Disposal of Polymers:
Disposal of Polymers:
Most plastics are not degradable because decomposer organisms do not have the enzymes to break them down. There are two important categories of degradable plastic.
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Biopolymers. These are polymers made by living organisms, which decomposes are able to break down.
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Polymers which break down naturally:
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Photodegradable plastics break down in sunlight.
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Synthetic biodegradable plastics are broken down by bacteria.
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Dissolving plastics dissolve in water.
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It is possible to recycle some plastics. It is necessary first to separate the plastics into the different types. It is not yet economical to recycle mixed plastic from domestic waste, although some plastic recycling schemes are now in operation.
