Is thermocol recyclable waste?

Currently Thermocol after being used is thrown away and is not being recycled. Thermocol is a plastic; is 100% recyclable and has a high value to recyclers. But it is 95% air and is a low weight – high volume (large space required) plastic waste product which making it expensive to collect, store and transport.

Can thermocol be decomposed?

Thermocol is manufactured from a petroleum-based plastic compound known as polystyrene. Naturally decomposing thermocol is not as damaging to the environment as the incinerated ones. However, most thermocol do not decompose naturally and have to be burnt as part of waste management process.

Is thermocol a biodegradable waste?

Though both plastic and thermocol are non-biodegradable, plastic is easily recyclable while thermocol is not. “Presently, there is no technology to recycle thermocol. There are only two options: either compress and dump them in soil or burn it, which is known to release carcinogenic gasses,” said Sanjeev V.

Is thermocol bad for environment?

Thermocol is a non-biodegradable substance so it has become one of the major causes of environment pollution. Burning thermocol produces harmful gases which can cause cancer. Using these is also health hazardous.

Why is recycling thermocol bad for the environment?

When cooled, the molten residue hardened and emits obnoxiously pungent vapors. Recycling thermocol is also very difficult as it has a very complicated production process and it will cost more to recycle thermocol than to produce it. The best way to manage thermocol is by limiting its production and ensuring efficient management of thermocol wastes.

What can be used in place of thermocol?

“Thermocol that is commonly used in the packaging industry can be replaced with biodegradable mycelium packaging. Our traditional, age-old method of using hay for packaging can also be re-introduced,” felt Dharmesh. One of the most rampant uses of thermocol is in making disposable plates and cutlery items, due to its cheap price and stiffness.

How much does a sheet of thermocol cost?

A 3/4 mm thick and 2 feet long cardboard sheet costs Rs 20 where as a 0.5 mm thick and 3-feet thermocol sheet costs Rs 25 on average as various stationery shop owners will tell you. But what is wrong with thermocol? Thermocol is recyclable, however the cost of recycling is too high for non-producers to invest in the required machinery.

Why is thermocol the best raw material for school projects?

Thermocol remains the most preferred raw material for school projects. It is mostly lack of expertise and awareness that lead teachers and parents to opt for thermocol in most cases, as they help their wards with school projects.

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