PEX Is Recyclable © PPFA 2009

What is PEX? PE X Polyethylene - cross-linked Polyethylene (Used to make products such as milk bottles, toys and containers) PEX Higher heat resistance Long term pressure-holding capability Resists “creeping” and cracking More strength and abuse resistance Crosslinking © PPFA 2009

That reason is crosslinking. The primary reason that PEX is such a great material for making tubing to distribute hot and cold pressurized water is the same reason why the recycling characteristics of PEX are different than those for most other plastic piping materials. That reason is crosslinking. © PPFA 2009

Why does crosslinking affect the recycling characteristics? PEX Tubing Crosslinked Crosslinked materials cannot be ‘re-melted’ Re-melting would be necessary to produce additional tubing Other Plastic Piping (PVC, ABS, PE, CPVC) Not crosslinked Can be ‘re-melted’ Can be used to produce additional pipe or tubing © PPFA 2009

How is recycled PEX used? PEX is an “extender” for other durable plastic-based products, such as: Decking Reuseable Pallets Tote Bins © PPFA 2009

What does recyclable PEX come from? Manufacturing ‘Off-Spec’ Installation Overage End-of-Use © PPFA 2009

The recycling process has several steps Collection of pipe or tubing Removal of contaminants Color segregation (if needed) Grinding (granulation or shredding) Secondary size reduction (pulverizing) Incorporation into other products © PPFA 2009

Post Consumer Collection? PEX tube intended for recycling must be collected in sufficient quantity to make it practical for recycling. PEX classified off-spec is easily collected by the manufacturing facility. Many producers currently have in-house programs. An efficient method of collection of installation scrap is not currently available, though some pipe producers may have programs in place with their respective customers. PEX pipe has a very long in-service lifetime and most has been installed within the past ten years. Thus, there is currently virtually no requirement for recycling of PEX that has reached the end of its in-use lifetime. © PPFA 2009

Removal of Tramp Material Foreign material (e.g., metal, wood, paper) is removed. Segregation (Color) Most PEX tubing producers offer PEX in different colors. Depending on the type of product into which the recycled PEX will be incorporated, segregation of the individual colors may be necessary © PPFA 2009

Size Reduction Primary Secondary The tubing must be reduced in sized in order to make it easily handled and transportable Tubing is first ground or shredded to create small ‘granules’ (typically 1/8 to ½ inch in longest dimension) Secondary Using sophisticated pulverizing techniques, the granules are further reduced in size to a fine powder. © PPFA 2009

Size Reduction Granules (foreground) are further reduced in pulverizer (background) Pulverized material is prepared for shipment Primary Reduction to granules © PPFA 2009

Re-processing In this case, the ‘recycled’ PEX is blended with polyethylene and melt-processed into other products such as the ‘sheet’ shown here. The sheet is then formed into durable objects. © PPFA 2009

PEX tubing is recyclable © PPFA 2009