Maya Ellison
Plastic net packaging is a common form of packaging for produce, such as citrus fruits and onions. However, it is often unclear whether this type of packaging can be recycled or not. While some sources suggest that plastic net packaging can be recycled, others argue that it is not recyclable and should be avoided due to its negative impact on the environment and danger to wildlife. To recycle plastic net packaging, individuals can look for local soft plastic recyclers or participating retail stores that accept this type of packaging. Alternatively, reusing plastic net packaging for buying produce or other creative purposes can be an option to reduce waste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recycling plastic net packaging | Possible with modern technology |
| Recycling methods | PureCycle Technologies, P&G |
| Recycled plastic quality | Almost the same as new plastic |
| Plastic type | Polypropylene, polyethylene |
| Plastic numbers | #2, #4 |
| Retailers | Accept plastic film packaging for recycling |
| Plastic film packaging | Recycled into new products |
| Plastic recycling bins | Available at some supermarkets |
| Plastic recycling preparation | Clean and dry before disposal |
| Plastic recycling issues | Gums up the works, contamination |
| Plastic recycling alternatives | Reuse, landfill |
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What You'll Learn
Reuse plastic net packaging for produce, dishwashing or as a scrubber
Plastic net packaging can be reused in several ways, such as for produce, dishwashing, or as a scrubber. Here are some detailed ideas to get you started:
Produce
Plastic net packaging can be reused when buying fresh produce, especially for items like citrus fruits or onions, which are often packaged in mesh bags. Reusing these bags can help reduce the amount of single-use plastic waste generated. Some supermarkets also accept these bags in their recycle bins with other produce bags and plastic bags, so you can dispose of them responsibly when they can no longer be reused.
Dishwashing
These plastic nets can be used to protect small items in the dishwasher. Simply place items like jewellery or delicate clothing, such as bras, inside the net, secure it with a clip or by tying a knot, and then put it in the dishwasher. This will prevent tangling and keep your items safe and together during the wash cycle.
Scrubber
You can also reuse plastic net packaging as a scrubber for cleaning. Roll the net into a tight ball, and you'll have a scrubber that can be used for dishes or other cleaning purposes. You can even use multiple nets together, with the stringiest or broken net forming the centre and the finest mesh on the outside.
While reusing plastic net packaging is a great way to extend its life, it's important to also look for reusable alternatives, like cotton produce bags, to reduce your overall plastic consumption.
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Recycle at participating retail stores
Plastic nets are flexible plastic bags and wraps, also known as plastic film packaging. They are not accepted by most recycling centres and are not supposed to be put in regular recycling bins. However, some retail stores and drop-off centres do accept this type of plastic for recycling.
These stores and centres collect plastic film packaging from consumers and back-of-the-store packaging. They then back haul the plastic film to multiple businesses that recycle it into new products.
Before dropping off your plastic net packaging at a participating retail store, ensure that it is clean and dry, especially if it has been in contact with food or another product that may leave behind residue.
Some supermarkets accept plastic net packaging in their recycle bins with other produce bags and plastic bags.
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Recycle via a local soft plastic recycler
Plastic net packaging can be challenging to recycle due to its soft and flexible nature, but it is possible to do so through local soft plastics recyclers. Here are some detailed steps and considerations for recycling plastic net packaging via local soft plastics recyclers:
Identify Local Soft Plastics Recycling Schemes
Firstly, you'll need to find out what soft plastics recycling schemes are available in your area. In some regions, such as Australia, schemes like REDcycle and Curby specialize in soft plastics recycling. However, the availability of these programs may vary depending on your location. Check with your local council or waste management organizations to see what options are offered in your area.
Prepare the Plastic Net Packaging for Recycling
Before placing plastic net packaging into your recycling bin, ensure that it is clean and dry. Remove any residue or contaminants, as these can impact the recycling process. Some recyclers may have specific requirements for preparing soft plastics, so be sure to follow their guidelines.
Separate Soft Plastics from Other Recyclables
Soft plastics, including plastic net packaging, should be separated from other recyclables. Do not place them loose in your recycling bin. Instead, use designated bags provided by the recycling program. For example, some programs use special orange bags for soft plastics, which are then placed inside your regular recycling bin for collection.
Collection and Processing
Once you have placed your prepared and separated soft plastics in the designated bags or bins, they will be collected by the local recycler. The soft plastics are then typically sent to a material recovery facility, where they are baled and processed for recycling. Advanced recycling technologies can break down soft plastics into their chemical building blocks, creating new plastics with the same quality as the original product.
Support and Encourage Soft Plastics Recycling
Recycling soft plastics helps reduce your household's carbon footprint and diverts waste from landfills and oceans. However, the soft plastics recycling industry faces challenges, including limited demand for recycled products and high volumes of waste. You can support and encourage soft plastics recycling by advocating for policies that promote recycled materials and reducing your use of single-use plastics whenever possible.
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Recycle via a specialist recycling plant
Plastic net packaging can be recycled via a specialist recycling plant. Some areas have local soft plastic recyclers, like RedCycle in Australia, which accepts plastic net packaging as long as any metal clips are removed.
In some cases, plastic net packaging cannot be recycled at regular recycling centres that collect materials from curbsides. This is because most recycling facilities are designed to handle plastic bottles and containers, and other types of plastic products can gum up the works.
However, there are thousands of retail stores and drop-off centres that accept plastic film packaging for recycling. These retailers collect plastic film packaging from consumers and from back-of-the-store packaging. The plastic film is then sold to independent companies and recycled into new products, such as synthetic lumber for decking or park benches, or recycled directly into another film, pouch, or bag form.
One example of a specialist recycling plant is the plant in Ohio opened by PureCycle Technologies and P&G in 2017. This plant uses technology designed to remove virtually every colour and contaminant from used plastics, so their properties and performance are almost the same as virgin materials. This technology can be used to recycle mesh polypropylene bags, which are among the most widely used plastics in the world.
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Recycle via a store drop-off
Plastic net packaging, such as mesh polypropylene bags, can be recycled via a store drop-off. Many large retailers and drop-off centres accept plastic film packaging for recycling. These retailers collect plastic film packaging from consumers and back-of-store packaging. The plastic film is then transported to multiple businesses that recycle it into new products.
Before dropping off your plastic net packaging at a store, ensure that it is clean and dry, especially if it has been in contact with food or other products that may leave residue. Some stores may also require you to remove any metal clips from the packaging before dropping it off.
It is important to note that not all stores accept plastic net packaging for recycling. Look for stores with 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). These labels are often found on flexible packaging for items such as snacks, bread, and produce.
Additionally, some supermarkets accept plastic net packaging in their recycle bins along with other produce bags and plastic bags. However, it is always a good idea to check with your local recycling entity or store to ensure that they accept plastic net packaging for recycling.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic net packaging can be recycled at participating retail stores. Some supermarkets accept them in their recycle bins with other produce bags and plastic bags. It is important to ensure that the packaging is clean and dry before placing it in the bin.
Examples of retail stores that recycle plastic film packaging include RedCycle in Australia and How2Recycle in the US.
The plastic net packaging is collected from the recycling bins and back-hauled to multiple businesses that recycle it into new products. The recycled plastic can be turned into tiny plastic pellets, which can then be used to create synthetic lumber for decking or park benches, or recycled directly into another film, pouch, or bag form.
Yes, plastic net packaging can be reused in various ways. For example, they can be reused when buying produce, rolled into a ball and secured with a rubber band to be used as a scrubber, or used to hang bird feeders.
Plastic net packaging bags are usually made of polypropylene, which is among the most widely used plastics in the world.
