Maya Ellison
Plastic recycling is a complex process with many barriers to overcome. While almost all plastic can be recycled in theory, in practice, it is often not economically or technically viable. The type of plastic, its colour, size, usage, and disposal options all play a role in determining whether it can be recycled. Additionally, local recycling programs and municipal guidelines vary, with some accepting certain types of plastic while others do not. It is, therefore, important to understand the recycling symbols and your town's legislation and rules to ensure your plastic is being recycled.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of plastic types | 7 |
| Plastic types recyclable in standard bins | 1 and 2 |
| Plastic types that may not be permitted in standard bins | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
| Plastic types that are hard to recycle | Styrofoam, shrink wrap, manufacturing scrap, compostable plastic |
| Plastic types that are widely recycled | PET |
| Plastic types that are not widely recycled | PS (polystyrene) |
| Plastic types that are not accepted in community recycling programs | Compostable plastic, biobased plastic |
| Plastic types that are not accepted in curbside recycling | Plastic bags, wraps, films, styrofoam |
| Plastic types that are accepted in curbside recycling | PET |
| Plastic types that are not accepted in recycling bins | Plastic bags |
| Plastic types that are recyclable but not in household bins | Plastic bags, plastic wrap/film |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic resin identification codes
The RIC symbols consist of a triangle (previously arrows that cycle clockwise to form a triangle) that encloses a number from 1 to 7, known as the Mobius Symbol. The numbers represent the following:
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE): commonly used for single-use bottled beverages, mouthwash bottles, peanut butter containers, etc.
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE): used for bottles, cups, milk jugs, etc.
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): used for pipes, siding, flooring, etc.
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE): used for plastic bags, six-pack rings, tubing, etc.
- Polypropylene (PP): used for auto parts, industrial fibers, food containers, etc.
- Polystyrene (PS): used for disposable plates and cups, meat trays, carryout containers, etc.
- Other plastics: bioplastics, composite plastics (like crisp wrappers), plastic-coated wrapping paper, and polycarbonate (which contains BPA).
It is important to note that the presence of a RIC on packaging does not guarantee that it is recyclable. The recyclability of a product depends on the capabilities of local recycling programs. Therefore, it is essential to check with your local program to confirm which types of plastic they accept and to understand your town's legislation and rules for recycling.
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Local recycling programs
- Understanding Accepted Plastics: Different localities have varying capabilities for recycling specific types of plastics. For instance, very few localities accept styrofoam in curbside recycling. Check with your local recycling program to find out which types of plastic they collect.
- Recycling Symbols: Learning to identify recycling symbols is a valuable skill. The Mobius Symbol with a number inside (1 through 7) is the Plastic Resin Identification Code. These symbols indicate the type of plastic and whether it can be recycled by your local program. For example, PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate), coded as 1, is widely recycled and found in beverage bottles.
- Collection Points: Some plastics may not be accepted in your household recycling bin. Retail and grocery stores often have collection points for specific materials, such as plastic bags, plastic wrap, and plastic films. You can also check with your local department store or websites like Earth911 to find nearby drop-off locations for these items.
- Preparation: Before placing plastics in the recycling bin, ensure they are empty and rinsed of any food residue. Some programs may require you to remove caps and labels, so it's important to check your local guidelines. For foam products, place them in a bag, squeeze out the air, and tie the bag to prevent pellets from dispersing.
- Compostable and Biobased Plastics: Compostable plastics are not intended for recycling with other plastics and should be handled separately. Check with your local recycling program or government to find out if they accept compostable plastics and biobased plastics for recycling.
- Community Initiatives: Get involved in community recycling initiatives, such as the NexTrex Plastic Film Recycling Challenge, which encourages participants to divert plastic waste from landfills and gives them a new purpose. These programs often provide incentives and contribute to a more sustainable future.
By staying informed about your local recycling programs and following their guidelines, you can effectively recycle plastics and contribute to a greener planet.
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Plastic bags and wrap
However, this does not mean that plastic bags and wraps cannot be recycled at all. In fact, they can be recycled at many large retailers, supermarkets, and chain pharmacies, which have recycling bins outside or inside their stores. Examples of such retailers include Target, Walmart, Safeway, and Kroger. It is important to note that the plastic bags and wraps must be clean and dry, without any food residue or labels, to be accepted for recycling.
To recycle plastic bags and wraps, collect them at home and then take them to a drop-off location near you. You can flatten them out and bring them to the recycling bin at a participating store. Some sources suggest hanging plastic bags from a central doorknob or hook to stash them before taking them to the store drop-off recycling bin.
While recycling is important, it is even better to reduce or reuse plastic bags and wraps before recycling them. For example, you can keep reusing a plastic carrier bag until it falls apart, or reuse plastic shipping bags for sending delicate gifts.
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Compostable plastic
Plastic recycling is a complex and sometimes confusing process, and one type of plastic that often leaves people scratching their heads is compostable plastic. So, what exactly is compostable plastic, and how does it fit into the recycling picture?
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Plastic symbols
Plastic recycling symbols are important to understand as they can give you insight into where and how to recycle an item. However, it is also important to research and understand your town's legislation and rules for recycling. This is because not all towns have the infrastructure to recycle certain materials.
The "chasing arrows" symbol, or Mobius symbol, is the most common symbol for Plastic Resin Identification Codes. The number inside the symbol ranges from 1 to 7 and helps us identify the type of plastic used for the product.
- PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate) is the most common plastic for single-use bottled beverages because it's inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to recycle. It is widely recycled and can be picked up through most curbside recycling programs.
- HDPE (high-density polyethylene) is one of the most commonly used plastics in the United States and is widely recycled. It is commonly used for cleaning product bottles, milk cartons, and detergent bottles.
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is used for bubble foils, trays for sweets and fruit, and car parts. It is rarely recycled and is not usually part of a curbside recycling program.
- LDPE (low-density polyethylene) is used for shopping bags, plastic bags, and wrapping. It is not usually recycled but can be converted into floor tiles and shipping envelopes.
- PP (polypropylene) is durable, strong, and lightweight, and is used for some tubs, trays, furniture, luggage, toys, and medicine bottles. It is increasingly being accepted in curbside recycling programs.
- PS (polystyrene) can be made into rigid products like CD cases or foam products like disposable cups and takeaway containers. It is not easily recyclable and is not accepted in many curbside recycling programs.
- "Other" plastics include acrylic plastic, polycarbonate plastic, polylactic fibers, nylon, and fiberglass. Acrylic and polycarbonate can be recycled and repurposed, but you should confirm with your local recycling program.
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Frequently asked questions
Check the local recycling guidelines for your area. Different municipalities have different rules for what can and can't be recycled.
Types 1 and 2 plastics are widely accepted in standard recycling bins. Type 1 plastics, or PET/PETE, are used for single-use beverage bottles and are the most common plastic to be recycled. Type 2 plastics, or HDPE, are used for detergent bottles and have a recycling rate of around 30% in the US.
Types 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 plastics are hard to recycle. Type 3 plastics, or PVC, are not recyclable in normal collections. Type 4 plastics, or LDPE, are used for plastic bags and should not be put in recycling bins as they can damage the equipment. Type 5 plastics, or polypropylene, are commonly used for yogurt containers and may be recycled depending on your local program. Type 6 plastics, or PS, are used for styrofoam products and are difficult to recycle. Type 7 plastics are often made of multiple plastic types and fall under the other category.
Check the recycling symbols on plastic products to understand what type of plastic they are and whether they can be recycled in your area. Reduce your plastic consumption and reuse plastic products when possible.
