Chloe Zhang
Plastic cards are everywhere, from credit and debit cards to loyalty cards and phone top-up cards. With 6 billion payment cards in circulation in 2020, it's important to know how to dispose of them properly when they expire or are replaced. While most people simply cut up old cards and throw them away, this contributes to plastic pollution and can be harmful to the environment if sent to landfill. As such, it's important to dispose of plastic cards sustainably and ethically.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic cards | Credit cards, debit cards, store cards, phone cards, loyalty cards, gift cards, membership cards, ID cards, driving licenses |
| Plastic card composition | Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a strong, versatile, durable, scratch-resistant plastic that is also carcinogenic |
| Plastic card disposal methods | Throwing away in the bin, reusing, recycling |
| Reuse examples | Ice/pan scrapers, guitar picks, toys, bookmarks, art supplies |
| Plastic card recycling challenges | PVC not accepted by standard recycling refuse collectors, need to find specialist recycling centers, separate metal components |
| Plastic card recycling schemes | Mastercard pilot scheme, Axion Consulting's gift card recycling, ID Card Centre, Terracycle's Zero Waste Box, Plastic Card People's scheme, Thales DIS and banks |
| Plastic card recycling benefits | Reduce waste in landfills, reduce water pollution, preserve natural resources, prevent extraction pollution |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic cards are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Plastic cards, such as credit cards, debit cards, and gift cards, are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is a strong, durable, scratch-resistant, and versatile plastic that can be modified to have different properties. It was first synthesized in 1872 by German chemist Eugen Baumann. Waldo Semon and the B.F. Goodrich Company later developed a method to plasticize PVC by blending it with additives.
PVC is produced by the polymerization of the vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). This process results in unmodified PVC, which can then be converted into a compound by incorporating various additives. These additives can include heat stabilizers, UV stabilizers, plasticizers, processing aids, impact modifiers, fillers, flame retardants, biocides, and smoke suppressants. The specific additives used depend on the desired properties for the final product.
Polyvinyl chloride is formed into flat sheets in various thicknesses and colors. These sheets can be expanded to create voids in the interior, providing additional thickness without adding weight or cost. The sheets are then cut using saws and rotary cutting equipment. PVC fabric is water-resistant and often used in outdoor gear like coats, skiing equipment, shoes, jackets, and aprons.
PVC can also be modified through chlorination, resulting in chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC). This process increases the chlorine content to or above 67%. CPVC is produced by exposing an aqueous solution of suspension PVC particles to UV light, initiating free-radical chlorination. Phthalates, which are incorporated into plastics as plasticizers, comprise about 70% of the US plasticizer market.
While PVC has its advantages, it also poses environmental and health concerns. It is considered a toxic pollutant and is not generally accepted by standard recycling refuse collectors. If sent to landfills, PVC can release dangerous toxins that harm the environment. Additionally, the production of PVC involves the use of poisonous chemicals, and its disposal is hazardous. As a result, there is a growing trend toward finding safer and more sustainable alternatives to PVC cards.
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PVC is carcinogenic and harmful to the environment
Credit and debit cards are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a strong, durable, and versatile plastic used in products such as flooring, pipes, wiring, and food packaging. Despite its usefulness, PVC is considered carcinogenic and harmful to the environment.
PVC has long attracted criticism for its toxic properties and negative environmental impact. Its precursor chemical, vinyl chloride monomer, is classified as a carcinogen, and exposure to it has been linked to liver cancers in PVC plant workers. Additionally, some of the additives used to make PVC flexible, such as phthalates, are known endocrine disruptors that can affect development and reproduction. Due to these health concerns, regulations limiting the use of PVC or its additives have been enacted worldwide.
The production and use of PVC can have detrimental environmental consequences. When sent to landfills, PVC can leak dangerous toxins, causing toxic pollution. PVC is challenging to recycle, as it is not typically accepted by standard recycling refuse collectors. However, some specialist recycling centers can process PVC waste, repurposing it into products like plastic pipes, guttering, and irrigation pipes.
The difficulties in recycling PVC contribute to its environmental impact. If not properly recycled, PVC waste can end up in landfills or be incinerated, leading to the release of noxious compounds. The Center for Health, Environment, and Justice has described PVC as the most environmentally harmful plastic.
