Omar Khalid
Plastic is an essential part of our daily lives, but it is also a growing environmental concern. Plastic particles are found in the food we eat, the water we drink, the oceans we swim in, and even the air we breathe. Microplastics, small and barely visible pieces of plastic, are a particular cause for worry as they pollute our environment. In light of this, it is important to know how to recycle plastic properly. In Jersey City, only plastics #1, #2, and #5 are accepted for recycling. Plastic bags should be recycled at designated drop-off stations, and it is important to separate different types of plastics to ensure they are recycled correctly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic types recycled | #1, #2, and #5 plastics |
| Plastic types not recycled | #3, #4, #6, #7 |
| Plastic bags | Not accepted in recycling bins, should be dropped off at designated locations |
| Plastic containers | Only #1 and #2 accepted in recycling bins |
| Plastic bottles | Only #1 and #2 accepted in recycling bins |
| Plastic wrap | Can be taken to Shoprite in Hoboken |
| Other materials accepted | Aluminum, tin and steel cans, glass bottles and jars, mixed paper, cardboard (in single-stream recycling) |
| Materials not accepted | Light bulbs, glassware, ceramics, window glass, pizza boxes, Ziploc bags, grocery bags, produce bags |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bags and soft plastics
It is important to separate different types of plastics before recycling. Only similar types of plastics should be recycled together. Plastic bottles and containers with codes #1 and #2 can be recycled. However, if you live in Hoboken, you can also recycle plastic #5. For non-Hoboken residents, remove bottle caps on plastic bottles as these are made of plastic #5 and are not recyclable in other Hudson County towns.
It is also important to ensure that all commingled bottles are rinsed and free from contaminants before placing them in your recycling bin. Always remember to remove caps and lids and dispose of them in the trash.
In addition to plastic bags, other soft plastics such as plastic wrap, Saran wrap, and plastics #3-7 are not recyclable and should be placed in the trash unless you live in Hoboken, where only plastics #5 are recyclable.
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Plastic containers and bottles
First, it is essential to separate different types of plastics. The numbers on the bottom of plastic products are resin identification codes, indicating the type of plastic. Jersey City only recycles #1, #2, and #5 plastics. So, check the number before placing the item in your recycling bin.
Second, all commingled bottles should be rinsed and free from contaminants. Remove any caps or lids and dispose of them in the trash. This step is crucial as it ensures the plastic can be properly recycled into new products.
Third, plastic bags should never be placed in your recycling containers. They can clog the machines at recycling facilities and slow down the process. Instead, take your plastic bags to designated drop-off stations, such as your local grocery store.
Finally, it is worth noting that certain plastic products are not recyclable. For example, coffee paper cups and juice boxes are not accepted for recycling in Jersey City.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your plastic containers and bottles are properly recycled, contributing to a more sustainable Jersey City.
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Plastic types and resin identification codes
The numbers on the bottom of plastic products are called resin identification codes (RICs). They were established by the Society of Plastics Industry (SPI) in 1988 to help consumers identify the plastic type of various containers and products. RICs are used to identify the type of resin used to manufacture certain types of plastic containers, which facilitates the collection, disposal, and recycling of these products. The use of RICs is mandatory in most US states, but the requirements differ between states in terms of the actual codes being used and the types of containers that must be labelled.
The RICs range from 1 to 7, with each number corresponding to a specific type of plastic. The first six RICs indicate that the plastic packaging is made from one of six specific types of plastic:
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET): This type of plastic is commonly used for clear plastic bottles and offers good chemical resistance. It is the most widely recycled plastic.
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
- Polypropylene (PP)
- Polystyrene: There are two types of polystyrene: brittle plastic, used in items like plastic forks and yoghurt pots, and expanded polystyrene, a light, insulating, waterproof plastic used in foamy takeaway packaging, Styrofoam, and some types of insulation. Polystyrene is not recyclable in normal Local Authority collections.
- Other plastics: This category includes bioplastics, composite plastics (like crisp wrappers), plastic-coated wrapping paper, and polycarbonate, which contains BPA.
It is important to note that the presence of a RIC on a plastic product does not guarantee that it is recyclable. The "How2Recycle" labels indicate the recyclability of a plastic product, with four categories: "Widely Recycled" (more than 60% of the US can recycle), "Limited" (20-60% of the US can recycle), "Not Yet Recycled" (less than 20% of the US can recycle), and "Store Drop-Off" (can be recycled at participating stores, typically grocery stores).
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Plastic alternatives and reusable bags
As of June 28, 2019, Jersey City has implemented a city-wide ban on single-use plastic bags. This means that customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags when shopping. This is an important step towards reducing plastic waste, as single-use plastic bags are designed for one-time use and then discarded, often ending up as litter in our oceans and landfills.
There are several eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastic bags that are reusable and recyclable. One option is to use bags made from natural and renewable sources such as cotton, which is biodegradable and reusable. Cotton bags are a good alternative, but it is important to note that they need to be used multiple times to neutralize their environmental impact due to the resource-intensive production process. Another option is jute bags, which are affordable, easily available, strong, and durable. Additionally, polypropylene (PP) is a cheap, durable, and fully recyclable plastic material that can be used to make reusable bags. PP has a lower carbon footprint than traditional single-use plastic bags and does not release harmful chemicals during the recycling process.
Hemp is another eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags. Hemp is a drought-tolerant plant that thrives without fertilizers or pesticides and helps replenish soil quality and absorb CO2. It is a robust, durable, and natural material, making it an excellent substitute for plastic bags.
By choosing reusable bags made from sustainable materials, we can reduce our plastic consumption and contribute to a healthier environment. Small habits, such as refusing single-use plastic bags and bringing our own reusable bags, can have a significant positive impact on our planet.
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Plastic pollution and microplastics
In June 2019, Jersey City enforced a city-wide ban on single-use plastic carry-out bags. The ordinance also banned non-recycled paper bags and biodegradable plastic bags that are not at least 2.25mm thick. To recycle soft plastics in Jersey City, you can drop off your plastic bags at designated stations like your local grocery store.
Microplastics can come from a variety of sources, including larger plastic pieces that have broken apart, resin pellets used in manufacturing, or microbeads from health and beauty products. They can easily pass through water filtration systems and end up in bodies of water, posing a threat to aquatic life.
The issue with microplastics is that they do not readily break down into harmless molecules. Plastics can take hundreds or thousands of years to decompose, all the while causing harm to the environment. They have been detected in marine organisms, commercial seafood, and even drinking water. While the specific dangers to human and animal health are still being studied, many countries are taking action to reduce microplastics due to their potential impact on wildlife and human health.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also contributed to worsening microplastic pollution due to the increased use of personal protective equipment, such as face masks, which can contain polypropylene. Urgent action is needed to address the long-term consequences of microplastic pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
Jersey City only recycles #1, #2 and #5 plastics. These include plastic bottles and containers. Plastic bags, grocery bags, produce bags, and Ziploc bags should not be recycled and should be dropped off at designated drop-off stations instead, such as your local grocery store.
Before placing plastic bottles in your recycling bin, ensure that they are rinsed and free from contaminants. Remove caps and lids and dispose of them in the trash, as they are made of plastic #5 and are not recyclable.
Other materials that can be recycled in Jersey City include glass bottles and jars, aluminum and steel (tin) cans, and mixed paper such as paper, newspaper, magazines, and softcover books.
