Ethan Clarke
Plastic is a rapidly growing segment of municipal solid waste (MSW) and is found in all major MSW categories. While all plastics can be recycled, the recycling rates vary depending on the type of plastic and the region. The seven types of plastic used globally are identified by a number inside a small triangle, known as a resin code. The presence of a resin code does not indicate recyclability; it is the number that matters. Some types of plastic are harder to recycle than others, and some regions have better recycling infrastructure than others. For example, the recycling rate for PET bottles in the US is around 25%, while in India, Europe, and South Korea, it is over 50%.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most widely recycled plastic in the world | PET |
| Plastic with the highest recycling rate | HDPE |
| Plastic that is never recycled | Number 6 and 7 |
| Plastic that is difficult and expensive to recycle | Polypropylene |
| Plastic that is safe for reuse | Polypropylene |
| Plastic that is not safe for reuse | PET |
| Plastic that is hard to recycle | Styrofoam |
| Plastic that is recyclable but not reusable | PET |
| Plastic that is carcinogenic | PET |
| Plastic that is soft and flexible | PVC |
| Plastic that is used for plastic bags | LDPE |
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What You'll Learn
- PET plastic is the most widely recycled plastic in the world
- HDPE is the most commonly recycled plastic and is considered one of the safest forms
- Polypropylene (PP) is recyclable but many recyclers don't accept it
- PVC is dubbed the poison plastic due to its toxic nature and is rarely recycled
- LDPE is the plastic used for grocery bags and can sometimes be recycled
PET plastic is the most widely recycled plastic in the world
PET, or Polyethylene Terephthalate, is the most widely recycled plastic in the world. It is a lightweight, durable, and inexpensive material that can be moulded into a variety of products. PET is commonly used for single-use packaging materials, such as disposable consumer items and packaging. It is also used to make bottles for soda, water, and other drinks, as well as cooking oil containers, plastic peanut butter jars, and containers for other food items.
PET is recognised by the number 1 inside the triangle of arrows that indicates recyclability. It is one of the most commonly used plastics in consumer products and is found in most water and soda bottles, as well as some packaging. PET is difficult to decontaminate and requires harmful chemicals for proper cleaning. Despite being relatively easy to recycle, some countries are still struggling to reach high recycling rates for PET.
The process of recycling PET involves crushing and shredding the plastic into small flakes, which are then reprocessed to make new PET products. These flakes can be spun into polyester fibre, which is used to create textiles such as fleece garments, carpets, and stuffing for pillows and life jackets. In 2011, approximately 7.5 million tons of PET were collected worldwide, with a large portion being recycled into fashion items.
The recycling of PET is important due to the negative environmental impact of plastic waste. Large quantities of PET have been released into the environment during its production, application, and disposal, posing a serious threat to ecosystems, food safety, and human health. Recycling PET can help reduce this impact and ensure that plastic bottles do not end up in natural environments such as lakes and rivers or in landfills.
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HDPE is the most commonly recycled plastic and is considered one of the safest forms
High-density polyethylene, commonly known as HDPE, is the most frequently recycled plastic and is considered one of the safest forms. It is a thermoplastic with a high tensile strength, impact resistance, and strength-to-density ratio, making it ideal for a wide range of applications. Its durability is due to its molecular structure, which contains very few branching side chains, increasing its density and strength.
HDPE is widely accepted by recycling centres and services worldwide. It is one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle, and the process is relatively simple and cost-effective. The recycling process involves sorting, cleaning, separating, shredding, melting, and creating new products. HDPE can be recycled into plastic lumber, tables, roadside curbs, benches, and other durable plastic products. It is important to recycle HDPE as it is non-biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to break down. If not recycled, it can end up in landfills, contributing to pollution and emissions.
HDPE is commonly used in the production of plastic bottles, milk jugs, detergent and bleach bottles, plastic crates, and more. It is resistant to many chemicals, acids, and alcohols, making it a popular choice for containers in healthcare facilities and laboratories. Additionally, its high relative melting point allows for boiling without compromising structural integrity, making it suitable for food-grade consumer products.
The recyclability of HDPE is a significant advantage, as studies suggest it can be recycled up to 10 times. However, it is important to note that the recycling rate for HDPE bottles is around 30% in the US, and only about 30-35% of HDPE plastic used in America is recycled each year. Therefore, it is essential to minimise the use of HDPE and promote the recycling of this plastic to reduce waste and protect the environment.
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Polypropylene (PP) is recyclable but many recyclers don't accept it
Polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic polymer used in a wide range of applications, from bottle caps and straws to disposable diapers and food containers. While PP is technically recyclable, it is not widely accepted by residential recycling programs or local recycling centers due to the challenges and costs associated with its recycling process.
One of the main challenges in recycling PP is that it is sensitive to high heat, which can cause it to lose chemical integrity, strength, and flexibility during the extrusion process of mechanical recycling. Additionally, recycled PP often has inferior properties compared to virgin PP, such as a lower melt-flow rate, molecular weight, and thermal stability, due to contamination or degradation during recycling. These factors make it difficult to meet the high regulatory standards for food-safe plastic, limiting its potential market applications.
