Sofia Martinez
Non-recyclable plastic is a pressing issue, with most plastic products taking hundreds of years to decompose and leaking harmful chemicals into the environment. While there is currently no practical way to deal with non-recyclables other than reusing or properly disposing of them in general waste, new research offers hope. Scientists have discovered a way to convert certain challenging types of plastic into a recyclable form, but this technology is not yet widely available. In the meantime, individuals can reduce their plastic consumption, separate non-recyclable waste, and properly clean their recyclables to ensure they can be processed into something new.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic resin codes | Numbers ranging from 1 to 7, with 7 being 'other' |
| Non-recyclable plastics | Cling film, blister packaging, plastic bags, straws, coffee cups, snack wrappers, cellophane, coffee bags, prepared food pouches, plastic building materials, vinyl blinds, fencing, plastic clamshells, plastic knives/forks/spoons, plastic trays, plastic hazardous substance containers, plastic medical waste, PE-LD packing foam, prescription bottles, plastic tubes, plastic wrap, salad bags, crisp packets |
| Recyclable plastics | Drink bottles, peanut butter jars, milk and juice containers, shampoo and conditioner containers, yogurt tubs, plastic wraps, grocery store bags, bread bags, ketchup bottles, baby bottles, plastic cups, glass food containers, wax wraps |
| Ways to deal with non-recyclable plastic | Reuse, dispose of properly in general waste, repurpose or reuse, send to landfill, recycle into raw materials, melt and reform into new items |
| How to identify recyclable plastic | Check the bottom of the bottle or container for a number; lower the number, the more likely it is to be recyclable |
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What You'll Learn
Reduce consumption of non-recyclable plastics
Reducing consumption of non-recyclable plastics is essential to mitigate their environmental impact. Here are some ways to achieve this:
Understand Non-Recyclable Plastics
Educate yourself about the types of non-recyclable plastics to make informed choices. Plastics are classified using Resin Identification Codes, with numbers ranging from 1 to 7. The lower the number, the more recyclable the plastic. Numbers 3, 6, and 7 are generally non-recyclable and include materials like PVC, polystyrene, and other composite plastics.
Avoid Single-Use Plastics
Single-use plastics, such as disposable cups, straws, plastic bags, and food packaging, are significant contributors to waste. Reduce their consumption by opting for reusable alternatives. Carry a reusable water bottle, use metal straws, bring your own bags when shopping, and choose loose fruit and vegetables instead of those packaged in plastic.
Choose Eco-Friendly Alternatives
Whenever possible, opt for eco-friendly alternatives to non-recyclable plastics. For example, use glass food containers instead of plastic takeaway tubs, and choose wax wraps or eco-friendly beeswax paper instead of cling film. These alternatives are more durable and can be reused multiple times, reducing the need for single-use plastics.
Support Recycling Initiatives
Support businesses and organizations that prioritize recycling and sustainable practices. Check with your local recycling center, as some may have the technology to recycle certain types of non-recyclable plastics. Additionally, explore programs like TerraCycle, which offers free nationwide recycling for hard-to-recycle waste, including contact lenses, electronic waste, and oral care products.
Reduce Plastic Waste
Minimize plastic waste by properly disposing of non-recyclable plastics and reusing or repurposing plastics whenever possible. For example, plastic bags can be reused multiple times before disposal. Also, ensure that recyclable plastics are correctly cleaned and prepared for recycling to prevent contamination and increase the likelihood of successful recycling.
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Reuse non-recyclable plastics
While it is important to recycle plastic where possible, not all plastics are created equal. Some are more easily recycled than others, and some are simply non-recyclable.
Non-recyclable plastics include thin plastic bags, plastic films, and cling films, which can clog the machinery at recycling facilities. It is better to dispose of these in your general waste bin rather than your recycling bin. Other non-recyclable plastics include plastic straws, plastic utensils, Styrofoam food containers, medication bottles, and plastic tubes from items such as toothpaste or lotion.
However, there are ways to reuse non-recyclable plastics. For example, plastic bags can be reused multiple times before disposal. You can also opt for reusable water bottles, most of which are made from eco-friendly, recycled, and recyclable materials.
Additionally, some companies, like TerraCycle, offer free nationwide recycling programs for typically hard-to-recycle waste. They accept items like contact lenses, makeup products, e-waste, oral care products, and more. The collected waste is then turned into raw materials and sold back to factories to create new products.
Finally, while it is not a method of reuse, it is worth noting that researchers are working on new processes to recycle challenging types of plastics. One such process involves converting non-recyclable plastics into a type that can be heated and reformed. Another process creates vitrimers by changing fixed crosslinks in certain types of plastic into dynamic, changeable ones, making the new material recyclable.
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Dispose of non-recyclable plastics properly
Plastics are classified according to the Resin Identification Code, with numbers ranging from 1 to 7, with 7 being 'other'. The most toxic plastics are #3 polyvinyl chloride (PVC), #6 polystyrene (PS), and #7 other. These plastics are generally non-recyclable and include bioplastics, composite plastic, plastic-coated wrapping paper, and polycarbonate. Other non-recyclable plastics include cling film, blister packaging, and thin bags or films that can clog recycling machines.
