For almost 20 years now, Rewindo Fenster-Recycling-Service GmbH has been organising the recycling of disused plastic windows, doors and roller shutters with continuously increasing recycling rates.
In addition to the good recyclability of the material, the decisive factor for recycling is not least the practical logistical implementation, which makes it easier for processors to participate in plastic window recycling. Together with its current recycling partners Tönsmeier Kunststoffe GmbH and Veka Umwelttechnik GmbH, Rewindo relies on a nationwide collection system. "We are there where the material arises for the processor. Even with smaller quantities of old windows, our partner companies come out to the construction site or to the company," says Rewindo managing director Michael Vetter. In the future, additional recycling partners will further improve the infrastructure.
How does disposal work?
The processor can order the transport containers for old windows from Rewindo, in which the old windows are then collected and later transported away. It is recommended that the sashes be roughly devitrified. Smaller build-ups of plaster residues or assembly foam on the old windows do not pose a problem. The removal of fittings, metal parts, reinforcing iron or rubber seals is not necessary. The exact details on this point are agreed between the processor and the recycling partners in advance of a collection. Pre-breaking of the old windows is optional for better utilisation of the containers. It must be clearly recognisable that the material is window material. Furthermore, plastic roller shutters (without shaft and belt) as well as PVC door leaves and frames can be disposed of. Depending on the amount involved, the processor is provided with appropriate wire mesh boxes or large containers for this purpose. The craftsman can also store the old windows in his own workshop yard or on the construction site without any container at all. Collection tours by the recycling partners then ensure the professional disposal of the old windows in a second step.
[High-quality PVC windows made in Bulgaria]
Material recycling is then carried out in the recycling plants of Tönsmeier and Veka UT. After the glass and metals have been separated, PVC regrind is produced, which is the starting material for a high-quality granulate that is almost 100 per cent pure. This is finally used again for the production of new window and building profiles.
More than 22,000 tonnes of PVC recyclate per year were obtained in this way. This corresponds to approx. 1.2 million recycled old windows. In addition, there were approx. 78,000 t of production waste, i.e. a total of more than 100,000 t of recyclate, which was recycled as a secondary raw material from Germany alone.
The individual steps in recycling PVC windows
In addition to PVC windows and profiles, PVC doors (without glass) and plastic roller shutters (without shaft and belt) can also be recycled. The steps are:
- Contact a recycling partner
- Notification of the expected quantity of old windows and their condition
- Submission of an offer by the recycler
- Commissioning of the selected partner, who collects the old windows on the agreed date.
- Provision of mesh boxes / containers at the construction site by the recycling partner and later collection by appointment or alternatively
- Collection without containers by the installer on site (workshop or construction site)
