How Science Is Fixing Recycling's Grossest Problem

[@amadeusakreveusmusic3356]

4:59 Reminds me of the process recrystallization. Damn it feels good to see how research in chem can (and will) save the world and have an affect on our lives, whether it's from plastic, CO2 emissions, clothing, etc. Great video ACS 😀, and thank u Alex for being a hosting 😄!

[@MohamedIbrahim-tm1wx]

Can the solvent then recycled and reused in another solvolysis process?

[@dungeonmaster2176]

I suppose after the alkane solvents are used they will be burned for fuel. Considering most hydrocarbons are used for fuel in the first place makes the alkane solvent waste not quite a waste if it can burned after used for recycling.

[@reigyst]

I was wondering the same thing... what happens to those solvents afterwards when they have the smelly stuff?

[@SK-tg1vw]

What's the solvents name?😅

[@fredjones554]

Great content

[@SkepticalCaveman]

Luckily HDPE (#2 plastic) is very eaay to recycle even at home. It can be melted in an oven at low temprrature and it doesn't give of toxic fumes.

[@ryhol5417]

In reality: no. All of it goes into the ground or burned. Nobody has resources to sort the garbage that closely. A million times cheaper to make new plastic. And that’s what everyone does

[@Cineenvenordquist]

Couldn't just call it 2 loops 1 solvent? And at that a physical separation...wait, though there has to be a side of each solvent loop where the contaminants are removed; hoping the inks separate by color/clarity/🧄. Still waiting on tips for moving fast with polyalkane solvents and breaking things safely.

[@cesarsoto852]

Great it can be done

[@pstreicher]

I've been looking for this answer for weeks now. But, why don't we see this being done locally, everywhere. I believe the cost outweighs the benefit. But, we need to push the government to supplement companies to do this just as we supplement the farmers to grow our food. When will we begin the push? Who can stand up and lead the charge?