of-thousands of dollars in fines for being caught illegally dumping(4), then tyre recycling will be appreciated by both the environment and your wallet.

 

Tyre Recycling Machines and Partnership with TSA

Waste Initiatives has been providing tyre recyclers to large and small businesses for over forty years. Our machinery completes the tyre recycling process from shredding tyres into chips, through to grounding remaining material into a sellable powder. In fact, throughout the tyre recycling process, different types of the broken-down primarily rubber material can be sold for a profit. 

Our expert team advises customers both on which tyre recyclers are suitable for the size of their business, as well at which point in the tyre recycling process would return them the best profits, based on their waste output. Waste Initiatives has also partnered with Tyre Stewardship Australia, to support their founding purpose, which is to source sustainable outcomes for end-of-life tyres and eventually influence a circular tyre recycling economy in which tyres are completely removed from the waste stream(5).

Continue reading on to learn more about the different phases within the tyre recycling process as illustrated below, and how these machines convert tyre waste into different outputs of rubber material – which may be valuable for your business to sell as a product.

TDF – Tyre Derived Fuel: Eliminating Large Tyre Waste Through Shredding

The first phase of tyre recycling is shredding end-of-life tyres from passenger, off-road and large-vehicles into tyre derived fuel (TDF). This recycled fuel source is a much greener alternative to fossil fuels and is also favoured for its energy potential. For example, the heating potential for average sized passenger tyres is comparingly higher than coal by nearly 7,000 Btu/kg(6).

TDF’s efficiency in generating heat is even more attractive to industries when considering this fuel is significantly cheaper than fossil fuels. That’s because mined resources are continuously being hit with new taxes and regulations due to the environmental damage caused in its sourcing, transporting and burning(7). 

If your business has a tyre waste problem and would benefit from using a derived fuel as a burning source, then look across the WasteQuip shredder series provided by Waste Initiatives. These tyre recyclers range from 1 to 4 shaft shredders and have unique functions/accessories tailored to reducing tyre waste and producing TDF.

 

Tyre Crumb: Converting Strips of Rubber Into a Granular Material

Following TDF in the tyre recycling process, is the tyre crumb phase. This is the phase in which tyre recyclers process the ‘chips’ of rubber from the shredders into crumb rubber. These tyre recyclers do this, by separating rubber from the textile and steel materials, in-turn producing high-quality rubber crumb granules varying between 1 to 4 millimetres in length.

This material is a particularly valued tyre recycling produced commodity given its use in the construction of surfaces for sporting venues and parks. Drive past a modern playground, and there’s a good chance that the brightly-coloured floor is a soft-fall rubber surface designed to protect children in play. Likewise, many great athletic tracks utilise the material to reduce the chance of runners experiencing sprains and other serious foot/leg injuries.

Its value to the environment should also not be overlooked, given it has been proven that over a 70% reduction in CO2 emissions is achievable when using these tyre recyclers(8), opposed to leaving tyres in landfill or burning them which again releases harmful toxins.

 

Tyre Powder: Producing Highly-Saleable Rubber Powder

The final stage in the tyre recycling process available for businesses to consider as a method of waste reduction, are tyre recyclers converting the rubber crumb into powder. Rubber powder has many uses, including its potential to enter the tyre recycling process again by being converted into new tyre compounds. Additionally, seals, insulation panels and shock plates can also be created. 

Rubber powder is also valued by road builders for its count of antioxidants, as when mixed with other road-building materials, the rubber reduces the ageing process of the surface and reduces noise when driven on.

Low-end products are also producible from this tyre recycling product, such as fenders and damping materials.

Sources

1. Tyre Stewardship Australia, 2022, https://www.tyrestewardship.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/TSA-Tyre-Consumption-Recovery.pdf 
2. ECO GREEN, 2021, https://ecogreenequipment.com/environmental-impacts-of-waste-tire-disposal/#:~:text=Tires%20do%20not%20decompose.,can%20 contribute%20 to%20 climate%20change
3. Allanah Sciberras, 2023, https://www.9news.com.au/national/victoria-news-hundreds-of-tyres-illegally-dumped-in-coastal-reserve-in-geelong/384bc00b-01ce-47cf-aee4-da92749ce5d9 
4. Queensland Government, 2020, https://www.des.qld.gov.au/our-department/news-media/mediareleases/2020/man-fined-for-illegally-dumping-tyres 
5. Tyre Stewardship Australia, date unknown, https://www.tyrestewardship.org.au/about-tsa/strategy/ 
6. Scrap Tire News, 2023, https://scraptirenews.com/information-center/tdf/ 
7. ECO GREEN, 2022, https://ecogreenequipment.com/is-burning-tdf-better-than-fossil-fuels/ 
8. Tushar et al., 2022, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/363700963_Recycling_waste_vehicle_tyres_into_crumb_rubber_and_the_transition_to_renewable_energy_sources_A_comprehensive_life_cycle_assessment

WHEN CONSIDERING THE PURCHASE OF A CARDBOARD BALER FOR YOUR STORE, THERE ARE NUMEROUS FACTORS TO CONSIDER.

