Where is porcelain recycled?

To understand in which container porcelain is recycled in the first place, it will be necessary to know its composition. Thus, porcelain is mainly composed of a mixture of kaolin, quartz and feldspar , minerals that are found and obtained from nature.

In the manufacturing process, these three minerals are mixed with water and kneaded, then the piece is molded and fired at a temperature of 900 ° C in order to eliminate water molecules and possible organic substances. The enameling is then carried out, covering the porcelain mixture with a glassy film and finally it is fired again at a temperature of 1,400 ° C. The result of the process is to obtain a hard, translucent and fragile material known as porcelain, which is used to make tableware, lamps, vases and many other decorative elements.

The most common mistake due to the similarity between some of its characteristics and properties is to confuse this material with glass or crystal . Crystal is made up of silica, potassium hydroxide, and lead oxide. This last element is what differentiates it from the composition of glass, which is mainly made up of silica, sodium carbonate and limestone.

However, the main reason why these materials cannot be mixed or thrown in the same container does not lie in their composition, but in the fact that the glass is manufactured at a different temperature than that of porcelain and glass, so it cannot be melted in the same oven . In fact, the mixture of these three materials in the same container would complicate the production of the glass, giving rise to poor results, which is a pity given that, currently, glass is one of the materials that is fully recycled and allows savings of raw materials and energy.

Thus, while the glass is thrown into the green igloo-shaped container, the porcelain and glass (with certain exceptions) must be deposited in the container for the rest of the waste , which is usually gray. This container is used for those waste that cannot be recycled, including from diapers, dirty paper, dust and compresses to ceramic and glass remains, usually from plates, glasses, glasses or light bulbs.

The treatment applied to the waste stored in this container basically consists of transporting it to authorized landfills where, although the waste is not used or given a second life, at least the degradation of the organic matter is achieved, which that guarantees and enables the future restoration and recovery of the area.

The porcelain is crushed together with the rest of the waste disposed of in the gray container in order to achieve a homogeneous mass and thus reduce the volume of waste. In addition, a small size can benefit the anaerobic decomposition process because the entry of oxygen is practically impossible. On the other hand, aerobic degradation can also be applied, spreading the crushed fragments in very extensive layers.

It is necessary to mention that, the disposal of garbage in landfills is the most undesirable and disrespectful method with the environment, since it presents many disadvantages such as:

• Biogas emissions .
• Bad smells.
• Leachate filtration.
• Occupation of large areas of territory.
• Visual impact.
• Noise and noise pollution .
• Deterioration of the spaces near the installation.
• Proliferation of bacteria and animals typical of these places.

Therefore, when buying a product, it is preferable to choose those that are recyclable and therefore respectful with the environment.

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