Ethan Clarke
Plastic recycling is a complex process, and consumers often don't know which types of plastic can be recycled and how. Plastic products are often stamped with a resin code, which is a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. Each number corresponds to a different type of plastic, and it is important to know what each number means to recycle plastic properly. This paragraph will explore how to recycle plastics 3 and 7.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic Type 3 | PVC. Soft and flexible plastic. |
| Plastic Type 3 Uses | Plastic tubing, kids' toys, plastic trays, and furniture. |
| Plastic Type 3 Recyclability | Cannot be recycled. |
| Plastic Type 7 | PS (polystyrene). Can be made into rigid or foam products. |
| Plastic Type 7 Uses | Disposable plates and cups, meat trays, egg cartons, carryout containers, aspirin bottles, and CD cases. |
| Plastic Type 7 Recyclability | Not easily recyclable. Not accepted by most curbside recycling programs. |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic #3 and #7 are hard to recycle and often need specialised handling
- Plastic #7 is hard to identify, but if it doesn't fit categories 1-6, it's likely #7
- Plastic #7 includes polycarbonate, which is clear and hard, and PLA, which is bio-based
- If you can identify the component parts of plastic #7, follow the recycling instructions for categories 1-6
- Check your municipality's guidelines for clarity on what is and isn't accepted for recycling
Plastic #3 and #7 are hard to recycle and often need specialised handling
Plastic #7, on the other hand, is a catch-all category for all types of plastics other than numbers 1 through 6. This includes a wide range of plastics with different characteristics, such as recyclable, non-recyclable, mixed plastics, and biodegradable plastics. Some common items made from plastic #7 include baby bottles, plastic CDs, eyeglasses, car parts, and exterior lighting fixtures.
The complexity of recycling plastic #3 and #7 arises from the diverse nature of the materials within these categories. For instance, plastic #7 can include materials such as nylon, polycarbonate, or melamine, each of which may have unique recycling requirements. Similarly, plastic #3, or PVC, may be challenging to recycle due to its soft and flexible nature, which differs from the more rigid plastics commonly found in other categories.
Additionally, the recycling process for plastics #3 and #7 may be restricted by local regulations and the availability of specialised recycling facilities. In many cases, these plastics cannot be recycled through curbside recycling programs and may require separate collection or drop-off at specific locations. It is always advisable to check with local recycling guidelines and waste management companies to understand the specific requirements for handling and recycling plastics #3 and #7 in your area.
To reduce the environmental impact of these plastics, it is essential to prioritise reducing, reusing, and recycling them whenever possible. This can be achieved by choosing reusable alternatives, such as glass food storage containers and metal straws, and by supporting companies that use recycled content in their products.
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Plastic #7 is hard to identify, but if it doesn't fit categories 1-6, it's likely #7
Plastic is everywhere, and while we may not know the difference between types, it is important to understand the potential harm of the elements of different plastics. Plastics are often stamped with a resin code, a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. This number corresponds to a different type of plastic.
Plastics #1 and #2 are considered safer options and may be tossed into standard recycling bins. However, it is important to note that even these "safe" plastics should be avoided as much as possible, and one should opt for glass, metal, bamboo, and other reusable and environmentally friendly materials.
Plastics #3, #6, and #7 should be used with varying to extreme caution, especially around food or drink. Plastic #6, also known as polystyrene or styrofoam, is widely used for packaging and insulation. It is fragile, easily breaking up into tiny pieces that can be found on beaches and in marine life. It also contains styrene, which is harmful to health and the environment.
Plastic #7 is hard to identify, but if it doesn't fit into categories #1-#6, it is likely #7. This category includes new plastics, bioplastics, and items composed of different types of plastics. It is often referred to as "everything else." Polycarbonate falls into this category and contains the highly toxic chemical Bisphenol A (BPA), which is linked to obesity, cancer, and endocrine problems in fetuses and children. It is difficult to recycle #7 plastic, and most recycling programs and factories do not accept it.
Overall, it is important to reduce our reliance on plastic and choose safer materials when possible.
