Chloe Zhang
Plastic is everywhere, and we're all paying the price. In the United States, only about 5% to 6% of plastics are recycled each year, and the story is similar in other parts of the world. The problem is not a lack of awareness or willingness to recycle, but a complex interplay of factors, including the high cost of infrastructure, the profit motive of the fossil fuel industry, and the contamination of plastics with each use. So, how can we ensure our plastic gets recycled? We can start by checking with our local recycling programs to understand what types of plastic they accept and how to prepare it for collection. We can also support systemic solutions, reduce our plastic consumption, and advocate for alternatives that are reusable or recyclable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Check your local recycling program | Local recycling programs vary in what they accept. For example, some localities accept styrofoam in curbside recycling, while others do not. |
| Rinse plastic containers | Containers contaminated with food cannot be recycled, but rinsing them to remove food residue can ensure they can be recycled. |
| Recycle plastic bags and wrappings | Some supermarkets and retailers now collect a wider range of plastic bags and wrappings, including packaging such as baby and pet food pouches, crisp and sweet packets, and delivery bags. |
| Recycle by plastic type | Different types of plastic are sorted and recycled separately. |
| Reuse and refill | Reusing and refilling plastic containers can reduce the need to create new plastic. |
| Buy recycled plastic products | Purchasing products made from recycled plastic materials can help reduce plastic pollution. |
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What You'll Learn
Check what your local recycling program accepts
Recycling programs vary from community to community, so it's important to check what your local recycling program accepts. This can be done by checking your community's recycling website or distributed information. In the US, resources like Earth911 can help you find locations near you that recycle specific items like plastic bags, plastic wrap/film, and styrofoam.
In addition to checking which materials are accepted, it's important to properly sort and clean your recyclables. This can be time-intensive and expensive, but it is an important part of ensuring your plastic gets recycled. Some local programs may have specific rules about how to prepare materials for recycling, so be sure to check their guidelines. For example, some programs require that you remove caps and labels from bottles, while others allow them to be left on.
It's also worth noting that some types of plastic may be marked as compostable but should not be placed in your dry recycling collection or garden waste bin. These types of plastic need to be composted in a home composter and cannot be recycled in the same way as non-biodegradable plastic.
Retailers and grocery stores often accept plastic materials for recycling, and some supermarkets and retailers now collect a wider range of plastic bags and wrappings, or "soft plastics." This includes packaging such as baby and pet food pouches, crisp and sweet packets, delivery bags, and salad bags, which can be recycled along with plastic carrier bags and bread bags at these stores.
Finally, it's important to remember that not all plastics are currently recyclable. In the US, only about 5% to 6% of plastics are recycled each year, and this rate is even lower in rural areas due to a lack of infrastructure. However, there are ongoing investments in technology to expand the scope of plastic materials that can be recycled.
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Rinse plastic to remove food residue
Rinsing plastic containers to remove food residue is an important step in the recycling process. It is also a great way to ensure your plastic containers are clean and ready for reuse.
To begin, you can apply hand sanitizer directly to the plastic and then wash and rinse thoroughly. This method is effective for removing tough stains and odours. If hand sanitizer is not available, an alternative method is to use a baking soda paste. Mix baking soda with water and apply it directly to the discoloured areas of the plastic container. Allow the paste to sit for 20-30 minutes, and then use a moist cloth to wipe away the paste. Finally, rinse and dry the container.
For particularly stubborn stains, you can try using chlorine bleach. Bleach is a powerful cleaning agent that can remove various types of stains, including coffee, soda, juice, tea, ink, and tomato-based stains. To use bleach, dilute one tablespoon of bleach with one cup of water. Soak the stained plastic item in this solution for 1-2 hours, and then wash, rinse, and dry the item. If you are concerned about using bleach on food containers, you can substitute it with white vinegar, using the same ratio of one tablespoon of vinegar per cup of water. Vinegar is a natural, food-safe substance that is effective at removing stains and odours.
Other methods for removing stains from plastic containers include using denture tablets, Alka-Seltzer, lemon juice, salt and warm water, or dishwasher soap. Each of these methods can be effective, depending on the type and severity of the stain. It is important to note that some methods may require multiple applications or longer soaking times for complete stain removal.
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Reuse plastic items as much as possible
There are many ways to reuse plastic items. For example, you can use plastic bottles as a vase or as a container for food storage. You can also use them as an ice pack or cut them up to make a bird feeder. You can even get creative and design your own plastic bottle vase with wool, paint, or felt. These vases can make perfect gifts!
