Alexei Volkov
Plastic recycling is a complex issue, with a variety of factors influencing the process and its environmental impact. Despite decades of recycling campaigns, plastic pollution continues to grow, and less than 9% of all plastic ever made has been successfully recycled. The current plastic recycling process involves sorting, washing, shredding, melting, and mixing with virgin plastic, which consumes large amounts of energy and emits greenhouse gases and toxic chemicals. To reduce emissions and environmental harm, it is crucial to focus on reducing plastic waste and improving recycling methods. This includes reusing and repurposing plastic items, buying products with minimal packaging, using reusable containers and bags, and properly cleaning and sorting plastic waste for recycling. Exploring alternatives to plastic, such as cloth, glass, or cardboard, can also help reduce plastic waste and emissions associated with recycling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recycling plastic | Reduces waste and decreases environmental impact |
| Recycling plastic films | Saves 8-23% of greenhouse gas emissions compared to virgin plastic films |
| Recycling flexible plastics | Reduces total energy used, water consumption, and global warming potential |
| Plastic recycling rates | Less than 9% globally; 8.7% in the US in 2018; 6% in 2021 |
| Plastic production | Increased by more than 18,300% in the last 65 years; about 460 million metric tons produced annually |
| Plastic pollution | Caused by recycling processes, toxic additives, and downcycling |
| Reduce plastic waste | Reuse plastic items, buy products with minimal packaging, use reusable containers and bottles |
| Recycle plastic bags, wrap, and film | Check with local stores or visit Earth911 for drop-off locations |
| Compostable plastic | Not intended for recycling, contact local garbage/recycling company for disposal |
| Identify recyclable plastic | Look for resin codes 2 or 4 inside an equilateral triangle |
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What You'll Learn
Check local recycling programs for accepted plastic types
Recycling programs vary from community to community, so it's important to check which plastic types are accepted by your local recycling program. Some plastics are not accepted in community recycling programs, so it's worth checking before you begin. Local government websites are a great place to start, as many cities provide online directories of recycling locations and accepted materials. Your local waste management department will also be able to provide information on any curbside recycling programs or drop-off locations, as well as accepted plastics and pickup schedules.
Retail and grocery stores often accept certain materials for recycling, such as plastic bags, film, and packaging. Large retailers like Walmart and Target are known to have plastic recycling bins, so check near the store entrances for designated bins. Some private recycling companies also accept different types of plastics, including hard-to-recycle materials. Look for specialist services like TerraCycle, which can recycle complex plastics.
It's worth noting that plastics are categorized into seven types, but not all facilities accept all seven. The most commonly accepted plastics are:
- #1 (PET) – Water and soda bottles
- #2 (HDPE) – Milk jugs, shampoo bottles
Other types, such as #3 (PVC) and #4 (LDPE), have more limited recycling availability.
To ensure your plastic waste is properly recycled, it's important to clean and dry containers before recycling, removing any food or liquid residue. Always follow local guidelines on plastic types and avoid including non-recyclables, as these can contaminate batches.
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Clean and sort plastic items before recycling
Recycling plastic is a complex process, and it is important to ensure that it is done correctly. One of the key steps to recycling plastic without emitting harmful substances is to clean and sort plastic items before recycling. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure that your plastic waste is recycled effectively:
Cleaning Plastic Items:
- Remove any labels, stickers, or residue: Before placing plastic items in the recycling bin, it is important to remove any labels or stickers attached to them. This ensures that the plastic is free from contaminants. You can simply peel off the labels or use a dry cloth to wipe away any remaining residue.
- Wash plastic containers: If your plastic items have held food or liquids, it is crucial to wash them thoroughly. Rinse or scrape away any food residue, ensuring that the containers are "spatula-clean." This prevents food debris from contaminating other materials during the recycling process.
- Dry the items: Once the plastic items are clean, dry them with a cloth or let them air dry. This helps prevent the growth of mould or bacteria, which can occur when damp materials are stored or transported.
Sorting Plastic Items:
- Identify the type of plastic: Different types of plastic are identified by a resin identification code, usually located at the bottom of the product. These codes range from numbers one to seven and indicate the specific type of plastic. Sorting plastic by these codes ensures that each material is recycled properly.
- Separate thin plastic films and wrappers: Thin plastic items, such as plastic films, flexible packaging, and snack bar wrappers, often require separate recycling. Many retailers provide in-store drop-off bins specifically for these thin plastics.
