Alexei Volkov
Plastic is one of the most widely used materials in the world, with 300 million tonnes produced annually. However, only a small fraction of this is recycled, with the rest ending up in landfills, contributing to environmental degradation. To address this issue, it is essential to understand how to properly collect and recycle plastic. This involves learning about the different types of plastic, local recycling programs, and the various methods for collecting and processing plastic waste into new products. By optimizing the lifespan of plastics and reducing the need for new plastic production, we can minimize our environmental footprint and conserve natural resources.
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What You'll Learn
Check local programs to see what plastic can be recycled in your area
It is important to check local programs to see what plastic can be recycled in your area. Recycling programs can vary from community to community, and some types of plastics may not be accepted in your local community recycling program.
Your local community's website is often the best place to find information on your specific program. You can also contact your local recycler directly to find out if they accept the type of plastic you wish to recycle. Some retailers and grocery stores also accept certain materials for recycling, such as plastic bags and plastic wrap/film.
It is also worth noting that some plastics are not intended for recycling. For example, compostable plastics can contaminate and disrupt the recycling stream if mixed with non-compostable plastics. Bio-based plastics require reading the product label to determine their waste disposal options.
To encourage the end market for recycled flexible plastic items, it is recommended to source recycled content for these products.
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Clean and dry any plastic before recycling
When it comes to recycling plastic, it is important to ensure that the items are clean and dry before placing them in the bin. This is because contaminants can sometimes ruin certain recycling processes. While guidelines vary depending on location, here are some general tips to follow:
Firstly, determine if the plastic item is recyclable or non-recyclable. Certain types of plastic may not be accepted by your local recycling program, so it is important to check beforehand. For example, plastic bags and plastic films are typically not recyclable in curbside bins as they can jam the machinery at recycling facilities. However, many supermarkets and stores have bins specifically for recycling plastic bags.
If your plastic item is recyclable, make sure to remove any food scraps or residue. Containers contaminated with food cannot be recycled. Give the item a quick rinse or swish some water around inside to remove any remaining contents. For example, if you are recycling a plastic sandwich bag, wash it out to remove any sticky residue and ensure it is completely dry before placing it in the correct recycling bin.
It is important to note that heavily soiled or impossible-to-clean plastic items should be thrown away. These items can contaminate other cleaned items in your recycling container. Additionally, crumpled, torn, or misshapen plastic can usually be recycled, but it is best to check with your local recycling provider for specific guidelines.
By following these steps and checking your local guidelines, you can ensure that your plastic items are properly cleaned and dried before recycling, contributing to a more sustainable planet.
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Reuse gift bags, boxes and tissue paper
Plastic is a significant contributor to waste, with only 8.7% of the 35 million tons of plastic generated in the United States in 2018 being recycled. While recycling is a great way to give plastic a new lease of life, it is even better to reuse plastic items, extending their lifespan and reducing the need for new plastic products.
Gift bags, boxes, and tissue paper are often used just once and then discarded, but they can easily be reused in creative and decorative ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Gift Bags
- Wrapping Paper: Remove the handles and use the bag as wrapping paper for another gift. You can decorate it with glue-on pompoms or other tiny decorations if you want to add some flair.
- Shopping Bag: Instead of using a disposable plastic bag at the store, bring your own reusable gift bag to carry your purchases.
- Envelopes: Cut out a square or rectangular piece of the gift bag and glue two of the open ends together to make a pouch envelope. You can also try your hand at more complex taped or origami envelopes.
- Book Covers: Use a gift bag to cover a book, giving it a unique and colourful look while also protecting the book from wear and tear.
- Wall Decor: Cut out designs from the gift bag and stick them to your walls for an exclusive and exuberant look. Alternatively, use the bag to make a picture frame.
- Origami: Fold the bag into fun decorations like tulips, boats, fans, or cranes.
- Coasters: Cut the bag into squares and glue multiple pieces together to achieve the desired thickness. You can then seal the coasters with Mod Podge and spray lacquer.
Boxes
- Storage: Boxes are great for storing and organising items. For example, you can use a shoebox to store and organise small cords using empty toilet paper rolls.
