Sofia Martinez
Recycling flexible plastics is essential for preserving natural ecosystems and reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste. Flexible plastics have become increasingly common in packaging due to their lightweight and protective properties, but their thin and stretchy nature makes them challenging to recycle through traditional curbside programs. To address this issue, several recycling methods are available, including store drop-off programs and innovative pilot schemes. These initiatives ensure that flexible plastics can be diverted from landfills and given a new lease of life as products like lumber, decking, and even new flexible plastic films. Understanding how to recycle flexible plastics is a crucial step towards a more sustainable future.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Environmental Impact | Recycling flexible plastics helps preserve natural ecosystems, reduces waste, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions |
| Recycling Process | Curbside recycling is not suitable for flexible plastics as they can get stuck in the machinery. Store Drop-off bins are available at retailers like Target, Publix, and Walmart |
| Identification | Look for the How2Recycle label on the product for detailed disposal instructions. Flexible plastics with resin codes 2 or 4 are usually accepted in store drop-off bins |
| Recycled Products | Recycled flexible plastics can become lumber/decking, stormwater management systems, construction materials, new flexible plastic films, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Store drop-off recycling
Before bringing your plastic to the store, it's important to ensure that it is clean and dry to avoid contaminating other materials. Giving it a quick wipe with a dry cloth to remove any residue should be sufficient. It's also a good idea to gather your items in a plastic bag or another container for a more efficient drop-off.
Not all flexible plastic packaging is accepted through these programs, so it's important to verify that your items are eligible for drop-off. Look for the How2Recycle Store Drop-off label on flexible polyethylene-based plastics, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE, or #2 plastic) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE, or #4 plastic). Additionally, if the plastic film can stretch and has an equilateral triangle with resin codes 2 or 4 on it, it can usually be recycled at store drop-off locations.
The Trex Company, which runs the NexTrex program, buys baled plastic film and processes it into composite decking. The flexible plastic collected through store drop-off is typically baled and sold to independent companies to be turned into tiny plastic pellets. These pellets can then be recycled into various products, such as synthetic lumber for decking or park benches, or they might be recycled directly into another film, pouch, or bag form.
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How to identify flexible plastic
Flexible plastics are used in a wide range of applications, from plastic bags and food storage to plumbing products and electrical cable insulation. While it may not always be easy to identify a specific type of plastic, there are a few ways to help determine whether a plastic is flexible or not.
One simple way to identify flexible plastic is by performing a scratch test. Try scratching the surface of the plastic with your fingernail or a knife. If it leaves a mark easily, it is likely a softer plastic like LDPE or PP. If it is difficult to leave a mark, the plastic is likely PET or HDPE, which are stiffer and less flexible. However, it's important to note that these tests may not work for all types of plastics, and some plastics may release harmful fumes when scratched or burned, so always take the necessary precautions.
Another way to identify flexible plastic is by checking the resin identification code (RIC). These codes are usually found on the bottom or side of plastic products and range from 1 to 7, each indicating a specific type of plastic resin. Flexible plastics typically have a code of 3 (PVC), 4 (LDPE), or 6 (PS). LDPE, or low-density polyethylene, is known for its flexibility and is commonly used in plastic bags, wraps, and bottles. PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, can be made flexible with the addition of plasticizers and is used in plumbing, electrical insulation, and clothing. PS, or polystyrene, is a flexible but brittle plastic used in disposable cups, plates, and packaging.
Additionally, the softness or hardness of a plastic material can be measured using a device called a durometer, which provides a value indicating the hardness of the material. Components with a hardness of Shore A 35 and below are considered very flexible, while materials with a hardness above Shore D 60 are less likely to be considered flexible or elastic.
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What flexible plastic can be recycled into
Recycling flexible plastics is essential to conserve resources, reduce waste, and lower our environmental impact. By diverting plastics from landfills, we can preserve natural ecosystems and reduce the strain on raw materials. Flexible plastic can be recycled into various products, and here are some examples:
Construction Materials
Flexible plastic can be recycled into construction materials such as lumber or decking, park benches, and composite lumber. These recycled plastic products are durable and long-lasting, providing an excellent alternative to traditional wood materials.