The recycling of PP also presents economic challenges. The process of recycling PP is expensive and requires extensive testing and additives for food-grade certification. Without dedicated large-scale recycling facilities, the cost of recycling PP remains high. Although sortation technologies for plastics are improving, PP's poor performance in mechanical recycling has resulted in a lack of focus on its waste sortation.
Furthermore, PP bags, which are commonly used for grocery shopping, must undergo a complex process to be effectively recycled. They need to be collected, sorted, shredded, separated by color, and then compounded, which adds to the overall complexity and cost of PP recycling.
Despite these challenges, some companies are actively working on innovative solutions to improve PP recycling. For example, Purecycle, an American startup, is utilizing supercritical butane technology to remove impurities from PP and enhance the recycling process. With ongoing construction of larger recycling plants, Purecycle aims to increase its capacity to process recycled PP.
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PVC is dubbed the poison plastic due to its toxic nature and is rarely recycled
Plastic products are often stamped with a resin code, a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. This number is used to identify the type of plastic used for the product, and not all plastics are recyclable or even reusable.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a soft, flexible plastic used to make clear plastic food wrapping, cooking oil bottles, teething rings, children's toys, and blister packaging. It is dubbed the "poison plastic" due to its toxic nature and is rarely recycled. PVC is toxic at every stage of its lifecycle, from production to disposal, and is the least recyclable of all plastics. Less than 1% of PVC material is recycled, and products made from PVC plastic are not recyclable.
PVC contains numerous toxic additives, such as plasticizers, stabilizers containing heavy metals, fungicides, and other toxic substances. These additives can leach from the plastic during use, contaminating the environment and exposing consumers to harmful chemicals. For example, plasticizers can disrupt the body's messaging system, harm reproductive health, and contribute to asthma and developmental problems. Toxic metals such as lead, cadmium, and organotins are used as stabilizers, and toxic flame retardants are added to suppress fires.
The production and use of PVC have been linked to serious health risks and environmental harm. Communities living near PVC production facilities, particularly low-income communities and communities of color, face increased risks of cancer and other health issues due to exposure to toxic chemicals. Incidents during the transport and manufacture of PVC have also resulted in chemical fires and explosions, causing injuries and fatalities.
Safer alternatives to PVC are available for most uses, and some companies and governments have enacted PVC restrictions and material substitution policies. However, despite the growing calls for a ban on PVC, it remains the third most common plastic manufactured globally due to the powerful vinyl lobby and the economics of oil and gas production.
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LDPE is the plastic used for grocery bags and can sometimes be recycled
Plastic products are often stamped with a resin code, a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. These numbers correspond to the seven different types of plastic, indicating the type of plastic used for the product. LDPE, or low-density polyethylene, is a type of plastic commonly used for grocery bags, bread bags, and newspaper bags, among other things. It is flexible, transparent, oil-resistant, and chemical-resistant, making it ideal for various applications. However, LDPE is not as popular for food containers and household supplies.
LDPE is sometimes recyclable, but it depends on local policies and regulations. Some recycling programs do not accept LDPE plastic bags due to equipment limitations, while others may have specific drop-off programs or curbside recycling for LDPE. In some cases, grocery stores may collect LDPE bags for proper plastics recycling. It's important to check with your local municipality or recycling center to understand their specific guidelines for LDPE recycling.
The recyclability of LDPE also depends on whether it is contaminated with dyes or other chemicals. Proper recycling requires separating different types of plastics and removing contaminations as much as possible. Additionally, the shape and weight of LDPE items can impact their recyclability, as irregular shapes and small weights can make automated separation challenging.
Unlike some other types of plastic, such as HDPE, LDPE is not one of the most commonly recycled plastics. HDPE is accepted at most recycling centers worldwide and is considered one of the easiest and safest plastic polymers to recycle. It is used to make items that require durability and weather-resistance, such as picnic tables, plastic lumber, and waste bins. However, it's important to note that not all plastics are recyclable or reusable, and even recyclable plastics may not always be recycled due to financial constraints or other factors.
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Frequently asked questions
There are seven different types of plastic used around the world, each with its own rating for recycling. The seven types of plastic are:
- PET or PETE: Used for bottles of soda, water, and other drinks. It is one of the most widely recycled plastics in the world.
- HDPE: One of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle and is considered one of the safest forms of plastic. It is used for milk jugs, shampoo bottles, and detergent bottles.
- PVC: A soft and flexible plastic that is often used for household products like plastic food wrapping. It is not recyclable due to the toxins it contains.
- LDPE: Used for plastic bags, shrink wraps, and bread bags. LDPE products can sometimes be recycled.
- PP: Used for food containers like yogurt pots and margarine tubs. PP is recyclable but not widely accepted by recyclers.
- PS: Used for disposable Styrofoam cups, takeout containers, and packing peanuts. PS is not generally recyclable.
- Number 7 plastics: These are often made of multiple plastic types and are not easily recycled.
Some plastics are hard to process for recycling companies, such as Styrofoam, which requires specialized handling. Other plastics, like PVC, contain toxins that make them unsafe for reuse, especially when it comes to food or children's products. Additionally, some plastics are simply not in demand for recycling and therefore are not accepted by recyclers, despite technically being recyclable.
Plastic products are often stamped with a resin code, which is a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. This number corresponds to the type of plastic and helps identify whether the product is recyclable or not.
