Why is polystyrene recycling important, and what are the challenges associated with its current recycling methods?

Label:chem

Topic
Less than 5% of polystyrene is currently recycled, contributing to landfill waste and environmental pollution, with potential adverse human health effects. Mechanical recycling of polystyrene is challenging due to irreversible degradation from repeated thermal treatment and difficulties with impurity control, making it costly to transport and process.
Answer
Polystyrene recycling is crucial to reduce the need for virgin polymer production and mitigate climate change effects, as less than 5% of it is recycled. Mechanical recycling is hindered by thermal degradation, impurity control issues, and high transportation costs due to its lightweight and bulkiness, leading many material recycling facilities to not accept it.
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