Recycling Materials (OCR Gateway GCSE Chemistry: Combined Science)

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Recycling Materials

  • Everyday materials such as glass, metal, plastics, ceramics are produced from natural but finite sources
  • Some products made from these materials can be reused which saves energy and decreases the environmental impact
  • Glass bottles only need to be washed and sterilised before they can be reused
  • Other products cannot be reused in this way but can be processed and recycled
  • Metals can be crushed into smaller pieces, then melted and recast into new shapes to make new products 
  • Sometimes the materials being recycled need to be kept separate, depending on what the use of the recycled material will be
  • Iron for example can be recycled together with waste steel as both materials can be added to a blast furnace, reducing the use of iron ore
  • Glass that is broken or damaged and cannot be reused is separated by colour and composition before being recycled
  • The glass is then crushed and melted, and remoulded into shape for its new use
  • Overall, recycling:
    • conserves limited raw materials,
    • reduces the release of harmful substances into the environment
    • reduces the amount of waste sent to landfill

Iron ore, Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry

Iron ore supplies can be conserved and will last longer if iron is recycled

Factors Affecting Recycling

  • Several factors are considered in regards to whether a product should be recycled including:
    • how easy it is to collect and sort the waste
    • the cost of recycling compared to burning the product (incineration) or sending to landfill 
    • the amount of energy required at each stage of recycling 
    • the type and amount of any harmful by products released by recycling
  • Disadvantages of recycling arise from the process itself:
    • Collection and transport of material to be recycled requires energy and fuel
    • Workers, vehicles and worksites need to be organised and maintained
    • Materials need to be sorted before they can be recycled which also requires energy and labour
    • Products made from recycled materials may not always be of the same quality as the original

Examiner Tip

You should be able to evaluate the advantages of recycling metals and how recycling can preserve both the environment and the supply of valuable raw materials.

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Alexandra

Author: Alexandra

Expertise: Chemistry

Alex studied Biochemistry at Newcastle University before embarking upon a career in teaching. With nearly 10 years of teaching experience, Alex has had several roles including Chemistry/Science Teacher, Head of Science and Examiner for AQA and Edexcel. Alex’s passion for creating engaging content that enables students to succeed in exams drove her to pursue a career outside of the classroom at SME.