Observation of non-recyclable plastic in recycling shops: present practice and potential usage

Plastic waste recycling has been the most effective way to care for the earth in terms of alleviating the earth’s hardships. The recycling process of various types of plastic waste in recycling shops (RS) generates non-recyclables, which generally adhere to recyclable plastic. This study conducted a comprehensive field survey to exhibit plastic waste recycling practices and measure non-recyclable plastic affixed with recyclable plastic from the RS of Khulna City in Bangladesh. The label of PET bottles was identified as the most significant non-recyclable fragment. According to laboratory-based and on-site estimations, 6.1–6.9 tons of non-recyclables have been generated each month through PET bottle recycling activities in 35 RS of Khulna City. The estimated non-recyclables have been disposed of at the nearest streams, secondary disposal points, and open spaces, and sometimes people burned them in the open environment near RS. The non-recyclable plastics identified as PP from the FT-IR and NIR spectrum should be managed appropriately to uphold environmental hygiene. Energy conservation technologies could be viable solutions for managing and reducing non-recyclables. The government authorities in power should coordinate monitoring and management protocols to support the plastic RS, patronize the recycling activities, and reduce the abrupt disposal of non-recyclables.