Maya Ellison
Plastic recycling can be confusing, with different types of plastics needing to be disposed of in different ways. Most plastics are stamped with a resin code, which is a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. The number inside the triangle indicates the type of plastic and whether it can be recycled. Types 1 and 2 plastics can be placed in standard recycling bins, while other types may not be permitted depending on local guidelines. Plastic #7, for example, can be hard to identify and may need to be sent to a commercial composting facility if it is a bio-based plastic.
How to dispose of plastics #2 and #7
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic #2 | High-density polyethylene (HDPE) |
| Plastic #2 Found in | Plastic shopping bags, bottles for soda, water and other drinks, plastic peanut butter jars, containers for other popular food items |
| Plastic #2 How to recycle | Can be recycled through standard recycling bins or returned to stores for recycling |
| Plastic #7 | Polycarbonate, made from potato, sugar, or corn derivatives |
| Plastic #7 Found in | Bio-based plastics, disposable plates and cups, meat trays, egg cartons, carryout containers, aspirin bottles, CD cases |
| Plastic #7 How to recycle | Check with your local waste management provider or curbside recycling program to see if they accept #7 plastics. If made from identifiable components within plastic resin categories 1-6, follow those recycling instructions |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic #7 is hard to identify and often made of multiple plastic types
- Check your municipality's guidelines for recycling plastics
- Plastic #7 includes bio-based plastics, which should be sent to commercial composting facilities
- Curbside recycling programs may accept #7 plastics if they can be identified
- Plastic #2 can be recycled through some grocery stores
Plastic #7 is hard to identify and often made of multiple plastic types
Plastic #7 is a category that includes any plastic resin that doesn't fit into the first six categories. Products stamped with a 7 are often made of multiple types of plastics or other hard-to-recycle plastics. Polycarbonate is a #7 plastic and is used to build strong, tough products. It is commonly found in items such as sunglasses, sports goggles, DVDs, police riot gear, and compact discs. Polycarbonate is also used in lenses for eye protection, on mobile phones, and in greenhouses.
Polycarbonate has been a source of controversy due to its potential to release bisphenol A (BPA) when exposed to high temperatures. BPA is a hormone disruptor and is listed as a potential environmental hazard. The decomposition of BPA in landfills does not occur, which means that this chemical will eventually find its way into water bodies, contributing to aquatic pollution.
Another type of plastic that falls under the #7 category is polylactic acid (PLA), which is a biodegradable plastic commonly used in disposable cups, containers, and packaging. While PLA can be recycled, it often requires special facilities, and some municipalities may not accept it in their recycling programs.
It is important to note that not all plastics are created equal, and some types of plastic are safer than others. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), High-Density Polyethylene (2-HDPE), and Polypropylene (5-PP) are considered safer options among the different types of plastics.
To properly dispose of #7 plastics, it is recommended to check with your local waste management provider or municipality's recycling guidelines to see if they accept these materials for recycling. Some facilities may have specialized handling for hard-to-recycle plastics.
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Check your municipality's guidelines for recycling plastics
When it comes to recycling plastics, it's important to check your municipality's guidelines to ensure you're following the correct procedures. Recycling guidelines can vary from one municipality to another, and understanding your local guidelines will help you recycle effectively and avoid contamination issues.
One reason to check your municipality's guidelines is to know which types of plastics are accepted for recycling. For example, some municipalities may accept a wider range of plastics, including those that are harder to recycle, such as Styrofoam, while others may have more restrictions. By checking the guidelines, you can determine which types of plastics you can place in your recycling bin and which may require special handling or disposal methods.
Another important reason to consult your municipality's guidelines is to understand the preparation requirements for recycling certain plastics. For instance, some municipalities may require you to separate different types of plastics, while others may have specific instructions for cleaning and rinsing plastic containers to prevent food residue from contaminating other recyclables. Following these guidelines helps ensure that your efforts contribute to a successful recycling process.
Additionally, your municipality's guidelines will inform you about any special collection methods or drop-off locations for certain types of plastics. For example, some municipalities may offer curbside recycling for certain plastics, while others may require you to bring specific items to designated drop-off points or collection centres. Knowing these details will ensure that you're properly disposing of your plastics according to your local guidelines.
Checking your municipality's guidelines will also help you understand the recycling symbols on plastic products. These symbols, known as Plastic Resin Identification Codes, are numbered from 1 to 7 and indicate the type of plastic the product is made of. By understanding these codes, you can more effectively sort and recycle your plastics according to your municipality's guidelines.
Lastly, by staying informed about your municipality's recycling guidelines, you can play a crucial role in reducing contamination and improving the overall recycling process. As mentioned by Noah Pinsonnault, a Reviews Analyst at the GH Institute who has extensively studied environmental science, "Non-recyclable items in the recycling stream cost processors time and money, and some processors will send the entire bag of items to the landfill if it contains too many non-recyclable items." Therefore, by properly disposing of your plastics according to local guidelines, you can help ensure that recyclable items are effectively recycled and non-recyclable items are appropriately handled.
