The subjecting of various plastics in the waste stream to treatment by steam at the temperature and pressures as contained within the autoclave results in the plastics changing their shape and density.

Plastic film becomes soft and malleable; the action of the rotating autoclave forms the plastic film into dense balls of plastic (similar in shape to pebbles).

High temperature resistant plastic film such as that used in the manufacture of baby's nappies remains in its original form and shape except that all organic material that used to be part of the nappies has been removed in the process.

HDPE as used in the manufacture of plastic bottles shrinks when processed; in the case of plastic bottles all labels and markings are removed and their contents released and either absorbed into the fibre or in the case of water carried over and condensed with the steam.

Approximately 10% of the original waste stream is in the form of various plastics and it is envisaged that a minimum of 90% of these plastics will be recovered for reuse.

Following recovery the plastics are conveyed to a plastic baling station for baling and onward shipment into the marketplace.

The remaining material, is conveyed to the residue treatment area.

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