5 MIN READ

02-01-2025

Inside the 4ocean Bali Lumber Plant: How Waste Becomes a Resource

Kubik, 4ocean Bali Content Correspondent

The Waste Processing Journey

Before diving into our latest visit, here’s a look at how plastic waste is processed at our facility—from sorting to shredding and washing.

Swipe through to see each step:

• Sorting: Crew members separate plastic waste by type, grade, and color.
• Shredding: Sorted plastics are fed into the shredder, breaking them down into fine-grained material.
• Washing: The material is rinsed and placed in a wash tank that separates plastics by density.
• Final Processing: Clean, processed plastic is now ready to be repurposed into new products.

Inside the Facility: Our Team at Work

     The visit began in the storage room, where sorted and processed waste is compacted into dense blocks using a hydraulic press machine. These compressed waste blocks are easier to store and transport, facilitating the recycling process.

     The press team, consisting of two crew members, operates the hydraulic press machine daily. On this particular day, the team successfully produced 1,287.70 lbs of compressed plastic waste.

     Further into the plant, the sorting team, made up of 15 members, worked meticulously to categorize different types of plastic. Their job is essential, as each type—PET, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP, PS, and OTHER—must be properly separated to ensure efficient recycling. Working from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the team also removes bottle caps and labels to prevent contamination in the recycling stream.

     Despite the demanding nature of their tasks, every team member carried out their work with enthusiasm and purpose. One crew member shared, “Sorting waste has taught me a lot about how much of our trash can’t be recycled. It’s heartbreaking, but it also motivates us to educate people about choosing sustainable packaging.”

     As we reflect on our visit, the message is clear: responsible waste management starts with mindful consumer choices. By opting for recyclable packaging and reducing waste at the source, we can all play a role in creating a more sustainable future.

Challenges in Waste Management

     Each team at the lumber plant faces unique challenges. The sorting team, for example, must work efficiently to keep up with the high volume of incoming waste, ensuring no materials are mixed. The press and shredding teams must operate heavy machinery with precision to maintain safety and efficiency. Despite these hurdles, the commitment to keeping Bali clean remains unwavering.

     Not all plastics can be recycled. Items like multilayer packaging, Styrofoam, and used diapers present a major challenge. Instead of sending these materials to landfills, 4ocean partners with brick-making factories, where certain non-recyclable plastics are burned as an alternative fuel source. While this isn’t a perfect solution, it helps minimize the environmental footprint of otherwise unmanageable waste.

     Our visit to the Bali Lumber Plant reinforced the importance of waste processing in our cleanup efforts. Every plastic bottle, cup, and bag sorted and processed at the plant represents a step toward a cleaner planet. As we continue to refine our waste management systems, we remain committed to finding innovative ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic waste.

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