How Plastic Recycling Actually Works

Reactions Science Videos | August 28, 2018

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What happens to plastic bottles when you recycle them? Do they get made into fresh bottles, or do they become something else? This week on Reactions, learn why it's easier to turn bottles into workout shirts than it is to fully recycle the plastic.

Sources:

Recycling Plastics

How Plastic Recycling Equipment Works

The Violent Afterlife of a Recycled Plastic Bottle

Plastics recycling: challenges and opportunities

Recycling of polymers: a review.

How Plastic Bottles Are Recycled Into Polyester

Chemical Recycling of Poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Polyethylene terephthalate

Polyesters

Ever wonder why dogs sniff each others' butts? Or how Adderall works? Or whether it's OK to pee in the pool? We've got you covered: Reactions a web series about the chemistry that surrounds you every day.

Produced by the American Chemical Society.