Many industries rely on rubber to develop their products. It is widely used for safety gadgets in the medical industry, to connect parts in heavy machinery equipment, and to manufacture children’s toys.
This material is versatile with excellent quality, but it also comes with consequences in the form of contamination and pollution. This ultimate guide on the rubber recycling process provides solutions for the use of this unique material.
Rubber Facts:
- Rubber comes from latex which comes from the cells of rubbing-producing plants. Its characteristics allow the rubber to be remarkably flexible.
- There are different types of rubber with unique properties and uses. Each one comes from various plants.
- There is a process called “vulcanization” that treats rubber with sulfur and heat, making it hard but keeping the natural flexibility.
- It can resist extreme temperatures, friction, and water and is strong.
Industries that work with large machinery rely on rubber for advanced and safe work. They know the benefits of this material and how to handle it. It is essential to understand why pieces like timing belts come from rubber to appreciate their excellent qualities. Without this material, other things like balloons, shoes, mattresses, and even condoms would not exist.
One of the most popular products made from this material is tires. This also makes them one of the primary sources of rubber waste and excellent for recycling. Tires transform in many different ways, not just by recycling but also by using the same shape for other outcomes.
Where Is Rubber Recycled?
Materials like rubber ready for recycling go to specialized centers. These centers are close to busy industrial areas; they are closer to the leading producers of waste and easier to access. Different centers specialize in various materials for recycling, like paper, glass, steel, wood, and rubber. This is an essential part of the ultimate guide on the rubber recycling process.
How Is Rubber Recycled?
- Personnel in charge will sort and clean them to ensure they are as pure as possible.
- Large machinery chops rubber into tiny pieces. These machines also operate with parts made from rubber.
- Once there are a million tiny pieces, the material melts back to its essential elements; this way, it can mix with other materials and create more possibilities.
- The rubber will take a new form when another product emerges. Its durability and resistance allow for the transformation to finish.
- Recycled products receive extra value because of the process they have been through and their critical role in today’s world.
Why Is Rubber Recycled?
The properties of vulcanized rubber make it last very long; therefore, recycling is the best option when its life span comes to an end. Its properties make rubber easy to break down and fusion with other materials to achieve new products.
Recycling is one of the best things we can do for our planet. For a society to function, there are elements that we cannot stop. Still, we can offer a solution and transform something that has been used into something shiny and new with a new purpose and a contribution to minimizing waste on our planet.
