Industrial Silicone Rubber & Fluid Recycling
We provide nationwide logistics for the recovery of silicone production scrap, expired LSR kits, and HCR gum. Divert thermoset rubber from landfills via verified chemical recycling partners.
Chemical Recovery: Our downstream partners utilize depolymerization technology to convert solid rubber back into industrial silicone oil (PDMS).
All Forms Accepted: We handle Cured Scrap (runners, flash, parts) and Uncured Raw Material (expired shelf-life inventory).
Volume Logistics: Serving high-volume injection molders and extruders with FTL and LTL pickup options.
Solving the "Thermoset" Waste Challenge
Silicone is a thermoset material, meaning it cannot be melted down and re-molded like standard plastics. Historically, this meant production scrap went straight to the dumpster. Waste Optima changes this dynamic by managing logistics for chemical recycling.
We route your material to facilities that utilize high-heat cracking (depolymerization) to break the molecular bonds of the rubber, reverting it to a liquid monomer state (Siloxane/DMC) that can be refined into new silicone oil.
Material Streams We Manage
We build custom recovery programs for the two primary states of silicone waste:
1. Cured Silicone Scrap (Post-Industrial) Generated during the molding or extrusion process. We accept materials free of metal inserts, over-molded plastics, or trash.
Production Waste: Runners, sprues, flash, and cookie/purge patties.
QA Rejects: Off-spec gaskets, tubing, keypads, and medical components.
End-Cuts: Trimmings from extrusion lines (hoses, profiles).
2. Uncured Raw Material (Expired/Off-Spec) Raw silicone that has passed its shelf life or was improperly stored.
LSR Kits: Liquid Silicone Rubber (Part A & Part B) in drums or pails.
HCR Gum: High Consistency Rubber logs, "pigs," or bricks (catalyzed or uncured).
RTV & Sealants: Bulk containers of Room Temperature Vulcanizing silicone.
3. Silicone Fluids & Oils Spent or surplus industrial fluids.
PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane): Surplus silicone oils (various viscosities).
Thermal Fluids: Heat transfer fluids and transformer oils.
Emulsions: Silicone-based release agents and defoamers.
| Material Type | Common Forms | Recycling Method |
|---|---|---|
| Cured Silicone Rubber | Runners, Flash, Gaskets, Tubing, Keypads | Depolymerization to Oil |
| LSR (Liquid Silicone) | Expired Drum Kits (A&B), Pails | Direct Chemical Recovery |
| HCR (High Consistency) | Uncured Gum Logs, "Pigs", Bricks | Granulation & Cracking |
| Silicone Fluids | Transformer Oil, Heat Transfer Fluid, PDMS | Filtration & Re-refining |
FAQs
Can you recycle silicone parts with metal inserts?
Generally, no. The chemical recycling process requires the silicone feedstock to be free of contamination. Metal inserts, over-molded plastics, or fabric reinforcement typically must be removed prior to pickup.
Do you accept Fluorosilicone?
Fluorosilicone requires a different processing stream than standard VMQ/PDMS silicone. Please explicitly label your material as Fluorosilicone when requesting a quote so we can route it to the correct specialized partner.
What is the minimum quantity for pickup?
We target industrial quantities. For cured scrap, we typically require a minimum of 5,000 lbs (gaylorded). For expired raw material (LSR drums), we can often arrange pickups for smaller lots (4+ drums) depending on location.
How should we package cured silicone scrap?
Loose scrap (runners, parts) should be collected in Gaylord boxes with liners to prevent dust and cardboard contamination. Do not mix different colors if possible, though mixed color loads are often accepted.
Stop Over Paying to Landfill Silicone Scrap
Most recyclers reject silicone because it doesn't melt, leaving you with high disposal fees. We have the chemical depolymerization partners to process it. Send us your material details (type, volume, photos) for a rapid diversion plan.
Related Services
Chemicals • Heavy Industrial • Organics • Paper • Plastic • Surplus Inventory
Last update: 2026-01-01