As one of South Africa’s leading PVC manufacturing companies, IPC supports and endorses safe and sustainable ways of disposing of PVC.
Because PVC is not biodegradable, it can cause damage to the environment if it is discarded irresponsibly. Thankfully, we live in a time where there are numerous ways to dispose of PVC responsibly to avoid harming the environment.
Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can dispose of your PVC in a safe and sustainable manner.
Donation
Many PVC products do not necessarily need to be thrown into landfills or incinerated. In many cases, PVC products can be repurposed or reused by other people or organisations for their projects.
There are several not-for-profit organisations that can make use of used PVC to build structures for the underprivileged. Alternatively, you could donate the PVC secondhand to others who might find it useful for their particular projects.
Whether you have PVC piping or other types of PVC products that you no longer need, if the PVC is still in good condition, there is a high chance that you can donate it rather than destroy or throw it into a landfill.
Recycling
If your used PVC products are damaged and no longer suitable for reuse in other applications, then recycling is the best possible option. There are several PVC recycling operations throughout South Africa that would be more than happy to take your PVC and recycle it.
It is important that your PVC be clean and free from any kind of contamination before recycling. Any contaminated or dirty PVC might be rejected and end up in a landfill.
The South African Plastics Recycling Organisation has a comprehensive list of plastics recycling companies and contact details where you can find an appropriate PVC recycling outfit near you.
By recycling your PVC in the proper manner, you can minimise the amount of PVC waste that ends up in landfills and contribute to a greener planet.
Repurposing
The many advantages that PVC has to offer make it a great option for repurposing into a variety of creative projects. Thanks to its high durability, high pressure rating, and high-temperature ratings, it can be used to create interesting furniture, storage solutions, craft projects for children, and much more.
Before you throw your PVC product in the trash, consider how it might be repurposed in a creative way.
What Not to Do
PVC shouldn’t be tossed into a landfill if possible, as it will not biodegrade and will remain there for many years.
PVC should also not be burned. When PVC burns, the fumes release hydrogen chloride and other gases, which can be harmful to one’s health.
In some cases, controlled facilities may burn PVC, but they have adequate equipment, procedures, and proper safety mechanisms in place to ensure that the negative side effects that come from burning PVC are effectively mitigated. Burning PVC can put you in danger, so it is not recommended. It is also extremely harmful to the environment if it is not handled correctly.
Here at IPC, we pride ourselves on being a leader in sustainable and innovative PVC manufacturing companies. Contact us today to find out more about the innovative PVC compounds that we offer and how they can contribute to your business.
