Can uPVC Windows be recycled?
Yes, uPVC windows can be recycled! And they definatly should be!
Recycling uPVC windows not only helps reduce the amount of plastic being sent to landfill but also provides numerous environmental benefits that can help us protect our planet for future generations.
In this article, we’ll explore why recycling uPVC windows is so important, and how you can make sure you are recycling uPVC in the right way.
Did you know? uPVC windows are the most commonly used window frames in the UK, making up more than 80% of all window frames. This means that uPVC waste makes up a significant proportion of all plastic waste sent to landfill each year.
What does uPVC mean
uPVC stands for Unplasticized Poly Vinyl Chloride, which is an incredibly durable material that is used to create a variety of building products including windows, doors and conservatories. uPVC’s durability makes it the perfect choice for uPVC window frames as it will last for many years, whilst this is great for the construction industry it does mean that when windows are replaced or upgraded that the materials take an extremely long time to break down.
Recycling for a better future
You would be hard-pushed to turn on the news at the moment without an update on climate change, net zero or the urgent need to reduce our global plastic waste epidemic. It is clear that now more than ever, we must all make an effort to improve our environmental footprint and uPVC window recycling is a great place to start!
Recycling uPVC windows helps divert them away from landfill sites where they will decay slowly over time, this process can take up to 500 years, releasing harmful toxins in the process. What’s more these plastics can find their way into the water system, endangering wildlife, even more, concerning is the prospect that these microplastics are now being detected in drinking water and the food chain.
By recycling uPVC instead of sending it to landfill we can ensure that these dangerous toxins stay out of our eco-system. uPVC recycling also provides additional economic benefits, with the recovered uPVC being used in a number of different ways including new uPVC products and insulation materials. Some plastics have even been used in new road building.
Why Recycle uPVC
Recycling uPVC windows instead of sending them to landfills it helps conserve energy and natural resources, reducing carbon emissions in the process. Recycling uPVC also reduces the need for new raw materials, saving valuable oil and other non-renewable resources that are used in uPVC
uPVC windows can also be recycled and used to create new uPVC products such as uPVC cladding and insulation materials for construction.
In addition, recycling uPVC windows helps reduce energy consumption by using existing materials rather than producing more uPVC from raw materials, leading to a reduction in energy used for uPVC manufacture.
How to Make Sure You are Recycling uPVC Responsibly
To ensure uPVC windows are recycled responsibly, it’s important to find a certified uPVC recycler that is registered with the Environment Agency. This ensures that uPVC windows are recycled in accordance with UK regulations and that the uPVC is used to create new uPVC products.
It’s also important to ensure uPVC is separated from other materials such as glass, metals and cardboard so it can be recycled easily without contamination.
CDDL can recycle your uPVC waste and ensure the waste you provide is dealt with in a responsible and sustainable way. We can collect uPVC waste from any location in Kent, so if you need uPVC recycling services get in touch or book a collection with us today.
