Sofia Martinez
Plastic recycling is a challenging task, especially for #5 plastics. #5 plastics, or polypropylene, are among the more difficult types of plastic to recycle into useful products. They were widely accepted in both curbside and drop-off recycling centres before China's National Sword policy was introduced in 2018, which stopped the acceptance of contaminated plastic waste for recycling. While some curbside and drop-off programs have reintroduced #5 rigid plastic recycling, films and bags remain a problem. To recycle #5 plastics, individuals can turn to companies like TerraCycle, which offers free and fee-based recycling programs for various products, or check their local options and municipality guidelines. Understanding the seven plastic recycling codes can help individuals identify which products can be safely recycled and ensure their plastic waste is actually being recycled.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic Type | Polypropylene (PP) |
| Plastic Number | 5 |
| Examples | Yogurt cups and tubs, margarine tubs, syrup bottles, plastic bottle caps, straws, food storage containers, sunglasses, plastic furniture, car, prescription bottles |
| Accepted by Recycling Centers | Yes, but curbside and drop-off programs vary by location |
| Preparation for Recycling | Empty and scrape containers that once held food; leave caps on |
| Challenges | Plastic recycling is complex and challenging, especially for #5 plastics; less than 10% of plastic waste worldwide has been recycled; China's National Sword policy in 2018 stopped accepting contaminated plastic waste |
| Alternatives | Reusable options like glass food storage containers and metal straws; buying yogurt in bulk or in glass containers; making your own yogurt |
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What You'll Learn
Recycling centres and programmes
Number 5 plastic, also known as polypropylene (PP), is a non-toxic, food-safe plastic that is widely used in grocery shopping and takeout dining. It is commonly used for yogurt cups, butter tubs, medicine bottles, microwavable containers, takeout boxes and cups, and laundry lids.
Curbside recycling
Before China's National Sword Policy was introduced in 2018, number 5 plastics were widely accepted in both curbside and drop-off recycling centres. However, after China tightened its restrictions on imported waste, recycling number 5 plastic became more challenging, especially in the United States. Some curbside bin recycling programmes in Alabama and across the United States still send number 5 plastics to landfills.
In New York City, number 5 plastics can be put in the recycling bin. NYC has a comprehensive recycling programme that accepts many items that other places do not recycle through curbside programmes.
Drop-off locations
Some organisations, like Community on the Rise in Birmingham, Alabama, offer drop-off locations for clean number 5 PP plastics. This non-profit organisation is the only one in Alabama that recycles this type of plastic, turning it into sustainable goods.
Mail-in programmes
There are also mail-in options for recycling number 5 plastics, such as those offered by TerraCycle. While they do not have a specific programme for number 5 plastics, they offer boxes for various home and personal care products, as well as fee-based options for other items.
Local solid waste districts
It is recommended to check with your local solid waste district to find out about local recycling options. For example, the international humanitarian organisation Mathew 25: Ministries accepts clean, empty pill bottles, including prescription medicine bottles, and recycles or reuses them.
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Plastic waste statistics
Plastic #5, also known as polypropylene, is a type of plastic commonly used for food containers such as yogurt cups and tubs, margarine tubs, syrup bottles, straws, and food storage containers. It is also used for items like plastic bottle caps, sunglasses, and plastic furniture. While the recyclability of this plastic varies by location, it is generally accepted in recycling programs. In New York City, for example, plastic #5 can be placed in the recycling bin. However, it is important to ensure that food and liquid containers are empty and scraped clean before recycling to avoid contaminating the entire batch, which often leads to landfill disposal.
Now, let's delve into some statistics regarding plastic waste:
The world's annual plastic production has skyrocketed, reaching 460 million tons in 2019, marking a staggering 230-fold increase over the past seven decades. This surge in production has inevitably led to a significant rise in plastic waste. The global plastic waste generation is estimated at around 350 million tons per year. Unfortunately, a substantial portion of this waste is mismanaged, meaning it is not properly recycled, incinerated, or disposed of in sealed landfills. About 25% of plastic waste falls into this category, posing a severe threat to the environment.
Rich countries often have higher per-capita plastic waste production rates, but the critical issue is the mismanagement of waste, which is more prevalent in low- to middle-income countries. This mismanagement results in plastic pollution, with an estimated one to two million tons of plastic ending up in our oceans each year. Asia, particularly middle-income countries in the region, is a significant contributor to this ocean plastic pollution.
In the United States, plastic waste generation reached 35.7 million tons in 2018, accounting for 12.2% of municipal solid waste (MSW) generation. While the overall recycling rate for plastics is relatively low at 8.7% in 2018, certain types of plastic containers have higher recycling rates. For instance, the recycling rate for PET bottles and jars was 29.1% in 2018, while HDPE natural bottles achieved a rate of 29.3% in the same year.
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Plastic recycling symbols
The "chasing arrows" symbol does not necessarily mean that the product is recyclable. Instead, it represents the type of plastic resin used to make the item and provides a "Resin Identification Code". This code is a number between 1 and 7 that defines the resin used. For example, the number 5 symbol, also known as PP or polypropylene plastic, is used for some tubs and trays and is widely recycled. It is used in items such as yoghurt cups, margarine tubs, syrup bottles, and plastic furniture.
Other symbols and their meanings include:
- Symbol 1 with the acronym PETE or PETG, which stands for polyethylene terephthalate. This plastic is easily recyclable and is often part of curbside recycling programs. It is used for soft drink bottles, mineral water containers, fruit juice containers, and cooking oil containers.
