Dijana Kocić

Mechanical plastic recycling is one of the methods of possible re-using plastic waste, which contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as to the reduction of climate change and global warming. Mechanical recycling can be performed on all types of thermoplastics, while in this paper will be analyzed the extrusion process of polypropylene waste. The paper will analyze the impact of mechanical recycling of black jumbo polypropylene bags on air pollution. There will be presented the results of total organic carbon emissions measurement during the process of extrusion of the mentioned material. The fumes from extrusion process are sent to an exhaust gas purification system consisting of a scrubber, air dryer, electrostatic filter and activated carbon filter. After the air purification system, the obtained measurement results are below the permitted limit values, which complies with the legal regulations in the field of environmental protection.

The increasing volume of waste, particularly paper, plastics and metals, necessitates innovative technological solutions for efficient sorting and recycling. Conventional waste management systems rely on manual separation and inefficient processes, leading to resource loss and environmental pollution. This study explores the integration of advanced sensor technologies to enhance waste classification and optimize material recovery. Optical sensors, spectrophotometry, and hyperspectral imaging enable precise material identification based on optical properties, improving sorting accuracy and reducing contamination. Inductive and electromagnetic sensors enhance metal detection, while ultrasonic sensors facilitate material classification by density and structure. The implementation of these sensor-based automation systems significantly increases recycling efficiency, reduces landfill dependency, and promotes resource circularity. By leveraging advanced sensor technologies, this approach supports circular economy principles, minimizes environmental impact, and contributes to the development of smart and sustainable urban waste management systems.