Is PVC pipe recycled?
PVC pipe is recyclable, contrary to some reports. Both post industrial waste and post consumer waste is recycled. PVC is a thermoplastic material and as such is readily recycled. Being thermoplastic any waste generated in the manufacturing process is recycled – usually like for like. PVC pipe is such a durable material that the opportunities for large volumes of material to recycle simply do not exist. When they are available they can be recycled. PIPA, in association with Collex, has successfully established a process to recover plastics pipes from construction and demolition waste across Sydney. Details of this event are found under Plastics Pipe Recycling Trial – End of Trial Report. The process removes practically all plastics pipes from the waste and produces granulated materials suitable for new pipe feedstock. However, it must be recognised that the overall volumes are low for the reasons previously stated. PVC pipe waste, both factory rework and externally sourced e.g. building