Non-recyclable plastics should be disposed of properly in the trash to reduce their environmental impact. This includes items such as plastic bags, straws, cups, food containers, and single-use plastic wraps. Many of these items are contaminated with food or made from low-value plastic resins, making them unsuitable for recycling. However, it's important to check with local recycling centers as some may have the technology to recycle certain non-recyclable plastics.
To properly dispose of non-recyclable plastics, individuals can follow these steps:
- Reduce consumption: Avoid single-use plastics and opt for reusable alternatives whenever possible.
- Reuse and repurpose: Before discarding non-recyclable plastics, consider if they can be reused or repurposed. For example, plastic bags can be reused multiple times.
- Dispose of properly: Place non-recyclable plastics in the trash to ensure they are disposed of properly and do not end up in landfills or oceans, causing environmental harm.
- Explore alternatives to landfills: Look for organizations like TerraCycle that offer recycling programs for hard-to-recycle waste. They collect items, turn them into raw materials, and sell them back to factories for new product creation.
While the best approach is to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastics, proper disposal of non-recyclable plastics is crucial to minimizing their environmental impact.
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Identify non-recyclable plastics by their resin code
The Resin Identification Code (RIC) is a technical standard with a set of symbols that appear on plastic products to identify the type of plastic resin the product is made from. The RIC was developed in 1988 by the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) in the United States, and has been administered by ASTM International since 2008. The original SPI code was designed to "provide a consistent national system to facilitate recycling of post-consumer plastics".
The RIC consists of a triangle that encloses a number, ranging from 1 to 7. The numbers 1 to 6 indicate that the plastic packaging is made from one of six specific types of plastic:
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
- Polypropylene (PP)
- Polystyrene (PS)
The number 7 means that the plastic is made from a type of plastic other than the previous six, or is a mixture of plastics. This category includes things like bioplastics, composite plastics (like crisp wrappers), plastic-coated wrapping paper, polycarbonate, and polylactic acid (PLA).
It is important to note that the presence of an RIC on packaging does not guarantee that the packaging is recyclable. The RIC helps identify different types of plastic so that they can be sorted and reprocessed, but it does not address the recyclability of the product. Consumers often assume that products with the recycling symbol are recyclable, which is one of the most common misconceptions about recycling.
To identify non-recyclable plastics, it is helpful to know which types of plastics are generally not recyclable. For example, PS plastic, often used for protective packaging, single-use foodware, and foam products (such as Styrofoam), is not recyclable. PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is another durable plastic that is difficult to break down and cannot be recycled in curbside collections. LDPE, or low-density polyethylene, is also generally not recyclable in curbside collections and should be disposed of in the trash. Bioplastics, such as PLA, are designed to break down in commercial composting facilities under specific conditions and are not recyclable.
By understanding the different resin codes and checking with local recycling facilities, consumers can make more informed choices about the types of plastic they use and ensure that they are recycling plastic materials properly.
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Recycle non-recyclable plastics through specialist programs
While most plastic items are non-recyclable, there are a few specialist programs that can recycle certain types of non-recyclable plastics. These programs typically involve specialized processes or technology that can handle challenging types of plastics. Here are some ways to recycle non-recyclable plastics through these specialist programs:
Find a Community Recycling Program: Some communities have specialized recycling programs that accept a wide range of plastic items, including those that may not be accepted by standard recycling facilities. These programs often have the necessary equipment and expertise to handle non-recyclable plastics properly. Check with your local community or recycling center to see if there are any such programs in your area.
Separate Non-Recyclable Plastics: To make it easier for garbage processors to identify and handle non-recyclable plastics, separate them from other trash and recyclable materials. This helps ensure that non-recyclable plastics are disposed of properly and don't contaminate recyclable items.
Research Recycling Symbols: Familiarize yourself with the seven plastic recycling symbols, which indicate the different types of plastic and their distinct recycling instructions. This knowledge will help you identify which plastics can be recycled through specialist programs. Check with your local recycling guidelines to understand the specific types of plastic they accept.
Melting and Reforming: Some types of plastic, such as drink bottles, can be melted and reformed into new items. This process involves breaking down the plastic into its basic molecules and then reshaping them into a new form. However, this method may not work for all types of plastic, especially thermoset plastics.
Vitrimer Process: A recent innovation by researchers at Case Western Reserve University involves converting certain types of non-recyclable plastics into vitrimers. This process changes fixed crosslinks in the plastic into dynamic, changeable ones, making the material recyclable. The plastic is ground into a fine powder and then reformed into a new shape using heat and pressure.
By exploring these specialist programs and staying informed about recycling options, you can find ways to recycle non-recyclable plastics and reduce their environmental impact. Remember to also consider reducing your consumption of single-use plastics and reusing items whenever possible.
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Frequently asked questions
Some examples of non-recyclable plastics include plastic bags, plastic straws, coffee cups, plastic wrap, plastic tubing, and bioplastics.
Non-recyclable plastics should be disposed of in the trash. However, plastic waste can often be reused or repurposed, diverting it from landfills. For example, plastic bags can be reused multiple times before disposal.
To reduce the use of non-recyclable plastics, you can opt for loose fruits and vegetables instead of those pre-wrapped in plastic. Paper bags are also a more environmentally friendly alternative to plastic bags. Glass food containers are a more durable alternative to plastic takeaway tubs, and wax wraps can replace cling film.
