3 (+1)R

In solving plastic waste

concept
disposal problem
by Lee Jo May
Universiti Sains
Malaysia
Sept 20, 2010

Overvie
w
problems derived from irresponsible

Discuss
waste disposal

plastic

Explain and highlight the contribution of 3(+1)R concept

in plastic waste management

Focus on development of (+1)R Introduction to

biodegradable plastic

PLASTIC PLASTIC PLASTIC PLASTIC PLASTIC PLASTIC PLASTIC PLASTIC PLASTIC PLASTIC

1. Plastics low
biodegradability
2. Limited landfills
3. Expanding
population and
industrialisation

WASTE

WASTE

WASTE

WASTE

WASTE

WASTE

WASTE

WASTE

WASTE

WASTE
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PLASTIC EARTH

3 (+1 ) R
Concept
Reduce
Introduce
3R
Redevelop
biodegradable
Reuse
insufficient
plastic
Recycle
3 R 2 reasons
(+1) R
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Redevelop

Non-degradable

Degradable

Biodegradable material definition :

material capable of undergoing decomposition into

carbon dioxide, water, methane, or biomass resulted
from the enzymatic action of microorganisms, which
can be measured by standardized tests, in a specified
period of time reflecting available disposal condition.
-ASTM-

Eg. :

Eg. :

Cellulose

Polyesters

Life cycle of GREEN

biodegradable plastic material
NATURAL
RESOURCE
S

CARBON DIOXIDE
& WATER
(CO2 + H2O+
C residue)

DISPOSABLE

HARVEST

PRODUCT
BIODEGRADABLE
POLYMER


BIODEGRADATION

Increasing Time
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Conventional vs Biodegradable
Composition

Conventional
plastics

Biodegradable
plastics

Example

Polyethylene,
polypropylene

Starch, Cellulose,
polyesters

Bad

Excellent

Commonly cheap

Mostly expensive

Application

Wide variety

Limited
applications

Raw materials

Unrenewable

Renewable

Biodegradability
Price

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Conclusions

3R is insufficient to overcome problems of plastic

waste accumulation.

3R & (+1)R [redeveloping plastic materials] should

coexist.

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