Chloe Zhang
Plastic is one of the most complex materials to recycle, with less than 10% of plastic waste generated worldwide having ever been recycled. There are seven different types of plastic, each with a different recycling process. For example, Type 1 and Type 2 plastics may be tossed into standard recycling bins, while other types, such as Styrofoam, shrink wrap, and manufacturing scrap, require specialized handling. Some types of plastic, such as polystyrene (#7), are not generally recyclable and are known to be harmful to human health. On the other hand, some types of plastic, such as PET, are widely recycled and can be transformed into fashion items, like polar fleece clothing and backpacks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic types | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
| Plastic types recyclable together | 1 and 2 |
| Hard-to-recycle plastics | Styrofoam, shrink wrap, manufacturing scrap |
| Plastic with low risk of leaching | HDPE |
| Plastic with high risk of leaching | PET |
| Plastic with very low risk of leaching | HDPE |
| Plastic that is never recycled | 6 and 7 |
| Plastic that is safe for reuse | Polypropylene |
| Plastic to avoid for reuse | Polystyrene |
| Plastic that is fully recyclable | HDPE |
| Plastic that consumer recyclers will not take | PVC products |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic #7 is polycarbonate, a clear, hard plastic
- Plastic #7 is also PLA, made from plants and carbon-neutral
- Plastic #2 is HDPE, a versatile plastic used for packaging
- Plastic #1 and #2 can be tossed into standard recycling bins
- Recycling plastic is complex, and less than 10% of plastic waste has been recycled
Plastic #7 is polycarbonate, a clear, hard plastic
Plastic #7 is a complex group that includes all plastic types except for numbers 1 to 6. This group contains a wide range of plastics with varying characteristics, encompassing recyclable, non-recyclable, mixed, and biodegradable plastics. One of the plastics in this group is polycarbonate, a clear, hard plastic.
Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic made from polymers with carbonate groups in their structure. It is highly valued for its translucency, resembling glass while being highly impact-resistant. It is also very pliable at room temperature, making it easy for manufacturers to work with. Polycarbonate serves as an excellent alternative to glass and acrylic, particularly in applications requiring high impact resistance, such as optical devices, DVDs, sunglasses, police riot gear, and automotive parts.
Polycarbonate is also known for its design flexibility. It can be cut or cold-formed on-site without the need for pre-forming and fabrication, which is not the case with glass or acrylic. This quality makes it ideal for use in various products, including greenhouses, CDs, and plastic housing for electrical objects.
Despite its advantageous properties, polycarbonate has fallen out of favor due to its association with bisphenol A (BPA). Studies have shown that polycarbonate can release BPA, which is particularly harmful in food storage or items that come into contact with food. As a result, polycarbonate is now less commonly used, and its recycling requires a specialist recycler rather than standard curbside pickup.
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Plastic #7 is also PLA, made from plants and carbon-neutral
Plastic #7 is also known as polylactic acid (PLA), a bio-based product made from renewable agricultural sources or plants. PLA is produced from any fermentable sugar, with corn being the most popular choice due to its low cost and global availability. Other options include sugarcane, tapioca root, cassava, and sugar beet pulp.
Being bio-based, PLA is a functional, renewable, and comparable alternative to fossil fuel-based plastics, which are not only hazardous but also a finite resource. A 2017 study found that replacing these petroleum-based plastics with bio-based plastics could reduce industrial greenhouse gas emissions by 25%.
PLA is biodegradable, achieving international standards for biodegradation. It can break down in an industrial composting facility at temperatures of 140 degrees over 45-90 days, without emitting toxic fumes. Unlike other plastics, bioplastics do not release harmful toxins during incineration.
PLA is also a thermoplastic, meaning it is moldable and malleable when heated to its melting temperature. This makes it a popular choice for 3D printing, as it has a lower melting point than other filament options, and emits non-toxic lactide fumes.
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Plastic #2 is HDPE, a versatile plastic used for packaging
Plastic #2, or High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), is a versatile polymer commonly used in packaging due to its unique physical properties. It is lightweight yet strong, with a high impact strength that makes it suitable for freezer-grade applications. For example, HDPE is often used for ice cream containers. It also has a great barrier to moisture vapour, making it ideal for keeping foods fresh.
