A method for reclaiming plastic and cellulosic fiber from plastic coated waste. The method includes the steps of introducing previously hydropulped plastic coated waste into a size reduction unit to reduce the plastic coated waste to a maximum dimension of about 1-4 inches. The plastic coated waste is then subject to flotation with agitation to separate the plastic from the cellulosic fiber. The cellulosic fiber is then screened, dried, and baled. The plastic is further reduced to a maximum dimension of about 1/2 inches and dewatered. The dewatered plastic is dried to a moisture content of less than 10% and rolled into plastic pellets. This method produces plastic pellets comprising from about 5 to about 10 weight percent cellulosic fiber and less than about 10 weight percent water from hydropulper plastic coating waste.

A separation tank adapted for use in washing and separating recycled polymeric material from contaminants, the separation tank comprising a centrally disposed baffle and being adapted to receive and circulate an aqueous medium around the baffle; transversely mounted, rotatable members adapted to submerge floating material within the aqueous medium; transversely mounted, rotatable members adapted to aggressively agitate the surface of the aqueous medium; and longitudinally spaced sumps disposed in the floor of the tank on the side of the baffle opposite the agitation members to collect contaminants settling out of the aqueous medium; and members adapted to divide the aqueous medium into surface and subsurface portions for the respective recovery of the polymeric material and recirculation of the aqueous medium.

A process of, and apparatus for, washing fragments, such as plastic fragments, in a continuous fashion as part of a recycling operation. The plastic fragments are fed into an axially rotating perforated tube, wherein a stationary washing and rinsing spray header are mounted therethrough for spraying the plastic fragments revolving with the tube. Wash and rinse water pass through the perforations, carrying with the water residue and unwanted particles. The wash water, rinse water and unwanted particles pass into a trough arranged below the revolving tube which collects the water and residue and transports same to either a screen separator in the case of the wash water, or a holding tank in the case of the rinse water. Auxiliary systems are disclosed for using recycled wash water and recycled rinse water for the process. A drying system which receives the plastic fragments from the washing apparatus is also disclosed.

A process of, and apparatus for, washing fragments, such as plastic fragments, in a continuous fashion as part of a recycling operation. The plastic fragments are fed into an axially rotating perforated tube, wherein a stationary washing and rinsing spray header are mounted therethrough for spraying the plastic fragments revolving with the tube. Wash and rinse water pass through the perforations, carrying with the water residue and unwanted particles. The wash water, rinse water and unwanted particles pass into a trough arranged below the revolving tube which collects the water and residue and transports same to either a screen separator in the case of the wash water, or a holding tank in the case of the rinse water. Auxiliary systems are disclosed for using recycled wash water and recycled rinse water for the process. A drying system which receives the plastic fragments from the washing apparatus is also disclosed.

A method for producing rolled plastic pellets comprising from about 5 to about 10 weight percent cellulosic fiber and less than about 10 weight percent water from mixed plastic waste comprising polymeric film.