Abstract: Washing machines are uiized to recycle plastic and cellulose from disposed diapers. The disposed diapers are loaded into a washing machine and, while being agitated, are washed in water, alkali and soap. During washing, the cellulose becomes separated from the plastic. The cellulose is drained out of the washing machine with the water, leaving the plastic in the washing machine. A pump transfers the cellulose and water to another washing machine for furter cleaning. In addition, other products, such as milk cartons and drink boxes, newspaper, and office waste paper, can be processed.

Abstract: A method for separating a polymer such as polypropylene from a layered plastic material that includes a layer of polypropylene together with a layer of vinylidene chloride is provided. The layered plastic material is agitated in a bath of water and sand to wet the surfaces of the material. The layered plastic material is then agitated in a wash liquor of hot water, caustic, sand, and a surfactant to crack and strip the vinylidene chloride material from the polypropylene material. Sufficient caustic is included in the wash liquor to raise the pH of the wash liquor to pH 12 or greater. Agitation is by reversibly rotating a perforating basket containing the layered plastic material and the wash liquor at 10-20 revolutions per minute and by blowing air into the basket. The wash liquor and stripped vinylidene chloride are then drained away from the polypropylene. The polypropylene is rinsed with water to wash away residual wash liquor and stripped vinylidene chloride.

Abstract: First and second washing machines are utilized to recycle plastic and cellulose from disposed diapers. The disposed diapers are loaded into the first washing machine and, while being agitated, are washed in water, alkali and soap. During washing, the cellulose becomes separated from the plastic. The cellulose is drained out of the first washing machine with the water, leaving the plastic in the first washing machine. The plastic is then cleaned in the first washing machine. A pump transfers the cellulose and water to the second washing machine. In the second washing machine, the cellulose is washed in alkali and soap while being agitated. The second washing machine has a screen for retaining the cellulose therein, while passing the water and waste material.