Plastics waste: A technological and economic study.

The properties, classification and fabrication of plastics are first reviewed with a description of the different polymers. The consumption pattern and uses of plastics are then described. In Chapter 4 the output of solid wastes, their weight, volume and nature are discussed. Estimates of solid wastes production for 1974/75 are calculated. The first part of Chapter 5 reviews plastics waste forecasts made by Staudinger, and the second part describes the development of a model for forecasting plastics wastes and a discussion of results obtained. The next three chapters describe the various collection, transport, and disposal methods used and proposed for solid wastes, their costs, and the effect of plastics waste on them. Separation plants are also discussed. The various methods and techniques which are/would be involved in the recycling of plastics waste is reviewed in Chapter 9, and the various methods of rendering plastics degradable in Chapter 10. Chapter 11 is an analysis of the litter problem. The current state of knowledge is discussed, and a model is described, which can be used to study the effect of various parameters on the litter level. Finally, alternative policies for dealing with plastics waste are discussed.