First Estonian low-grade plastics recycling centre unveiled

Estonia – The first facility for recycling low-grade plastics waste in Estonia has opened in Järva County thanks to a locally developed technology that claims to drastically reduce sorting problems.

A joint venture between municipal waste company Väätsa Prügila and recycling specialist Rexest Grupp, the plant will use material, mainly derived from household waste, to produce plastic flakes that can be used for items such as lawn furniture and construction materials.
Rexest Chairman Aarne Saarevali said his company’s technology allows various types of packaging, such as bottles, yogurt pots and plastic bags, to be processed together, eliminating the sorting issues that have held back many recycling companies from handling mixed plastics waste.
The facility will initially take in waste only from central Estonia, but Mr Saarevali said his company is looking to expand if the business proves successful.