HDPE is found in both rigid and soft plastic items. Rigid HDPE is used for containers and bottles for products such as milk, motor oil, shampoo, conditioner, soap, detergents, and bleaches. Soft HDPE is used for plastic bags, including grocery bags, trash bags, zip-lock bags, and freezer bags. It is also used for food packaging and reusable shopping bags.
HDPE is widely recycled and is accepted at most recycling centres. Recycled HDPE is often used to make packaging items, such as bottles, and durable goods like lumber and outdoor furniture. It is also made into composite wood or plastic lumber, which is maintenance-free and highly resistant to environmental hazards such as salt spray, oil, moisture, and insects.
Overall, HDPE is a versatile and commonly used plastic that is well-suited for a wide range of packaging applications due to its durability, strength, and resistance to chemicals and moisture. Its recyclability makes it an environmentally friendly choice for packaging.
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Plastic #1 and #2 can be tossed into standard recycling bins
Plastic #1 is also known as PET or PETE and is used to make bottles for soda, water, and other drinks. It is also used for cooking oil containers, plastic peanut butter jars, and other food containers. To recycle these plastics, any leftover food or debris should be rinsed from the containers before being placed in recycling bins for curbside pickup or taken to a local recycling center.
Plastic #2 is known as HDPE and is used to make milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent containers, and other cleaning product containers. These plastics are also recyclable if clean.
It is important to note that the specific guidelines for plastic recycling may vary depending on your location and the facilities available. For example, plastic bags should not be placed in recycling bins as they can get tangled in the equipment, but they can be returned to grocery stores for proper recycling. Additionally, certain plastic types, such as PVC, are more difficult to recycle and may not be accepted by standard municipal recycling collections.
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Recycling plastic is complex, and less than 10% of plastic waste has been recycled
Plastic recycling is a complex process, and despite global efforts, only a small fraction of plastic waste is recycled effectively. As of 2018, the recycling rate for plastics was approximately 8.7%, with only 1% of plastic being recycled more than once. This is in stark contrast to other materials like aluminium, glass, and paper, which have significantly higher recycling rates. The low recycling rate for plastics is concerning, given that plastic waste has doubled from 2000 to 2019, contributing to environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
The complexity of plastic recycling arises from the diverse nature of plastics themselves. Plastics are categorized into several types, identified by a resin code, which is a number from one to seven inside a small triangle. Each type of plastic requires specific handling, sorting, and processing methods. For instance, some plastics are easily recyclable, while others, like Styrofoam, shrink wrap, and manufacturing scrap, are challenging to recycle and require specialized treatment.
The recycling process typically involves melting and reforming plastic into new items. However, this can lead to polymer degradation, and sorting plastics by colour and polymer type is often a complicated and costly endeavour. Errors in sorting can result in material with inconsistent properties, making it less desirable for industrial use. Additionally, the release of microplastics during the recycling process remains a challenge, despite advancements in filtration systems.
Another factor contributing to the complexity of plastic recycling is the global variation in waste management systems and recycling technologies. Some countries rely heavily on incineration or landfill diversion policies for plastic waste disposal, while others focus on exporting their plastic waste to countries with more advanced recycling capabilities. However, this has led to environmental dumping, where low-quality mixed plastics end up in landfills of less developed economies.
To address the complexities and improve plastic recycling rates, several strategies can be implemented. Firstly, investing in improved recycling technologies and establishing separate, well-functioning markets for recycled plastics can enhance the competitiveness and profitability of secondary markets. Additionally, aligning design approaches and regulating chemicals used in plastics production can increase the circularity of plastics. Furthermore, implementing policies that promote reduction, reuse, and sustainable waste management practices can curb plastic leakage into the environment.
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Frequently asked questions
The seven types of plastic refer to the seven plastic recycling symbols, each of which represents a different type of plastic with distinct recycling instructions.
#7 plastic is polycarbonate, a clear, hard plastic that has been linked to endocrine disruption. PLA, or polylactic acid, a carbon-neutral plastic made from plants, is also a #7.
#7 plastic is generally not recycled.
#2 plastic, or HDPE (high-density polyethylene), is one of the most common and
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