recoveryrecycling

Recoveryrecycling is a term used in waste management to describe an integrated approach that seeks to maximize resource recovery from waste streams by combining elements of both recovery and recycling. The concept emphasizes extracting usable materials and energy from waste, rather than treating waste as a final disposal problem. It covers a spectrum of technologies and facilities that recover value at different stages of the waste hierarchy.

Recovery refers to energy recovery and material recovery. Energy recovery includes processes such as incineration with energy production, gasification, pyrolysis, and anaerobic digestion. Material recovery involves sorting, cleaning, and reclaiming materials like metals, plastics, glass, and paper before disposal. Recycling encompasses converting collected post-consumer materials into new products through mechanical processing or chemical (feedstock) recycling. Integrated systems may combine sorting, cleaning, and processing to feed recycled streams back to manufacturers.

The approach aims to reduce landfill use, conserve nonrenewable resources, and lower certain environmental impacts by diverting waste from disposal and reclaiming value. In practice, recoveryrecycling is pursued through various means, including material recovery facilities, waste-to-energy plants, composting, and chemical recycling facilities, often supported by policy incentives and performance standards to improve material streams and energy efficiency.

Challenges include contamination and variability in waste streams, the economics of recovery technologies, and environmental concerns related to energy recovery facilities. Life-cycle assessments and robust regulatory frameworks are important to ensure clean operations and to compare performance across systems. Ongoing research and standardized reporting help advance best practices in recoveryrecycling and its role in the circular economy.