- Children's Play: Large boxes, especially those from appliances or furniture, can be used by children to create playhouses, forts, castles, and spaceships.
- Cat Scratcher: Cut long strips from the box and curl them into a circle, gluing the ends together to create a scratching post for your cat.
- Coasters: Cut out cardboard six-pack holders and glue them onto ceramic tiles. Decorate with felt and seal with Mod Podge and spray lacquer.
- Shoe Rack: Cut and fold boxes into triangle shapes and tape them together to create a stylish and flexible shoe rack.
Tissue Paper
Tissue paper is not commonly recycled due to its low-grade paper structure, but it can be reused in various ways:
- Wrapping Paper: Tissue paper can be used to wrap gifts, especially if you layer multiple sheets for a colourful effect.
- Compost: Tissue paper is usually biodegradable and can be added to your compost pile, where it will help absorb water and reduce odours. However, check that the tissue paper does not have plastic tape or glitter attached, as this cannot be composted.
Remember, by reusing these items, you are giving them a new purpose and reducing waste. Get creative, and you might be surprised at how many ways you can find to extend the life of these everyday items!
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Retailers often accept plastic bags for recycling
Plastic bags are a major source of pollution, with millions of tons generated each year, and only a small percentage being recycled. They are often mistaken as food by marine animals, causing toxic debris to fill their stomachs. To prevent this, it is important to recycle plastic bags properly.
Check that the bags you are recycling have a #2 or #4 plastic symbol on them. Bags without these symbols may be made from unknown plastic resins, so it is better to reuse them until they can no longer be used, and then throw them away.
Many retailers, including large national grocery stores like Kroger, Safeway, Target, and Walmart, offer bag recycling collections in their stores. The bins are usually located near the front entrance. You can use a recycling locator to find a store near you that accepts plastic bags for recycling. Simply enter your ZIP code, and you will be provided with a location.
Some localities also offer curbside recycling programs that accept plastic bags. However, it is important to check with your local program before including plastic bags with other recyclables, as they can cause contamination and are not accepted by all recycling centers.
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Plastic can be recycled into new products
Plastic is a highly versatile material that can be recycled and reused to create a wide range of new products. The process of recycling plastic involves sorting, cleaning, and reprocessing it into raw materials that can be used to manufacture new items. This reduces the need to create new plastic, benefiting the environment and improving waste management solutions.
One of the most widely recycled plastics is PET, commonly found in plastic bottles. PET can be transformed into flakes, which are then spun into yarn and used to create fashion items such as clothing, backpacks, and carpets. Additionally, PET bottles can be recycled into new beverage bottles, either in their original form or blended with virgin material to enhance strength.
HDPE is another plastic that is widely accepted at recycling centers due to its ease of recycling. It is used to create various products, including non-food application bottles, film packaging, pipes, lawn products, and durable items like plastic lumber, tables, and benches.
Flexible polyethylene-based plastics, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE), can be recycled through store drop-off programs. These plastics are baled and sold to independent companies, which turn them into plastic pellets. These pellets have numerous applications, including synthetic lumber, new films, pouches, and bags.
Mechanical and chemical recycling are the two primary methods for recycling plastic. Mechanical recycling involves washing, grinding, and melting plastic, while chemical recycling breaks it down into monomers to form new polymers for reuse. By exploring alternatives to landfills and recognizing the value of plastic waste, we can contribute to a more sustainable future.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some tips to recycle more plastic:
- Check your local recycling program to confirm what plastic items are accepted.
- Rinse or scrape off any food residue from plastic containers before placing them in the bin.
- Look for the How2Recycle label to identify recyclable flexible packaging.
- Reuse plastic bags and plastic wrap/film, and recycle them through retailer-sponsored programs or public recycling bins.
- Purchase products made from recycled plastic materials when possible.
To recycle plastic bottles, simply empty the bottles and twist the caps back on before tossing them into the recycling bin. You don't need to flatten the bottles.
A common misconception is that all types of plastic can be recycled through community programs, which is not always the case. It's important to check with your local recycling program to understand their specific guidelines. Another misconception is that compostable plastics can be recycled with non-biodegradable plastics, but they require separate recycling streams.
