The value of a recycling operation depends on feedstock, sorting quality, output use and operating cost as well as throughput. Equipment should be assessed as part of the complete production process.
Start with the material and its intended use
Waste plastics from different sources vary in resin, moisture and contamination. Establish the feedstock supply and intended use of the recovered material before discussing sorting, granulation, washing and pelletising.
Use a consistent basis for cost comparisons
Capital investment, electricity, labour, knife and screen maintenance, and waste disposal all affect recovery costs. Compare options using similar material and operating conditions, recording actual throughput and consumption per unit of material.
Check project and customer requirements
A project may be subject to local environmental, workplace, recycled-content and traceability requirements. These vary by location and over time; use the applicable official documents and customer specifications.
Support decisions with material trials
Prepare representative samples and record feeding method, output size, dust and maintenance needs. Include the material and equipment configuration with every trial result.