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Plastic #7 includes bio-based plastics, which should be sent to commercial composting facilities
Plastic #7 is a category that includes plastics made from multiple types of resins or resins that don't fit into the first six categories. This includes polycarbonate, a clear, hard plastic that has been linked to health and environmental concerns. It also includes polylactic acid (PLA) or bio-based plastics, which are designed to break down within three to six months in an industrial composting facility.
It's important to note that not all #7 plastics are bio-based or compostable. To properly dispose of #7 plastics, it is necessary to read the product's label for information on compostability and recyclability. If a product is labelled as compostable, it should be sent to an industrial or commercial composting facility, as it requires higher temperatures and different breakdown conditions than those found in a typical homeowner's compost bin.
Standards set by organisations like ASTM International and enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ensure that products labelled as compostable can indeed be broken down by biological treatment at a commercial or industrial composting facility. This process utilises microorganisms, heat, and humidity to yield carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass similar to the rest of the finished compost product.
If your community has a residential compost collection program, you can check with your local government or recycling company to see if they accept compostable plastic. If not, you may need to find drop-off locations for your compostable plastic items. It's important to keep in mind that compostable plastic should not be confused with biodegradable plastic, which may break down in soil or water but does not necessarily break down in all commercial composting facilities.
To avoid contaminating waste streams, do not place #7 plastics in your curbside recycling bin unless you can identify them as compostable and your local municipality accepts them. Instead, contact your local waste management provider for guidance on proper disposal methods, or look for alternative recycling programs like TerraCycle.
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Curbside recycling programs may accept #7 plastics if they can be identified
Plastic products are often stamped with a resin code, which is a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. The number inside the triangle indicates the type of plastic, with each number corresponding to a different type. Products stamped with a 7 are often made of multiple plastic types or other types of plastic that can't be easily recycled.
While #7 plastics are not traditionally recycled in local curbside programs, some curbside recycling programs may accept #7 plastics if they can be identified. It is important to check with your local municipality about which materials are recyclable and which are not, as these rules are subject to change. For instance, in Massachusetts, the statewide waste ban prohibits the disposal of any single-resin narrow-necked bottles (i.e. soda bottles) in trash bins, making recycling mandatory.
If your curbside recycling program does not accept #7 plastics, you can check with specialty recycling businesses in your area or with Terracycle to recycle these plastics. Products made from recycled #7 plastics include plastic lumber and other custom-made products.
To recycle #7 plastics, it is important to identify them correctly. #7 plastics include polycarbonate, a clear, hard plastic that has been linked to health concerns due to its BPA (bisphenol A) content, a potential hormone disruptor. When disposing of #7 plastics, it is recommended to place them in a bag, squeeze out the air, and tie the bag to prevent pellets from dispersing.
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Plastic #2 can be recycled through some grocery stores
Plastic #2, or high-density polyethylene (HDPE), is one of the most common types of plastic. It is used to make items such as milk and detergent jugs, shampoo bottles, and some Tupperware. HDPE is relatively easy to recycle and is the most recycled type of plastic.
When it comes to disposing of Plastic #2, it's important to check your local municipality's guidelines, as the recyclability of plastics depends on the collection and recycling schemes available in your area. Some areas may allow Plastic #2 to be placed in standard recycling bins, while others may require you to drop them off at specific locations, such as grocery stores.
Some grocery stores do accept Plastic #2 for recycling. These stores usually have a bin located in the entryway, clearly labelled for plastic recycling. Before dropping off your Plastic #2 items, ensure they are clean and dry, especially if they have been in contact with food or other residue-leaving products.
It's worth noting that not all Plastic #2 items are recyclable. The shape of the item is often a better indicator of recyclability than the number. For example, a salad dressing bottle made of Plastic #2 can be recycled, but a Plastic #2 berry clamshell container may not be accepted by your local recycling program. Always check with your municipality or local waste management provider to understand what specific types of Plastic #2 they can recycle.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic #2 is high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and plastic #7 is polycarbonate, a clear, hard plastic.
Plastic #2 is often recycled through store drop-off. You can bring plastic #2 to a business that accepts plastic film for recycling. The bin is usually located in the store's entryway. Plastic shopping bags made of HDPE can also be returned to stores for recycling.
Plastic #7 is a bit hard to identify and often comprises multiple plastic types or other types of plastic that are hard to recycle. If you can determine its component parts and they fit within plastic resin categories 1 through 6, follow those recycling instructions. If it is made of polylactic acid (PLA), send it to a commercial composting facility. Some curbside recycling programs will accept #7 plastic items if they can be identified as such.
Check your municipality's recycling guidelines for what is and is not accepted. If you are still unsure, throw it away. Non-recyclable items in the recycling stream cost processors time and money, and some processors will send the entire bag of items to the landfill if it contains too many non-recyclable items.