Another way to reuse plastic is to turn them into storage containers. For example, you can use prescription containers for storing small items like cotton swabs, or use plastic milk cartons as storage for pens and pencils. You can also reuse Ziplock bags whenever possible for travelling, storing dry goods, and keeping things organized.
Instead of using plastic bags, you can also create a homemade plastic bag dispenser. All you need to do is use a cardboard container and cut out a small hole at the bottom where you can grab the plastic bags when needed. This helps to reduce clutter in your cabinets while also making use of cardboard containers that you may already have.
Small actions add up to big change, and by reusing plastic items, you can help keep them out of the oceans and the environment.
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Buy products made from recycled plastic
One of the most effective ways to ensure your plastic gets recycled is to buy products made from recycled plastic. This reduces the demand for virgin polymers and helps to create a more circular economy.
There are several companies that manufacture products from recycled plastic, and by purchasing from them, you can support their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. For example, Preserve creates personal care products like razors and toothbrushes from recycled yogurt cups, ensuring each product consists of 100% recycled #5 plastics. Preserve also offers a mail-in and retail-based return program for #5 plastics, making it convenient for consumers to recycle their used products.
Another company, Rothy's, crafts ultra-comfortable shoes from plastic water bottles. Their trademark thread creates a durable shoe that can withstand daily wear and can even be washed in a washing machine. By using recycled plastic, Rothy's is helping to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills or the environment.
For parents, Green Toys offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic toys. All of their products are made from 100% recycled materials, including milk jugs and yogurt containers, and are manufactured in the US. By choosing Green Toys, parents can reduce the amount of cheap plastic that ends up in landfills and contribute to a more sustainable future for their children.
Additionally, Buffy Cloud provides comforters made from BPA-free recycled PET fibers that come from plastic bottles. Each comforter prevents approximately 50 plastic bottles from becoming trash and offers consumers a guilt-free sleeping experience.
By choosing to buy products made from recycled plastic, you can directly support companies that are committed to sustainability and help ensure that your plastic gets recycled.
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Advocate for systemic solutions to plastic pollution
While individual actions can help, they are not enough to solve the plastic pollution crisis. Systemic solutions are needed to address this issue effectively. Here are some ways to advocate for systemic solutions to plastic pollution:
Support Non-Profit Organizations and Campaigns: Join and support non-profit organizations and campaigns dedicated to reducing plastic pollution, such as the Plastic Pollution Coalition and the Break Up With Plastic campaign. These organizations work collaboratively with global alliances, businesses, and individuals to create a world free of plastic pollution and its toxic impacts. They often provide resources, guidelines, and campaigns that individuals can use to make a difference.
Urge Government Action: Advocate for ambitious solutions from governments, especially those with high plastic pollution rates, such as the United States. Urge them to reduce plastic production, implement effective plastic pollution legislation, and support international treaties like the UN Global Plastics Treaty. Contact your local representatives and voice your support for acts and policies that address plastic pollution, such as the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2023.
Demand Corporate Responsibility: Companies and corporations play a significant role in plastic pollution. Encourage them to provide sustainable product and packaging options, reduce unnecessary packaging, and increase the use of recycled, reusable, or compostable materials. Support businesses that embrace reuse/refill practices and circularity models. Use your purchasing power to "vote with your dollars" by preferring more sustainable products when you shop.
Spread Awareness and Educate: Educate yourself and others about the impacts of plastic pollution on the environment, wildlife, human health, and social justice. Share information about the dangers of plastic, such as the release of toxic chemicals and microplastics into our bodies and the environment. Utilize social media and join campaigns like #BanPlasticsKE to spread awareness and influence policy change.
Support Sustainable Alternatives: Advocate for the adoption of sustainable alternatives to plastic. For example, recommend the use of safe and sustainable non-plastic materials in places like school cafeterias, as suggested by scientific and medical communities. This can include materials such as glass or stainless steel.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic waste collected from homes, businesses, and recycling centres is sent to Material Recovery Facilities (MRF) and/or Plastic Recovery Facilities (PRF). The plastic is then sorted, shredded, washed, and melted down to form pellets, which are sold to manufacturers.
Check with your local recycling program to learn which types of plastic they accept. Rinse off any food residue before placing the plastic in the bin.
Plastic #1 (PET) and plastic #2 (HDPE) are more recyclable.
Purchase products made from recycled materials. Avoid buying items packaged in plastic by following plastic-free principles.
Retail and grocery stores often accept these materials for recycling. Cut off any sealable zippers from sandwich bags before recycling them.
