Comment on Auto sorting trash can
pupbiru@aussie.zone 2 days ago
i can make a much cheaper, less complex, and perfectly accurate version of this that automatically sorts waste based on its final destination: it’s just a trash can and it all goes to the dump because recycling isn’t profitable :(
blueeggsandyam@lemmy.world 2 days ago
Mostly right except for aluminum and maybe PET #1 plastics. Glass should be washed and the bottles reused. It would be informative to the average person if it said “plastic, not recyclable “ so that people know for everything except PET.
What makes aluminum cans so unique is that they are often recycled back into themselves, containing nearly 70% recycled material. That is 3 times more than plastic or glass. This translates into the can’s leaving a good environmental footprint. It also has a high value for re-selling, making recycling programs possible. Scrap aluminum gets $1367 per ton, as compared to plastic that only gets $310, and glass actually gets $0 per ton. Cans are also getting lighter, while continuing to stay durable. This leads to better efficiency for shipping, and eventually less waste.