The entity is working to improve safety conditions and comfort without losing efficiency, with the aim of continuing to increase the recovery percentage

The new automatic line for glass recovery from residual waste has tripled the recovery percentages for this material in comparison with the first part of the year 2019. Specifically, last November, 224.1 tonnes were recovered, and in December the figure was 222.66 tonnes, which means glass recovery percentages of 1.34% and 1.23% respectively, while in previous years the percentages were 0.66% (2017), 0.62% (2018) and 0.44% (first half of 2019).

These figures mean the percentage of optimum performance achieved on the new line is 64%, based on the calculation that in the next few months recovery percentages of around 2% can be reached. To achieve that, actions to improve the recovery efficiency of the installation have been carried out. Firstly, the humidity of the input material has been reduced, which means the glass isn’t so dirty, and is therefore easier to recover. In addition various mechanical modifications of the equipment in the installation are planned in order to improve its efficiency in separating the glass. Lastly, the possibility of adding a second optical recovery separator to complement the one that is already there is being studied. 

At the same time the Centre is also working to improve safety and working conditions on the new line, given that the installation produces more dust, provoking a stuffy atmosphere in this zone. Furthermore, the reduction of humidity to optimize recovery has caused two small fires without major consequences in the last few weeks. These incidents have resulted in immediate actions, such as covering the conveyer belts, regular vacuum cleaning to remove dust, the calculation of the correct level of humidity for the work so that a dusty atmosphere is avoided, and ensuring total safety without affecting the recovery of glass, with samples of the ambient air taken in the work area.