Packaging
Recycled flexible plastic films can be transformed into new packaging materials. They can be recycled directly into plastic films, pouches, bags, or wraps, reducing the need for virgin plastic production. This helps to close the loop on plastic packaging, minimizing waste and the environmental impact of manufacturing new plastics.
Stormwater Management Systems
Recycled flexible plastic can be used in creating stormwater management systems. These systems help to control and manage stormwater runoff, reducing the risk of flooding and minimizing the impact on natural water bodies.
Fuel or Feedstocks for Manufacturing
Flexible plastic has the potential to be converted into fuel or feedstocks used in manufacturing processes. This not only helps to generate energy but also provides raw materials for various industrial applications.
It is important to note that not all flexible plastics are currently recyclable due to their small, thin, and lightweight nature. However, ongoing innovations and collaborative initiatives, such as the Materials Recovery for the Future (MRFF), are working to develop more efficient and economical ways to capture and recycle flexible plastics.
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Curbside recycling
However, some curbside programs are now able to collect flexible plastics. For example, residents in a Chicago suburb can recycle plastic film packaging curbside through a program launched by Dow and Waste Management. This program is set to expand and reach 8% of US households by 2025. Additionally, new technologies, such as advanced recycling, can process mixed plastics, including flexible plastics, and may allow for more widespread collection of flexible plastics at the curb.
It is important to always check local programs to confirm what can be recycled in your area. Some curbside collection programs have specific guidelines on the types of plastic that can be accepted, and flexible plastics may need to be taken to a drop-off location instead. For instance, flexible plastics can be recycled at the 412 Helen Street Recycling Depot, where they are collected as one stream, making it easier to recycle them together.
When preparing flexible plastics for curbside recycling, ensure that any items that had contact with food or residue are clean and dry before placing them in the bin. It is also recommended to place recyclables loosely in the bin rather than inside a plastic bag.
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How to prepare flexible plastic for recycling
Flexible plastic packaging can be recycled into products like lumber/decking, stormwater management systems, construction materials, and new flexible plastic films. However, flexible plastic packaging cannot be recycled through curbside recycling programs. Instead, it must be taken to a store that offers a store drop-off recycling program.
To prepare flexible plastic for recycling, follow these steps:
- Check for the How2Recycle label on the package: This label will provide detailed disposal instructions and indicate whether the item can be recycled through store drop-off.
- Collect and save qualifying plastic films: Accumulate a sizeable quantity of flexible plastic packaging that can be recycled, such as plastic wraps, bags, films, and pouches.
- Clean and dry the plastic items: Ensure that the flexible plastic items are free from any food scraps or residue. They should be clean and dry before being placed in the store drop-off bin.
- Deflate and flatten the plastic: To optimize space in the recycling bin, deflate any bubble wraps or air pillows and flatten plastic bags or wraps.
- Transport the plastic to a store drop-off location: Take the collected, cleaned, and prepared flexible plastic to a store that participates in the store drop-off recycling program. Some examples of retailers that may offer this program include Target, Publix, Walmart, Albertsons, and Wegmans.
- Place the plastic in the designated bin: Look for a plastic bag recycling bin or a specific store drop-off bin at the front of the store. Place your cleaned and prepared flexible plastic items in the appropriate bin.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your flexible plastic is properly prepared for recycling and contribute to conserving resources, reducing waste, and lowering your environmental impact.
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Frequently asked questions
Recycling flexible plastics helps conserve resources, reduces waste, and decreases environmental impact. It also helps preserve natural ecosystems and reduces the strain on raw materials.
If the plastic film can stretch and has an equilateral triangle with resin codes 2 or 4 on it, it can be recycled. You can also look for the How2Recycle label on your items for detailed disposal instructions.
Many retailers have Store Drop-off collection bins at the front of their stores, including Target, Publix, Walmart, Albertsons, and Wegmans. You can recycle flexible plastics in these bins.
Recycled flexible plastics can be turned into products like lumber/decking, stormwater management systems, construction materials, or new flexible plastic films.
Many plastic wraps, like those around paper towels, diapers, and multi-packs of bottles, can be recycled. Some bubble wrap and air pillows can also be recycled.