- Check with local recycling programs: Recycling regulations vary by region, so it is essential to know what types of plastic your local recycling program accepts. Contact your local recycling provider or visit their website to learn about specific guidelines and accepted materials.
By taking the time to clean and sort your plastic items before recycling, you can help ensure that the plastic is recycled effectively and responsibly, reducing the risk of emitting harmful substances into the environment. Remember to also consider reducing plastic consumption and reusing plastic items whenever possible to minimize waste.
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Reuse plastic items instead of discarding them
Plastic recycling is a false solution to plastic pollution. Despite decades of recycling campaigns, plastic pollution and its toxic impacts continue to grow. Recycling plastic increases its toxicity and causes pollution during the recycling process. Therefore, instead of discarding plastic items, it is better to reuse them.
Before throwing away plastic items, consider whether they can be reused. Unwanted plastic items that are still in good shape can be sold or donated so that others can reuse them. You can post these items on apps or donate them to your local church, community centre, thrift store, or school.
There are many ways to reuse plastic items. Plastic bottles can be reused for things other than drinking, such as a bird feeder, a vase, a planter, a pencil case, or a sprinkler. You can also use plastic bottles to store plastic bags or as a candle holder. Other plastic items that can be reused include prescription containers, plastic milk cartons, Ziplock bags, and plastic bags.
When buying new items, look for products made from recycled plastic materials. You can also reduce your plastic waste by using reusable items such as shopping bags, water bottles, and containers.
By reusing plastic items instead of discarding them, we can help keep plastic out of the environment and reduce plastic pollution.
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Reduce plastic waste by using reusable containers
Plastic recycling is not a viable solution to plastic pollution. Recycling plastic requires burning large amounts of fossil fuel energy, emitting chemicals and greenhouse gases, wasting and contaminating water, and creating microplastics and nanoplastics. Recycling also increases the toxicity of plastic.
The most effective way to reduce plastic waste is to not create it in the first place. Here are some ways to reduce plastic waste by using reusable containers:
- Use reusable containers for food storage and meals on the go instead of single-use plastic containers. Glass, stainless steel, and durable plastic containers are safe, non-toxic, and long-lasting options.
- Bring your lunch in a reusable container instead of disposable containers.
- Use a refillable water bottle instead of disposable plastic bottles.
- Use reusable bags, such as cloth bags or bags made from recycled plastic, instead of plastic bags.
- Use reusable cups, such as bamboo, glass, or stainless steel cups, for hot beverages.
- Use reusable cutlery, such as stainless steel or bamboo cutlery, instead of disposable plastic cutlery.
- When moving, use bubble wrap containing recycled plastic and recycle the packaging materials afterward.
- Choose products with minimal packaging and purchase products made from recycled plastic materials when possible.
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Buy products made from recycled plastic materials
Consumers can play a crucial role in reducing plastic waste by buying products made from recycled plastic materials. This approach not only encourages companies to adopt eco-friendly practices but also helps reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and oceans.
When it comes to clothing, some companies are leading the way in using recycled plastics. For instance, Adidas has produced around 11 million pairs of shoes using recycled plastics in partnership with Parley, a project focused on reducing plastic pollution in the oceans. Similarly, Patagonia has been recycling polyester since the 1990s, using plastic soda bottles to create the materials for their jackets and other clothing lines. West Paw is another company that uses recycled plastic bottles to make pet beds, blankets, and clothing, utilizing their signature material, IntelliLoft®.
Several companies are also creating everyday items and toys for children using recycled plastic. For example, Green Toys uses recycled milk jugs to craft imaginative toys, saving enough energy to power a television for three weeks or a laptop for a month with every pound of milk jugs recycled. Preserve is another company that makes toothbrushes from 100% recycled plastic and encourages consumers to collect and return used toothbrushes for recycling, offering a coupon in return. Additionally, many grocery stores now sell reusable bags made from recycled plastic, and some companies are using recycled plastic to create dinnerware, such as cups and plates.
For those looking to make more sustainable choices in their homes, recycled plastic is being used in construction materials, such as decking, fencing, window frames, and even building bricks. These options are not only more durable but also help give indestructible plastic a new purpose.
While buying products made from recycled plastic is a step towards reducing plastic waste, it is also important to prioritize reusing what you already have and choosing sustainable materials over plastic whenever possible.
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