Omar Khalid
Plastic is everywhere, and while most people can identify it, many don't know the difference between types. This makes recycling, an already complex process, even more confusing. A product's recyclability is indicated by a resin code, which is a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. These numbers correspond to different types of plastics, and while some are widely recycled, others are harder to recycle and require specialised handling. Number 5 plastics, also known as polypropylene, fall into the latter category.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recyclability | Plastic #5 can be recycled into items like battery cables, brooms, brushes, bicycle racks, and ice scrapers |
| Plastic Type | Polypropylene |
| Items Made From Plastic #5 | Yogurt cups and tubs, margarine tubs, syrup bottles, plastic bottle caps, straws, food storage containers, sunglasses, plastic furniture, car parts |
| Curbside Recycling | Plastic bags are not accepted by curbside recycling as they clog the screens on sorting machines |
| Accepted by Curbside Recycling | Plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars larger than the size of a fist |
| Accepted by Curbside Recycling? | Rigid food containers such as bottles, cups, takeout containers, tubs, jars, lids wider than 3 inches, plant pots |
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What You'll Learn
Number 5 plastics are hard to recycle
While plastic #5 can be recycled, it is challenging to do so. Plastic #5, or polypropylene, is used in a variety of products, including yogurt cups and tubs, margarine tubs, syrup bottles, plastic bottle caps, straws, food storage containers, sunglasses, plastic furniture, and car parts. Although these items are technically recyclable, the process is complex due to the specific characteristics of polypropylene.
One issue with recycling plastic #5 is the difficulty in identifying this plastic type. The Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) that sort recycling typically identify objects based on their size and shape, not the material composition. As a result, items made of plastic #5 can easily end up in landfills if they are improperly placed in recycling carts or contaminated by non-recyclable materials. Plastic bags, for instance, can clog the screens on recycling sorting machines, forcing the entire line to shut down.
Another challenge with recycling plastic #5 is the limited market demand for this type of plastic. Traditionally, the primary market for recycled plastics was in Asia. However, since 2015, the Asian market has declined significantly, leaving materials processors struggling to find alternative outlets. This has led to confusion about the fate of plastic products and uncertainty about whether they should be recycled at all.
Additionally, the recycling process for plastic #5 can be hindered by the presence of food or drink residue. It is crucial to ensure that plastic items are empty, clean, and dry before placing them in the recycling bin. Contamination from food residue can render the plastic unrecyclable and cause it to end up in landfills.
To effectively recycle plastic #5, it is essential to follow local guidelines, keep plastics clean and dry, and separate them from other materials, especially plastic bags. While it is a challenging process, recycling plastic #5 can help reduce waste and promote the development of new products from recycled materials.
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Polypropylene (PP) can sometimes be recycled
Polypropylene, often shortened to PP, is a thermoplastic polymer used in a wide range of applications, from bottle caps and straws to disposable diapers, and even car parts. It is marked with the number 5 plastic resin identification code on the bottom of its packaging. Despite being one of the most common plastic types globally, with around 17% of annual global plastic production, PP's recycling rate is remarkably low. Only about 1% to 3% of PP is recycled, with the rest ending up in landfills, where it slowly decomposes and releases hazardous chemicals and fumes.
The low recycling rate of PP can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, PP undergoes material degradation during the recycling process, which limits its reusability. Within 2-3 recycling cycles, recycled PP is often unsuitable for most market applications due to quality concerns. This degradation is irreversible, even with the addition of virgin PP or additives to enhance the quality of the recycled plastic.
Another challenge is the high regulatory standard for food-safe plastic. Recycled PP often fails to meet the stringent requirements for food-grade certification, making it less desirable for many applications. The price of recycled PP is also significantly higher than virgin PP, deterring companies from adopting it due to the high premium. Furthermore, the mechanical recycling of PP has not been a priority for waste sortation innovators, as it has yet to prove its profitability.
However, there are ongoing efforts to improve the recycling of PP. Solvent dissolution, for instance, is a promising technology that utilizes supercritical butane to maximize diffusion rates and selectively remove contaminants. Purecycle, an American start-up, has established the first commercial-scale solvent dissolution recycling plant in Ohio, with another larger plant under construction in Georgia. These advancements aim to increase the recycling rate of PP and promote a more sustainable approach to managing this common plastic.
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Recycling plastic waste is challenging
Plastic #5, or polypropylene, is recyclable. It is used in a variety of products, including yogurt cups, margarine tubs, syrup bottles, plastic bottle caps, straws, food storage containers, sunglasses, plastic furniture, and car parts. While recycling plastic waste is challenging, it is one of the most important actions to reduce the environmental impact of plastic.
