Recycling Plastic Without A Number: A Guide To Eco-Friendly Practices

Plastic recycling is a complex process, and less than 10% of plastic waste generated worldwide has ever been recycled. The numbers on plastic items are called SPI Resin Identification Codes and they indicate the type of resin used to make the product. However, this does not necessarily mean that the product can be recycled. It is important to check with your local recycling program to find out which types of plastic they accept, as some plastics require specialized handling or facilities. Some types of plastic that are hard to recycle include Styrofoam, shrink wrap, plastic wrap, grocery bags, and manufacturing scrap. To reduce plastic waste, it is recommended to reuse items whenever possible and to purchase products made from recycled plastic materials.

Recycling symbols are not a guarantee of recyclability

The recycling symbols on plastic products range from 1 to 7 and represent different types of plastic with distinct recycling instructions. For example, PET or PETE (number 1) is the most common plastic for single-use bottled beverages because it is inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to recycle. On the other hand, PVC (number 3) is used for car parts and window fittings and is not easily recyclable. LDPE (number 4), used for plastic bags and wrapping, can be recycled but usually at specialist points. Numbers 5 and 6 are PP and PS, respectively, with PP being widely recycled and PS not so much. Number 7, labelled "Other," includes items like crisp packets and rice packets, which can be recycled at specialist points.

It is important to understand the recycling symbols to effectively segregate different types of plastic. Different plastics have varying processing needs, such as different melting temperatures, and they are ultimately recycled into different products. Placing the wrong items in a recycling bin can damage the recycling equipment, contaminate the correct recyclable materials, or negatively affect the recycling process. Therefore, it is advisable to check with local recycling guidelines or use online tools to determine what can and cannot be recycled in your area.

Additionally, some plastic products, such as caps and lids smaller than 40mm in diameter, are too small to be captured or sorted correctly at recycling plants. In such cases, it is recommended to put the lid back on the bottle or container to ensure that the entire package is collected and recycled. Similarly, some packaging components, like sleeves, films, or liners, need to be removed from the main packaging item before disposal. It is also worth noting that some plastic products, like detergent bottles, may not be recycled but instead burned due to the difficulty and expense of dissolving their multiple resin layers.

Check your local recycling guidelines

Checking your local recycling guidelines is an important step in ensuring that you are recycling properly. Local recycling programs may have different rules and accepted items, so it's crucial to familiarise yourself with the guidelines specific to your area. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do that:

• Visit your Municipality's Website: Most municipalities have websites that provide specific instructions and guidelines on plastic recycling. Look for a section dedicated to waste management or sustainability, where you can find detailed information on what types of plastics they accept and how to prepare them for recycling.
• Contact your Local Recycling Provider: Get in touch with your local recycling provider or waste management department. They can provide you with clear and accurate information on the types of plastics they collect and any specific requirements they may have. Ask about any special programs or drop-off locations for plastics without a number.
• Check for Recycling Symbols: Familiarise yourself with the recycling symbols commonly found on plastic items. The Mobius Symbol, which consists of three arrows in a triangle, is a common recycling identifier. However, the absence of this symbol does not necessarily mean an item cannot be recycled. Look for resin identification codes, which are numbers 1 through 7 enclosed in a small triangle. These numbers indicate different types of plastic, and your local program will specify which types they accept.
• Understand Special Handling Requirements: Some plastics, like Styrofoam, shrink wrap, and manufacturing scrap, require specialised handling. Check if your local program accepts these items and if they have specific drop-off locations or procedures.
• Consider Alternative Drop-Off Locations: If your local program does not accept certain plastics without a number, look for alternative drop-off locations. Some retail and grocery stores may accept these materials for recycling. Additionally, websites like Earth911 can help you find nearby locations that recycle specific types of plastic, such as plastic bags, plastic wrap, or film.

Remember, proper recycling not only helps reduce waste but also contributes to a more sustainable future. By taking the time to understand your local recycling guidelines, you can ensure that your efforts have a positive impact on the environment.

Avoid contaminating batches of better plastics

The numbers on plastic products are called SPI Resin Identification Codes and they indicate the resin type the product is made of. It is a common misconception that the SPI signals that the product can be recycled. In reality, only a few types of plastic are commonly recycled. These include plastics numbered 1 (PET or PETE), 2 (HDPE), and 5 (PP).

When it comes to recycling plastic, it is important to avoid contaminating batches of better plastics. If you are unsure about whether a plastic item can be recycled, it is better to throw it out. This is because 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. In addition, the recycling rate for plastics is extremely low, estimated at 6% in the United States in 2021, and less than 10% worldwide. Therefore, it is more important to focus on reducing plastic consumption and reusing materials.

To reduce your plastic consumption, you can make simple changes such as avoiding bottled water, carrying a reusable bag when shopping, cooking more often and storing leftovers in reusable containers instead of using plastic takeout containers, and buying in bulk to avoid individually packaged goods. You can also look for alternatives to plastic products, such as glass or stainless steel for drink containers, and choose appliances that don't have plastic in food contact areas.

In addition to individual actions, policy changes can also help reduce plastic consumption and improve recycling rates. For example, bottle bill laws can increase corporate responsibility for waste while providing a monetary incentive for consumers to recycle. Supporting zero-waste shops and advocating for policies that promote reusable or easy-to-repair components can also help reduce the impact of plastic on the environment.

Plastic foil used for food packaging is not recyclable

Additionally, plastic foil is considered flexible film, which is a challenge for curbside recycling programs. It can get caught in the machinery, leading to costly repairs and disruptions to plant operations.

It is important to note that recycling symbols and numbers on plastic packaging do not always indicate recyclability. The numbers, known as SPI Resin Identification Codes, only identify the type of resin used in the product. Therefore, the absence of a number does not necessarily mean that the plastic cannot be recycled. However, it is generally recommended to check with local recycling guidelines and waste management authorities to determine if specific materials are accepted.

To reduce the environmental impact of plastic foil packaging, it is advisable to avoid purchasing products packaged in this material. Consumers can opt for alternatives that utilize packaging designed by nature, such as bananas, or choose snacks that are not packaged as single servings, like peanut butter. Reusing containers, such as takeout boxes, for storing leftovers or as lunch boxes is also a more sustainable option than recycling.

While recycling is an important step in preventing plastic waste from ending up in landfills or harming marine life, it is not always a viable solution due to economic and technical limitations.

Plastic wrappings, grocery bags and newspaper bags are sometimes recyclable

Plastic wrappings, grocery bags, and newspaper bags are sometimes recyclable, but it depends on your local council's rules. Only around 18% of local authorities currently accept plastic bags and wrapping for recycling. However, this is expected to improve in the future as governments work closely with recycling companies.

If your local council doesn't accept these materials, you can take them to collection points at many large supermarket branches. These stores usually have collection points for plastic bags and wrapping recycling at the front of their stores. Remember to check whether the materials you're recycling are accepted at these collection points. Generally, if it's soft, flexible, or a film, it may be accepted.

Before taking your plastic bags and wrapping to a collection point, ensure they are clean and free of any food substances. Rinse off any residue and remove sticky labels or tape, as these cannot be recycled.

You can also reduce your use of plastic bags and wrapping by reusing them as much as possible before recycling. For example, continue reusing a plastic carrier bag until it falls apart. Alternatively, you can invest in 'bags for life', canvas shopping totes, or even make your own bags using old newspapers.

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