FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
All your questions answered
Q: Are the machines expensive to run?
A: No, they are fully insulated and energy efficient. The machines run unattended so there are no additional labour costs.
Q: Do the machines require special skills?
A: No, there is only one control button and the machine is filled instead of a skip by the operator who would normally fill the skip. Training takes less than one hour.
Q: Are there harmful emissions?
A: No, the machine operates at a temperature less than the carbonisation point of polystyrene so there are no unsafe fumes. Emissions are less than 1% of HSE directives, and exhaust air is filtered through a recyclable activated carbon fibre filter.
Q: Can the machine be located outside?
A: Yes, the machine is designed for outdoor use and is made from stainless steel. It is weatherproof to IP55.
Q: What if you were to throw a lit match into the machine?
A: The machine is hermetically sealed so there is insufficient oxygen in the chamber to support a fire. It also has a fire extinguisher similar to those used in racing cars for additional protection.
Q: Can my operator get burnt?
A: No, unlike an oven, the machine has an electro-mechanical door lock that will not open until melting has stopped and the machine has cooled down.
Q: What is the capacity?
A: A standard machine will reduce 1.5m³ of EPS in one cycle, but larger machines can process up to 15m³ an hour. The standard model is suitable for most requirements.
Q: What types of plastic can Sterimelt recycle?
A: Sterimelt is designed for polypropylene sterilisation wrap and similar plastics. The recycled material can be reused in manufacturing wood-like products and components.
Q: How does Sterimelt support a circular economy?
A: By converting single-use plastic into reusable polypropylene blocks onsite, Sterimelt reduces landfill, cuts disposal costs, and supplies sustainable feedstock for new products.
Q: Can Sterimelt help hospitals reduce waste costs?
A: Yes, hospitals save on disposal fees, transport, and landfill charges. Recycled blocks can even be sold as feedstock, turning a cost centre into a resource.
Q: What products can be made from Sterimelt polypropylene?
A: The blocks can be processed into trays, containers, decking, fencing, plastic wood, and other durable industrial and consumer products.
Q: How safe is Sterimelt for operators?
A: The system is fully automated, requires minimal training, has safety locks, and produces no harmful fumes. It is designed for continuous, safe operation.