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Plastic #7 includes polycarbonate, which is clear and hard, and PLA, which is bio-based
Plastic #7 is a complex group that includes all plastic types except for numbers 1 to 6. This includes polycarbonate, polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acrylic, melamine, and nylon. These plastics have a wide range of characteristics, including recyclable, non-recyclable, mixed plastics, and
PLA, on the other hand, is a biodegradable plastic generally made from corn starch or sugarcane. It is used for various types of wrapping and packaging and is also safe for food packaging. PLA is opaque, and manufacturers often highlight that it is a more environmentally friendly choice. While PLA is biodegradable, it should be sent to commercial composting facilities as it generally cannot be composted in backyard compost bins. Curbside recycling programs may accept #7 plastic items, but only if there is a way to identify them as #7 plastics.
The difficulty in recycling #7 plastics lies in their diverse nature. This category includes many different types of plastics, each with unique characteristics and recycling requirements. Some #7 plastics, like polycarbonate, can be recycled through specialist recyclers, but they require special handling and cannot be recycled through curbside pickup. Other #7 plastics, like Styrofoam, are not recyclable at all and should be avoided or disposed of properly to reduce their environmental impact.
It is important to note that not all #7 plastics are toxic, but there are potential hazards associated with their use. For example, polycarbonate #7 plastics often contain bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical linked to health problems and environmental degradation. When in doubt, it is best to avoid clear plastic marked with #7, as it is likely not free from BPA. Opaque #7 plastics are generally considered safer, and products labelled as BPA-free are preferable.
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If you can identify the component parts of plastic #7, follow the recycling instructions for categories 1-6
Plastic #7 is typically composed of multiple plastic types or other hard-to-recycle plastics. Polycarbonate, for instance, is a #7 plastic that is hard and clear. It has been associated with endocrine disruption due to the presence of bisphenol A (BPA), one of its building blocks. As a result, some manufacturers have switched to using substitutes like BPS and BPF, which may also disrupt endocrine function. PLA (polylactic acid), a plant-based, carbon-neutral plastic, is another example of plastic #7.
However, it is important to note that not all plastics with a recycling symbol or number can be recycled. For example, polystyrene foam, often marked with #6, and Styrofoam, are not recyclable in your regular blue bin. This is because they are specially made and contain multiple types of plastics. Tupperware, reusable drinking bottles, and 3- and 5-gallon water containers are examples of this.
Additionally, some plastics are simply not recyclable. PVC, a soft and flexible plastic used for household products like tubing, toys, trays, and furniture, cannot be recycled. Similarly, grocery bags and plastic wrap, often made of LDPE plastic, are usually not recyclable in a curbside bin. They can, however, be recycled by some stores that collect and process them.
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Check your municipality's guidelines for clarity on what is and isn't accepted for recycling
It is important to check your municipality's guidelines for clarity on what is and isn't accepted for recycling. Recycling programs can vary from place to place, and what may be accepted in one area may not be in another. For example, some places may accept all colours and types of glass mixed together, while others may require you to separate them. Similarly, some places may not accept plastic bags in your blue bin, even if they have the recycling symbol on them.
It is also worth checking if your local program has different rules for recycling paper and cardboard products, as well as aluminium and metal products. Some places may require you to separate these materials, while others may accept them together. Additionally, some materials, like batteries and electronics, require special handling and should be taken to specialty drop-off locations or household hazardous waste collection points.
Recycling programs can also differ in the way they are implemented. For example, some programs may offer curbside recycling services, while others may require you to drop off your recyclables at a specific location. Some communities may even offer incentives for citizens who put out full, contaminate-free recycling containers. Therefore, it is important to familiarize yourself with the specific guidelines and services offered by your municipality.
By checking your municipality's guidelines, you can ensure that you are recycling correctly and contributing to a more sustainable future.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic #3 is vinyl or PVC, a soft, flexible plastic used for household products like tubing, kids' toys, plastic trays, and furniture. Plastic #7 is polycarbonate, a clear, hard plastic that has been associated with BPA (bisphenol A), a hormone disruptor.
Currently, there are no markets for rigid containers made from #3–#7 plastics. However, some companies like Preserve and PureCycle are taking steps to recycle these plastics in an environmentally responsible way. You can also check with your municipality or local government to see if there are any programs or facilities that accept these plastics for recycling.
Plastic #3 is used for plastic tubing, kids' toys, plastic trays, and furniture. Plastic #7 is commonly found in baby bottles, microwaveable food and beverage containers, and other plastic containers.
If you are unable to recycle plastics #3 and #7, you can consider alternatives such as reusing or repurposing these plastic items. For example, you can wash and reuse plastic containers or cut them up to create new items. You can also advocate for more sustainable practices by working with your local government to implement environmentally friendly policies.
