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Environment and production for Edexcel GCSE Chemistry
This page covers the following topics:
1. Polymers and the environment
2. Recycling polymers
Many polymers are non-biodegradable and so their disposal can cause a number of environmental issues. There are three main methods for disposing of polymers: recycling, landfill and burning.
Recycling is one method of disposal for polymers. It has a number of advantages and is often preferred over disposal through landfill or burning. It does, however, also have some disadvantages.
1
Can a plastic be recycled more than once?
Yes
2
What are the two main steps involved in recycling a polymer?
1. melting the polymer down 2. forming a new product from the melted material
3
Why is burning polymers bad for the environment?
It releases greenhouse gases (e.g. carbon dioxide).
4
Give an advantage of recycling over disposing of plastics in landfill.
Recycling saves land, is more environmentally sustainable.
5
Is the amount of crude oil used greater for recycling or burning?
burning
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