Abstract
Abstract In the sorting plant examined during the research, the sorting of the selectively collected mixed packaging waste is done by hand. Studies were performed on the quantitative changes of the waste stream entering and leaving the sorting plant, the composition properties according to the particle size, and lastly the number of pickings. The amount of incoming waste has increased linearly over the years. The sizes preferred by the optical separators were the guideline during the measurements. Sixty percentage of all incoming waste falls in the ideal range of 70–350 mm, 20% in the range of <70 mm and 20% in the range of >350 mm. Because there are significant differences in composition and quantities as the seasons and months alternate, these results provide important information for engineers designing a mechanized technology.
Highlights
One of the main challenges for the current circular economy policy of the European Union (EU) is to increase the rate of recycling packaging
It is necessary to start working on mechanized developments and expansions so the sorting of selectively collected packaging waste succeeds in the coming years to meet EU recycling targets [6,7,8]
The workers separate the material mixed on the sorting belt into the following types of materials: mixed paper, cardboard, beverage cartons, PolyEthylene Terephthalate (PET), LowDensity PolyEthylene (LDPE), High-Density PolyEthylene (HDPE), mixed plastic, aluminum, iron, glass, and impurities
Summary
One of the main challenges for the current circular economy policy of the European Union (EU) is to increase the rate of recycling packaging. The EU has set a target of recycling at least 65% by weight of all packaging waste by 31 December 2025 at the latest and at least 70% by weight by 31 December 2030 at the latest [1]. In Hungary, the processing of the current amount of waste is already a problem for many sorting plants; more problems will arise from the expected increase of the packaging waste, the congestion in the plants, and the unsuitable collection methods. It is necessary to start working on mechanized developments and expansions so the sorting of selectively collected packaging waste succeeds in the coming years to meet EU recycling targets [6,7,8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
