Maya Ellison
Plastic containers are a common household item, but not all of them are easy to recycle. While some plastic containers can be recycled by placing them in council-provided bins, others require alternative methods. It is important to check local recycling guidelines, as different locations have varying procedures. Some plastic containers may not be accepted by household recycling collectors and may need to be taken to a local recycling centre.
How are plastic containers recycled?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic containers to be recycled | Should be clean and empty |
| Plastic containers to be recycled | Should not be damaged or broken |
| Plastic containers to be recycled | Should be checked for the recycling symbol |
| Plastic containers to be recycled | Should be separated from other materials |
| Plastic containers to be recycled | Should be placed in the correct recycling bin |
| Plastic containers to be recycled | May need to be taken to a specialist recycling centre |
| Plastic containers to be recycled | May need to be scrubbed or soaked to remove food residue |
| Plastic containers to be recycled | May need to be melted down and reformed into pellets |
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What You'll Learn
Collection and disposal
The collection and disposal of plastic containers for recycling vary depending on the region and the local recycling program. It is important to check with local guidelines to ensure proper disposal. Here are some general guidelines and practices for the collection and disposal of plastic containers for recycling:
Collection
Many local authorities and recycling programs provide collection facilities for plastic containers, either through curbside collection or at designated recycling centres. Some accept plastic bottles of all kinds, including plastic bottles, jars, round containers, buckets, and nursery pots, while others specify the shape and size, such as containers with a threaded neck or a neck narrower than the base. It is important to separate different types of plastics and ensure they are empty, clean, and dry before collection.
Disposal
The disposal process involves sorting, cleaning, and processing the collected plastic containers. Sorting is typically done automatically, with a manual check to ensure all contaminants are removed. Plastic containers with food residues or labels should be rinsed and cleaned before disposal. Some facilities prefer plastic caps to be removed, while others can capture and recycle them. It is important to check with local facilities to confirm their preferences.
Retail and Grocery Stores
Many grocery and retail stores collect plastic bags, wraps, and containers for recycling. This includes bags for groceries, dry cleaning, bread, produce, and even zipper bags and shipping pillows. Clean and dry bags/wraps can be dropped off at participating stores' recycling bins.
Hazardous Materials
Plastic bottles that have contained hazardous materials, such as motor oil, pesticides, or herbicides, should be disposed of properly. Check with local guidelines or hazardous waste disposal programs to ensure safe disposal of these containers.
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Sorting and separation
Firstly, it is important to identify the different types of plastic containers. Plastic containers can be made from a variety of resins, such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), HDPE (high-density polyethylene), and PP (polypropylene). Each type of resin has unique properties and recycling requirements. Checking the bottom of containers for the resin identification code, usually surrounded by a triangle of arrows, can help identify the type of plastic.
Next, separate the plastic containers based on their resin type. This step is crucial because different types of plastics must be recycled separately. For example, PET bottles are recycled separately from HDPE milk jugs or PP yogurt containers. Sorting by resin type ensures that the recycled material is consistent and can be processed effectively.
Additionally, it is essential to clean and rinse the plastic containers before sorting them for recycling. This process removes any food residue or contaminants that could impact the quality of the recycled product. While it is not necessary to scrub the containers, a simple rinse or soak in lukewarm water and soap can help remove most of the residue. Placing them in the sun to dry can also help.
Some items, such as plastic bags, should be excluded from the recycling process. Plastic bags can cause damage to recycling equipment and are better recycled through specialised programs offered by most grocery stores. Similarly, foam products, like cups or packing peanuts, should not be placed in household recycling bins but may be accepted at specific municipal drop-off locations.
It is worth noting that some plastic containers may be challenging to recycle due to their size or shape. Large plastic storage bins, for instance, may not fit in standard recycling bins and may require alternative recycling methods. Checking with local waste management agencies or using online tools can help identify the appropriate recycling centres or programs for these items.
Lastly, some plastic containers may be reused or repurposed before considering recycling. For example, plastic containers in good condition can be donated to local charities, schools, or community centres for storage purposes. At home, they can be used for various organisation tasks, such as storing garden supplies, pet accessories, or even muddy shoes. Reusing and repurposing plastic containers extend their lifespan and reduce the need for new purchases.
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Shredding and melting
Sorting
The first step is to sort the plastic containers by type. Different types of plastics have different melting points and properties, so they need to be separated before they can be processed. This is typically done by workers or automated systems that identify the type of plastic based on its appearance, feel, or markings.
