Problems with Plastics
Chemistry: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 11.8.4
Problems with Plastics
Plastics are hard to dispose of, causing landfill and ocean pollution. Recycling PET offers a sustainable solution.
Plastic properties and disposal
- Plastics like polyethylene are durable and waterproof.
- These properties make plastics hard to break down after use.
- Plastics pile up because they resist natural decomposition.
- This affects how scientists and society manage plastic waste.
Landfill challenges
- Plastics take hundreds of years to degrade in landfills.
- Landfill sites fill up fast with plastic waste.
- Plastics can release harmful chemicals into soil and water in landfills.
- This causes long-term environmental damage.
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Plastic pollution in oceans
- Plastics float and break into microplastics in oceans.
- Marine animals ingest plastics, risking their health and survival.
- Oceans accumulate large plastic waste patches called gyres.
- This harms marine ecosystems and food chains.
Toxic gases from burning plastics
- Burning plastic releases toxic gases like carbon monoxide.
- These gases pollute the air and cause health problems.
- Burning plastics adds to global pollution and climate change.
- Controlled disposal methods are necessary to reduce harm.
Recycling PET Plastics
- PET plastic can be chemically recycled.
- PET breaks down into monomers through a special process.
- These monomers are purified and re-polymerised into new PET.
- This helps reduce plastic waste and protects the environment.
Test yourself on Problems with Plastics
What is a significant environmental challenge associated with plastics in landfills?
How do plastics pollute oceans?
How is PET plastic chemically recycled?