Why We Should Recycle PVC Guttering

Europe recycled 734,568 tonnes of PVC, including the UK. The recycling stats for PVC  is not published regularly for individual countries but however in 2016 the UK recycled over 120,000 tonnes of PVC and reached a record annual figure.

We believe in protecting the environment and recycling of materials including PVC & low grade plastics. PVC,low grade plastics and other recyclable items are separated into bales, ready to be recycled and made into new manufacturing process. PVC is used for a wide variety of household items across the world. It is most commonly used for UPVC gutter systems and more commonly used now in the UK than any other materials. PVC gutter systems diverts rainwater from the roofs of our buildings, ensuring it ends up in the drainage system rather than gathering on our homes and penetrating into our properties foundations leading to more severe issues. On average the lifespan for PVC guttering can last 15-20 years if correctly maintained. PVC guttering can be recycled at several different recycling centres across the UK.

PVC Recycling 

According to Building Research Establishment (BRE) PVC can be recycled several times depending on the application. PVC gutter is a highly sustainable product, which is fully recyclable and can be recycled up to 10 times with no material degradation which means it can be used to create new products with the same strength and advantages has new PVC. Meaning that it has a minimum life of  250 years.Thus keeping PVC and plastic out of our landfill site and oceans meaning good for the environment and re-production potentially for many years. For this reason, the UK and EU industry have been eager to collect PVC waste and recycle it as cost effective as possible. 

Recycled PVC in the UK

Europe recycled 734,568 tonnes of PVC, including the UK. The recycling stats for PVC  is not published regularly for individual countries but however in 2016 the UK recycled over 120,000 tonnes of PVC and reached a record annual figure. According to the UK’s largest recycling firm, it shows that people’s attitudes are changing towards re-using recyclable plastic to create new products.This means we can conserve non-renewable fossil fuels, reducing consumption of energy used in the production process of new plastics, reducing emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, thus reducing the amount of waste in our landfill.

Recycling process

For PVC gutters to be recycled they have to be collected by a plastic recycling company  or waste management centres to dispose of the PVC as efficiently as possible. The simplest of plastic recycling processes involves collecting,  sorting by polymer type, shredding, washing, melting, and pelletising. The actual particular processes vary based on plastic resin or type of plastic product. The materials then can be re-used to manufacture new PVC.

Mechanical recycling is significantly less expensive than the process used for feedstock recycling which is much more expensive than mechanical recycling.Regardless of which method is used, recycled PVC products are relatively pure, and can be used for a wide range of applications. UK and EU aim to look at other methods of recycling PVC and find more efficient and cost-effective ways to be developed in the future.

PVC Recycle collection plants.

Recycle end of life PVC waste to plastic expert recycling centres. Most collect free of charge and deliver them to the recycling centre to reuse in a variety of industries. Most can recycle any PVC waste.

Save the environment with recycled plastics used for everyday items e.g.

• Wheelie bins
• Underground drainage systems
• Plastic guttering
• Plant pots
• Food caddies and food bags
• Carrier bags and so much more.

Here are several recycling centres that recycle PVC guttering in the UK.

Eurocell.co.uk / free collection

Gkrecycling.co.uk

Reclamet.co.uk

For more information about recycling PVC guttering please feel free to contact us.