To mitigate the harm caused by PVC, some organizations are taking steps towards phasing out its use. Mastercard, for example, has launched a pilot scheme to promote the recycling of old payment cards and plans to phase out PVC payment cards by 2028. Similarly, a coalition of non-governmental organizations has called on the European Commission to phase out PVC by 2030.
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Most recycling centres don't accept PVC
Plastic cards, such as credit and debit cards, are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a strong, versatile, and durable plastic. However, PVC is carcinogenic, and when sent to landfills, it can release dangerous toxins, causing harm to the environment.
While it is possible to recycle PVC, it can be challenging as most curbside collections and recycling centres do not accept them. Standard recycling refuse collectors typically reject PVC, and if included in general waste, it becomes a toxic pollutant in landfills. This is because the complexity of the materials used in PVC cards makes their recycling process difficult.
However, some specialist recycling centres do accept PVC items. For example, in the UK, the ID Card Centre accepts PVC cards for recycling and encourages the practice. Additionally, Terracycle, a recycling company, offers a zero-waste solution for plastic cards with boxes that recycle any wallet-sized plastic card.
If you are unable to access specialist recycling centres, there are alternative ways to dispose of PVC cards responsibly. Some companies, like Mastercard, have launched initiatives to promote the recycling of old payment cards. You can also reuse PVC cards creatively, such as turning them into guitar picks, ice scrapers, toys for children, or tools for DIY work. Before reusing or recycling, ensure you remove any sensitive or personal information from the cards.
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Some specialist centres recycle PVC into new products
Plastic cards, such as credit and debit cards, are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a strong and versatile plastic used in products like flooring, pipes, and wiring. PVC is the third-most used plastic in the world and can be mechanically recycled. However, it can be challenging to recycle PVC cards as most curbside collections and recycling centres do not accept them.
Some specialist centres, like Business Waste, VinylPlus, and RecoMed, recycle PVC into new products. These centres have the necessary infrastructure and expertise to handle PVC waste responsibly and sustainably. For example, Business Waste offers a free quote for PVC waste collection and recycling, providing bins, and ensuring proper disposal. VinylPlus, the mother company of Recovinyl, recycled over 737,000 tonnes of PVC in 2023. RecoMed, a European scheme, coordinates the recycling journey for single-use PVC medical devices, providing collection bins and delivering shredded plastic to specialist recyclers.
The recycled PVC can be mechanically treated by being ground down into smaller particles, creating a clean regrind plastic. These particles can then be processed into plastic powder, which can be shaped into reusable plastic pellets or melted and moulded into new products. Recycling PVC requires fewer resources, time, effort, and money to create new PVC products compared to virgin PVC production.
It is important to note that when disposing of large quantities of PVC cards, it is worth sourcing a specialist recycling centre that accepts PVC items. By doing so, you can ensure that your PVC waste is managed responsibly and contribute to reducing the environmental impact of PVC disposal.
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Reuse plastic cards for DIY, arts and crafts, or as toys
Plastic cards can be reused for a variety of DIY projects, arts and crafts, or as toys. Here are some ideas to get you started:
DIY and Practical Uses
- Ice scrapers
- Guitar picks – the raised letters on the card provide a grippy texture
- Plastic paper clips
Arts and Crafts
- Mosaic art
- Coasters
- Mini paintings
- Fridge magnets
- Ornaments
- Plant markers
- Wine glass charms
- Reusable gift tags
Toys
Plastic cards can be used to create simple toys for children, such as:
- Building blocks
- Puzzles
- Playing cards
When reusing plastic cards for any purpose, it is important to remove any personal information to protect your privacy and security. Additionally, be cautious when handling cut-up plastic cards, as the edges may be sharp.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic cards, such as credit cards, store cards, and ID cards, are typically made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is not generally accepted by standard recycling refuse collectors and can be a headache to recycle. However, some specialist recycling centres will accept PVC items. You can also contact your bank to see if they have a recycling scheme for old cards.
Some specialist recycling centres that accept PVC waste include ID Card Centre, VinylPlus, and Terracycle.
Plastic cards can be reused in a variety of ways, including as ice scrapers, guitar picks, toys for children, or tools for DIY work.
Before disposing of or recycling plastic cards, cut up the cards and remove any personal information.