Shredding
Once sorted, the plastic containers are fed into a shredder, which uses sharp, rotating blades to cut the plastic into small pieces. The shredding process reduces the plastic containers into uniform-sized fragments, making them easier to handle and process.
Melting
After shredding, the plastic pieces are transported to a melting unit, typically an industrial-sized furnace or oven. Here, the shredded plastic is heated to a high temperature, causing it to melt and become a viscous liquid. The melting process ensures that any remaining impurities or contaminants are burned off, resulting in a more homogeneous material.
Molding
The molten plastic is then quickly transferred to molds, where it is given a new shape. This can be done through various processes, such as injection molding, blow molding, or extrusion. The molds are carefully designed to create specific products, such as new containers, furniture, or even fabric.
Cooling and Solidifying
Once the molten plastic has taken the shape of the mold, it is allowed to cool and solidify. This stage is carefully controlled to ensure the new plastic product maintains its shape and desired properties. Cooling times can vary depending on the type of plastic and the thickness of the molded product.
Post-Processing and Quality Control
After the plastic has solidified, the newly formed products are removed from the molds and undergo post-processing steps. This can include trimming excess material, smoothing rough edges, or adding any necessary finishes. Quality control inspections are also conducted to ensure the recycled products meet the required standards and specifications.
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Decontamination and cleaning
To properly decontaminate and clean your plastic containers, start by checking if they are recyclable in the first place. Look for the universal recycling symbol, which consists of three arrows in the shape of a triangle, usually with a number inside. Containers with a 1 or 2 can be recycled. Additionally, certain brands are recyclable and will provide this information on their website.
Once you've confirmed that your container is recyclable, it's time to clean it. If there is food residue, you can fill the container with lukewarm water and some soap and leave it for a few hours. You can then keep the container in the sun for a few hours to dry. Avoid using hot water, as it may melt the plastic. Alternatively, you can fill the container with water and let it sit for a few hours without scrubbing. After soaking, you may need to wipe down the container with a wet cotton cloth to remove any remaining oil or cloudiness.
It is worth noting that some people choose not to recycle items that are difficult to clean, such as peanut butter and dressing containers. If you have many containers with stubborn residue, you could consider using them for storage in your home, garage, or garden shed, or for keeping your car supplies organised.
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Reprocessing and reuse
Plastic recycling is the processing of plastic waste into other products. It is a way of reducing dependence on landfills, conserving resources, and protecting the environment from plastic pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. However, it is important to note that plastic is not designed to be recycled and recycling is expensive, requiring significant infrastructure, equipment, water, and energy.
The process of recycling plastic containers involves several stages: collection, sorting, and reprocessing. Firstly, plastic containers are collected from users through recycling containers, local recycling centres, or municipal recycling bins. Then, at Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), the collected materials are sorted to separate plastic from other materials and to differentiate between various types of plastic. This sorting process can be done manually or using optical sorting machines, sink-float separators, and magnets to remove contaminants and remaining metals.
After sorting, the plastic undergoes the reprocessing stage, which involves washing, grinding into flakes or small particles, and heating (melting) to form pellets or a raw material. This raw material, known as plastic recyclate, can then be used to manufacture new products. However, the quality of the recycled plastic may be reduced, and it may become more toxic with each reprocessing cycle. To maintain the desired performance and strength of the recycled plastic, it is often mixed with virgin resin or freshly made plastic.
There are two main types of plastic reprocessing: mechanical recycling and chemical recycling. Mechanical recycling is the traditional method that uses grinding, washing, sorting, and reprocessing to repurpose plastic material. Chemical recycling, on the other hand, involves recycling plastics through chemical changes to the polymer structure, forming a raw material that can be used to create new products. While mechanical recycling has been the predominant method for decades, chemical recycling offers an alternative for plastics that may not be suitable for mechanical recycling.
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Frequently asked questions
No, plastic storage containers cannot be put in your recycling bin. Kerbside recycling services are not set up to take these boxes. Instead, they are more interested in items like plastic water bottles, butter tubs, milk cartons, and shampoo bottles.
You can check with your local recycling coordinator or waste management agency for suggestions on where to take them. You can also search for a recycling centre or skip near you, which usually accept larger items.
Always check for the universal recycling symbol, which is three arrows in the shape of a triangle, with a number inside. If you see a 1 or 2, the container can be recycled.
You can reuse them around the house, for example, to store garden supplies, pet toys, or muddy shoes. You can also donate them to local charities, schools, nurseries, day centres, or care homes.