- Symbol 2 with the acronym HDPE, which stands for high-density polyethylene. This plastic is widely used and easily recycled into pipes, oil bottles, pens, and detergent bottles.
- Symbol 3 with the letter "V" represents PVC or polyvinyl chloride. This plastic is rarely recycled and is not usually part of curbside recycling programs. It is used in bubble foils, trays for sweets and fruit, and expanded PVC foam board.
- Symbol 4 with the acronym LDPE indicates low-density polyethylene. This plastic is not usually recycled but can be converted into floor tiles and shipping envelopes. It is used for shopping bags, highly-resistant sacks, and crushed bottles.
- Symbol 6 with the acronym PS stands for polystyrene. This plastic is not accepted in many curbside recycling programs but can be recycled into egg cartons, takeout containers, and rulers.
- Symbol 7 with the word "OTHER" stands for other plastics and includes acrylic plastic, polycarbonate plastic, polylactic fibres, nylon, and fibreglass.
It is important to note that local recycling guidelines may vary, so it is always good to check with your local recycling centre. Additionally, some packaging may need to be separated into its components before disposing of it. For example, a bottle with a sleeve, film, or liner can usually be recycled, but the sleeve must be removed and thrown in the rubbish.
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Plastic product alternatives
Plastic #5, also known as polypropylene, is a common plastic used in various products, including containers, bottles, and caps. While recycling practices may vary based on local guidelines, plastic #5 containers are generally accepted in recycling programs. It is important to ensure that food and liquid residues are removed from the containers before recycling.
Now, let's explore some alternatives to plastic products:
Reusable Containers and Cutlery:
Instead of using disposable plastic containers and cutlery, opt for reusable alternatives. This includes glass, stainless steel, or bamboo containers for food storage and transport. Reusable cutlery made from bamboo or plant-based materials, such as Bakeys spoons, forks, and chopsticks, are also available.
Eco-Friendly Straws and Stirrers:
Plastic straws and cocktail stirrers are often single-use items that contribute to plastic pollution. Eco-friendly alternatives include stainless steel, bamboo, pasta, rice, paper, reusable silicone, and compostable plant-based straws. Reusable glass, bamboo, or even herbal stirrers (such as celery or rosemary sticks) can replace plastic cocktail stirrers.
Sustainable Bags and Wrapping:
Single-use plastic bags can be replaced with natural cloth bags, beeswax-coated fabric wraps, or bags made from sustainable materials like bamboo or plant-based sources.
Bioplastics and Compostable Materials:
Bioplastics are biodegradable or compostable plastics made from natural substances instead of petroleum. While they may not break down in home composts, they can still be a better alternative to traditional plastics. Additionally, look for products made from compostable materials, such as bamboo or plant-based fibres, for items like cutlery, toothbrushes, and even clothing.
Wood and Ceramic Alternatives:
Wood from sustainably managed forests can replace plastic in various household items like cleaning brushes, kitchen utensils, and cutting boards. Pottery and fired ceramics offer stable, waterproof alternatives for food storage and tableware.
Reducing Hidden Plastics:
Plastic can be found in unexpected places, such as chewing gum, cigarette filters, glues, tea bags, and coffee cups. Opt for plastic-free alternatives in these products, such as choosing tea bags without plastic sealing, or coffee cups made from fully compostable materials.
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Plastic disposal advice
Plastic recycling is a complex process and can be challenging, especially for number 5 plastics (PP Polypropylene). Before attempting to recycle any plastic, it is important to check your municipality's guidelines for what is and is not accepted. If you are unsure, it is better to throw the plastic away than risk contaminating a whole batch of recycling. Contamination often results in items being sent to landfills.
Number 5 plastics are rigid plastics, which include items such as yogurt containers, prescription bottles, straws, plastic bottle caps, and food storage containers. These can be recycled, but it is important to ensure they are empty and scraped clean before placing them in the recycling bin. When recycling plastic containers with caps, leave the caps on, as it is now easier for recycling equipment to process the whole bottle.
Some other plastics that can be recycled include PET or PETE (used for soda, water, and other drink bottles, as well as cooking oil containers), HDPE (used for milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, etc.), and LDPE (used for plastic bags and wrappings). However, it is important to note that grocery stores often collect plastic bags for proper recycling, as they should not be placed in home recycling bins due to the risk of tangling in equipment.
If possible, it is best to avoid using plastics that cannot be recycled in your area or that are hard to recycle, such as Styrofoam and PVC, a soft, flexible plastic used for many household products. Instead, opt for reusable options like glass food storage containers and metal straws. Additionally, look for ways to reuse or upcycle your plastic containers, such as using yogurt containers as organizers or making a plastic bottle bowling game.
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Frequently asked questions
No. 5 plastic, or polypropylene, is among the more difficult types of plastic to recycle into useful things.
The recycling process can be challenging, as it is not widely accepted by curbside and drop-off recycling centres. You can check your municipality's recycling guidelines for clarity on what is and is not accepted. Some companies, such as TerraCycle, also offer recycling programs for a variety of products, including No. 5 plastics.
You can try to avoid products packaged in No. 5 plastic and opt for reusable alternatives such as glass food storage containers and metal straws. You can also try making your own food, such as yoghurt, or buying in bulk to cut down on plastic packaging.