The world is facing challenges in properly managing and recovering resources from the vast amount of plastic waste generated. This waste comes from a variety of sources, including single-use plastic products such as polybags, food utensils, and packaging materials, which often end up in landfills or the marine environment. Marine plastics, in particular, are difficult to control as they randomly float in the ocean, with 98% originating from land-based activities.
The recycling sector faces significant challenges in effectively recycling mixed plastics waste and expanding the range of plastics that can be recycled. Technological advancements have created new opportunities for recycling, but there are still economic and social behavior issues that hinder the collection of recyclable waste. Additionally, there is a lack of technical skills for managing hazardous waste and insufficient infrastructure development for recycling and recovery.
Furthermore, the success of recycling efforts also depends on the product design and the implementation of policies that promote the use of environmental design principles. For example, a study in the UK found that between 21% and 40% of the packaging in a regular shopping basket could not be effectively recycled, even if collected. By addressing these challenges and promoting sustainable waste management practices, we can minimize the negative impact of plastic waste on the environment and ecosystems.
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Pyrolysis can recycle all plastics
Plastic #5, also known as polypropylene, is used in a variety of products, including yogurt cups, margarine tubs, syrup bottles, plastic bottle caps, straws, food storage containers, sunglasses, plastic furniture, and car parts. While the recyclability of this plastic may vary based on your location, many places do accept it for recycling. For instance, in Seattle, plastic items such as rigid food containers, bottles, cups, tubs, jars, and lids wider than 3 inches are recyclable.
However, the traditional mechanical recycling process has limitations. It often yields degraded or contaminated plastic, and it is challenging to separate and recycle plastics made from multiple types of materials. This is where pyrolysis comes in.
Pyrolysis is an advanced form of plastic recycling that uses heat to break down plastics to their molecular building blocks. This process can convert plastics into valuable chemicals and fuels, providing an environmentally and economically responsible solution for plastic waste disposal. It is particularly effective for lower-value plastic waste that is difficult or impossible to recycle through traditional methods.
While pyrolysis has the potential to recycle all plastics, it is not without its challenges. The process is energy-intensive, and corrosion and fouling caused by the acidic and oxygen-sensitive nature of pyrolysis oil can damage equipment. Additionally, feeding the wrong types of plastics into pyrolysis reactors can create inefficiency and contaminate the output. Despite these challenges, pyrolysis offers a promising solution to the global plastic waste crisis by reducing landfill waste and emissions.
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Plastic recycling differs by region
Plastic #5, also known as polypropylene, is recyclable. It is used in a variety of products, including yogurt cups and tubs, margarine tubs, syrup bottles, plastic bottle caps, straws, food storage containers, sunglasses, plastic furniture, and car parts. While it is recyclable, the recycling rate for plastics is relatively low. In 2018, the recycling rate for plastics was 8.7% in the United States, with 3 million tons of plastics recycled out of 35.7 million tons generated.
The recyclability of plastics does differ by region, and recycling rates have been increasing worldwide, albeit slowly. By 2019, global recycling rates had reached 12-13%. OECD countries in the European Union, India, and China have been leaders in this growth, while non-OECD Asian countries and Latin America have also made progress, albeit at a slower pace. In contrast, the United States and the Middle East and North Africa region have lagged, with the US reaching only a 4.5% recycling rate by 2019.
Within the European Union, there are variations in recycling rates among member countries. While most countries have improved their plastic packaging recycling rates since 2010, some have experienced declines. For example, Slovenia's recycling rate dropped from over 67% to 50% during the period under consideration.
At a city level, there can also be differences in how plastics are recycled. For instance, in Seattle, Washington, the numbers on plastic containers are ignored since they indicate the type of plastic resin used rather than its recyclability. Rigid plastic food containers, such as bottles, cups, tubs, jars, and lids wider than 3 inches, are recyclable, as are plant pots and bags if they are bundled and tied together. On the other hand, Athens, likely referring to the city in Greece, collects recyclables and landfill items in the same container and sorts them at a Material Recovery Facility (MRF).
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic #5, also known as polypropylene, is a tough yet lightweight plastic that is resistant to heat and can act as a barrier against moisture, grease and chemicals.
Plastic #5 is used for disposable diapers, straws, medicine bottles, syrup bottles, yogurt cups, tubs, margarine tubs, plastic bottle caps, food storage containers, sunglasses, plastic furniture, and car parts.
Yes, plastic #5 can be recycled. However, it is important to check with local recycling programs as the acceptance of plastic #5 varies across different regions.
Look for the "chasing arrows" symbol, typically on the bottom of the container, surrounding a number between 1 and 7. This is the resin identification code, indicating the type of plastic.
Recycled plastic #5 can be used to make a variety of products, including battery cables and cases, brooms, brushes, bicycle racks, and ice scrapers.
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