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Abstract

A method for recovering densified plastic from mixed waste containing plastic and less than about 15 weight percent paper, and having a density ranging from about 2 to about 3 pounds per cubic foot, the method comprising the steps of shredding the mixed waste at ambient conditions; charging a batch of shredded waste weighing from about 250 to about 650 lbs. to a densifier; further shredding the mixed waste inside the densifier with a motor-driven rotating blade while monitoring surface temperature of the plastic inside the densifier, amperage drawn by the motor-driver and vibration level within the densifier; continuously shredding waste inside the densifier for a period ranging from about 5 to about 20 minutes, until the surface temperature of the plastic reaches at least about 220.degree. F., until the amperage drawn by the motor increases, and until the vibration level inside the densifier increases; thereafter injecting a cooling fluid into the densifier to lower the surface temperature of the plastic to range of from about 120.degree. to about 165.degree. F. and agglomerate the plastic into particles ranging in size from about 1/16 to about 1/2 inch and having a paper content lower than about three percent by weight; and thereafter recovering densified plastic having a density ranging from about 16 to about 25 pounds per cubic foot.

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