SAE30 Sep 2020 19:20
Hi All - The pellets are made from the waste from a MRF (Materials recovery facility) generally. This is what would be classed as the back end waste or "process loss" from the recycling stream. As time as gone by the quality of recyclable materials produced at a MRF has needed to improve leading to increased waste/process loss. The “back end” waste in made up of shredded paper and card/ films/ plastics/ smaller waste such as crisp packets/wood/nappies etc... This material is smaller by size, dry with a high calorific value compared to waste from the front end of the process that is large bulky/ food/wet waste, this waste cannot be used in the pellet process. Like all processes in general **** in **** out - My point is that only certain wastes can be used to produce pellets. This waste currently makes it’s was in to the SRF market, cement works, at a lesser gate fee than general wastes. The next stage to pelletize involves, removing any fines, before drying and removing any PVC via optical sorting units. Waste is then heated and pressed to produce the pellets. Note: The operational costs are fairly high at this point due to energy costs (The drying process) Currently a facility in Hull, Eco Power are producing the pellets with N+P trying to open a plant in Teesside however they are not doing a great job in operating it as it was supposed to start production over a year ago! I hope this paints a clearer picture.