HERE ARE THE KEY ASPECTS YOU NEED TO LOOK OUT FOR:

1. Baler Capacity: Determine the volume of cardboard waste your store generates daily or weekly. Choose a cardboard baler with an appropriate capacity to handle your waste volume efficiently.
2. Bale Size: Consider the size of bales you want to produce. Cardboard baler machines come with different specifications regarding bale dimensions. Ensure the cardboard baler you choose can create bales that suit your storage and recycling requirements.
3. Power Requirements: Check the power supply available in your store. Ensure that the cardboard baler you select matches your location’s electrical specifications and power requirements.
4. Space Availability: Measure the available space in your store to accommodate the cardboard baler. Vertical cardboard balers, in particular, are known to require less floor space compared to their horizontal counterparts. Nonetheless, ensuring you have adequate room for the cardboard baler equipment is essential.
5. Safety Features: Look for cardboard balers equipped with appropriate safety features, such as emergency stop buttons, safety interlocks, and warning systems. Safety should always be a top priority to protect your employees and comply with regulations regarding using cardboard balers.
6. Ease of Use: Consider the user-friendliness of the cardboard baler. Look for features like simple controls, auto bale settings and loading processes. Some premium balers have continuous loading to minimise manual labour.
7. Warranty and Service: Check the warranty period offered by the manufacturer and inquire about their after-sales service and support for the cardboard baler. A reliable warranty and prompt service can save you from potential issues in the future when dealing with the cardboard baler.
8. Work out your ROI: Some suppliers might help you work out your current waste collection spending and arrange for your bales to be collected at a lowered rate to justify a good return on investment. Online waste calculators might help you get a rough savings estimate.
9. Check for local grants: See if you’re eligible for any grants on diverting waste to landfill. NSW EPA is an excellent site to reference.

NOW, LET’S DISCUSS THE STEPS TO FOLLOW WHEN PURCHASING A CARDBOARD BALER:

1. Assess your requirements: Determine the amount of cardboard waste you generate and the desired bale size. Consider other factors like available space and power supply when evaluating the need for a cardboard baler.
2. Research suppliers: Look for reputable suppliers or manufacturers of cardboard balers. Explore their product range, case studies, and overall reputation in the market for producing reliable cardboard balers.
3. Request quotes: Contact the suppliers and request quotes for the specific model of cardboard baler that meets your requirements. Compare prices, warranty terms, and additional services provided for the cardboard baler.
4. Schedule demonstrations: If possible, arrange for demonstrations of the shortlisted cardboard balers to observe their performance, ease of use, and safety features firsthand. This will help you decide when to select a suitable cardboard baler.
5. Consider the total cost of ownership: While comparing prices, consider the long-term costs associated with maintenance, repairs, and energy consumption for the cardboard baler. Opting for a slightly higher-priced, but more energy-efficient and reliable cardboard baler can prove cost-effective in the long run.
6. Finalise the purchase: Once you have chosen a supplier and model, negotiate the final terms, including price, warranty, delivery, and installation for the cardboard baler. Ensure you have a written agreement detailing all aspects of the purchase.
7. Arrange delivery and installation: Coordinate with the supplier to schedule the delivery and installation of the cardboard baler. Make sure you have suitable space and necessary electrical connections ready for the smooth integration of the cardboard baler.
8. Train your staff: After the installation, provide comprehensive training to your employees on how to operate the cardboard baler safely and efficiently. Some suppliers offer training videos on how to use their vertical balers.

By considering these factors and following these steps, you can make an informed decision when buying a cardboard baler for your store.

For more information on the WastePac Vertical Baler range, contact Waste Initiatives at info@wasteinitiatives.com.

See how this entrepreneurial company, Glass Half Full, from the United States is doing its part of an Andela System on glass recycling, which Franziska Trautmann and her boyfriend co-found. Their enterprise could be Louisiana’s biggest glass-recycling operation, having saved millions of beer bottles from landfills. They aim to recycle locally, reducing the need to transport glass waste to manufacturers elsewhere.

To help them achieve their mission, Glass Half Full receives a ton of community support, including financial assistance through crowdfunding. They were able to purchase the necessary equipment, including a machine that can grind one bottle at a time, and rent a warehouse to operate from.

Glass Half Full operates in Louisiana, a state with a shrinking coastline, and the company’s efforts help to rebuild it. Volunteers use the crushed glass as material to assist in the reconstruction.

Glass Half Full receives around a garbage truckload of glass every week, deposited in their warehouse. They offer free drop-offs or pick-up services at a cost. The bottles are eventually dumped into a crushing machine to produce a mix of sand, gravel, and labels. Some larger glass chunks are too big to use, and the company is still figuring out what to do with them.

Glass Half Full separates metals and plastics from the waste stream for recycling, and even sends some non-recyclable cardboard to a pig farm for composting. They also turn colorful bottles into specialty sand that artists and homeowners can use. They sell the largest grains of glass as gravel, and the smallest grains as a fine powder.

Glass Half Full’s recycling operation relies on a key piece of equipment called the Andela GP-05 Pulverizer. This machine is designed to crush glass bottles into sand and gravel and easily separate the contaminants, making the recycling process much more efficient.

According to Franziska, the GP-05 is critical to their recycling operation. The machine grinds the bottles at 1 Ton per hour, allowing the team to process glass quickly and efficiently. Despite its small size, the Andela GP-05 pulverizer has proven to be a valuable asset to Glass Half Full’s recycling efforts. Thanks to the machine and the dedication of the company’s founders and volunteers, over 4 million beer bottles’ worth of glass have been saved from landfills in just two years.