Standard Guide for Techniques to Separate and Identify Contaminants in Recycled Plastics

1.1 This guide is intended to provide information on available methods for the separation and classification of contaminants such as moisture, incompatible polymers, metals, adhesives, glass, paper, wood, chemicals, and original-product residues in recycled plastic flakes or pellets. Although no specific methods for identification or characterization of foam products are included, foam products are not excluded from this guide. The methods presented apply to post-consumer plastics.

1.2 For specific procedures existing as ASTM test methods, this guide only lists the appropriate reference. Where no current ASTM standard exists, however, this guide gives procedures for the separation or identification, or both, of specific contaminants. Appendix X1 lists the tests and the specific contaminant addressed by each procedure.

1.3 This guide does not include procedures to quantify the contaminants unless this information is available in referenced ASTM standards.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.