Recycling
The recycling industry recycles old materials and turn them into renewable resources. Recycling plants play a role in keeping our planet clean and reduce so much waste. There are different kinds of recycling facilities including material recovery facilities (MRF) that turns recycled waste into things like paper, scrap metal, glass, and more. There are also waste-to-energy plants that use recycled materials and turn it into electricity.
No matter the type of recycling plant, dust, particulate, odors, and fumes can be generated. It is important that dust control is used for a cleaner and safer working environment.
For the Environment
Over the years, the recycling industry has grown into a thriving one. Accounting for almost 800,000 jobs in the USA. By recycling recyclable materials, they can then be remanufactured into new products. This reduces waste such as plastics, aluminum and other materials that fill up our landfills and cause problems to the environment. Reduce, reuse, recycle is the old adage that still applies today.
Whether you know it or not, industrial air products help create a safe and clean industry and working environment at recycling plants.
Dust Sources
- Paper
- Plastic
- Glass
- Cardboard
- Metal / Aluminum
- Electronic Waste
Health Risks
Not known to many, recycling plants can be very dangerous. Working around scrap metal, shards of glass, and some chemicals shouldn't be taken lightly. Hard hats, work gloves, and boots are worn to prevent injury. Inhaling dust and fumes is also a hazard. For example, scrap paper that is being transported or mixed onto a conveyor can generate dust. Electronic waste such as old batteries or computers can release toxic fumes such as lead, mercury, or cadmium. Workers may also be exposed to asbestos or silica.
Health effects including respiratory symptoms, eye and nose irritation, and allergies. Long-term exposure to harmful dust particulate and fumes can lead to chronic conditions such as asthma or lung diseases.
OSHA Regulations
The recycling industry is subjected to regulations just like any other industry. One of these being OSHA regulations. They have set rules in place on proper ventilation to protect workers from fumes/dust. Many workers at plants wear respirators as an added precaution. Dust collectors and industrial air products can help keep a plant clean, safe, and compliant with OSHA regulations.
Combustible Dust Risks
A lot of dust generated in recycling is combustible. This means that it is extremely likely to combust when ignited by an ignition source. For example, paper and cardboard dust is very combustible. Ignition sources can be a spark generated from equipment, electrostatic discharges, or even something as simple as a cigarette butt. That is why it is so important that work areas are kept clean and dust-free.
