For technical reasons, it is impossible to fully empty a PU foam can. Residual amounts of liquid prepolymer and propellant remain in the can – valuable materials that can be reintroduced into the production process. In view of these contents that are considered as harmful to human health, used PU foam cans are classified as hazardous waste. As a consequence, they must not be disposed of with residual waste, via the “Yellow Bag” recycling collection system, in skip containers for building rubble, nor in tinplate containers. PDR Recycling GmbH + Co KG provides an environmentally friendly alternative to the expensive disposal of hazardous wastes. PDR is a joint-venture of the leading European manufacturers of PU foam cans and headquartered in Thurnau, in northern Bavaria. Relying on a comfortable collection and retrieval system, PDR collects used PU foam cans in the German market, transports them back to Thurnau, and recycles them. The comprehensive pickup of used PU foam cans functions based on the collaboration with logistics partners.
Even the Deutsche Post AG (German postal services) picks up individual return cartons from the users. This is how used PU foam cans from all parts of Germany eventually arrive at the recycling plant in Thurnau. There are no additional costs involved for consumers. The retrieval service is included in the sales price of the cans. Professionals (e.g. craft businesses or construction companies) collect used PU foam cans in their original package (return carton). Once the carton is full, they just contact PDR toll-free at fax (0800 7836737) or phone (0800 7836736) and request a pickup. Then, PDR will organise the pickup of the cans from your location or even from your building site. It is also possible to arrange a fixed pickup at regular intervals. In this case, PDR’s logistics partners will contact you some days in advance to inform you about the exact pick-up date. Do-it-yourselfers deposit their single cans at their local collection point for hazardous wastes or at their dealer where they will also be picked up by PDR’s logistics partners.