Effective Ways To Recycle Unlabeled Plastic At Home

Plastic recycling is a complex process that varies from one location to another. While most recycling facilities can handle labels on plastic products by burning them off during the recycling process, it is good practice to remove them when possible. Plastic labels that are not glued on can be ripped off and thrown away, while glued-on labels can be soaked in warm water and then peeled off. The numbers inside the recycling symbol on plastics are also important, as they indicate the type of plastic and whether it is recyclable in your area. For example, #1 and #2 plastics are widely recycled, while #5 and #7 plastics may or may not be accepted depending on your location. It is crucial to separate recyclable and non-recyclable items to avoid contamination, which can reduce the efficiency of waste management operations and damage equipment.

Recycling contamination

To reduce recycling contamination, it is important to educate yourself on what can and cannot be recycled in your area. Recycling guidelines and symbols can help with this. It is also generally good practice to remove labels from recyclables when possible, as they can contaminate the recycling process if they are made from a different type of plastic than the container. However, this is not always necessary, as most recycling facilities can deal with labels by applying extreme heat to burn them away.

Finally, to ensure effective recycling, it is important to separate different types of materials. For example, paper products should be kept separate from glass, plastic, and metal containers. Rinsing recyclables to remove food residue can also help improve the recycling process.

Removing plastic labels

Although it's not always necessary to remove plastic labels before recycling, it's good practice to do so when possible. Removing labels helps to reduce contamination in the recycling process, which can affect the quality and value of the recycled material.

One easy way to remove plastic labels is to simply peel them off. Some plastic labels are not glued on, so you can just rip them off and throw them away. If the label is glued on, you can try soaking the container in warm water and then peeling the label off. You can also use a sponge to scrub away any remaining glue residue.

For more stubborn labels, you can try using heat. Fill the container with hot water and let it sit for a few minutes, or heat the container in the microwave in short bursts until it's too hot to handle. Then, remove it from the microwave, put the cap on, and wait for the glue to loosen. Start peeling from one corner, and work your way around.

Alternatively, you can use a hair dryer to heat the label and soften the adhesive. Hold the hair dryer about half an inch away from the label, starting with one corner and gradually moving it around. Once the adhesive is soft, the label should peel off easily, leaving minimal residue.

If you have more time, you can try putting the container in the freezer for a few hours. Freezing temperatures cause the adhesive to harden, making it easier to peel off the label.

For particularly tough labels, you can try using a solvent or adhesive remover. Soak the label with the solvent, and then use a razor blade scraper to peel the label off at the glue line. If the glue is soft, you can also use a powered wire brush or abrasive pad to remove it.

Keep in mind that some labels may be made of recyclable materials, such as vinyl or polyethylene. However, these usually cannot be recycled in your curbside bin and must be disposed of separately. Always check the recycling symbol and number to determine how to properly recycle the label and the container.

Recycling plastic without numbers

Recycling plastic can be a complex process, and it is important to know what types of plastic can be recycled and how to prepare them for recycling.

Firstly, it is worth noting that not all plastic is recyclable. The most commonly recycled plastics are #1 and #2, which are typically recycled through standard municipal curbside bins. #1 plastic, or PET/PETE (polyethylene terephthalate), is the most common plastic for single-use bottled beverages. #2 plastic, or HDPE (high-density polyethylene), is used for items such as milk jugs, juice bottles, detergent bottles, and some shopping bags. These two types of plastic are almost always recyclable.

Other types of plastic, such as #5 and #7, may be recyclable in certain areas but not in others. For example, #5 plastic is technically recyclable, but few curbside programs accept it. #7 plastic is often made from multiple plastic types that cannot be easily recycled. It is important to check your local municipality's guidelines to understand what types of plastic they accept.

Additionally, some plastic products do not fall under the seven standard plastic categories and may require specialized handling. These include hard-to-recycle plastics such as Styrofoam, shrink wrap, and manufacturing scrap.

When preparing plastic for recycling, it is generally recommended to remove any labels if possible. Labels can be made from different types of plastic or materials like paper, which can contaminate the recycling process if they are not the same type of plastic as the container. However, most recycling facilities can deal with labels by applying extreme heat to remove them, so it is not always necessary to remove them beforehand. Still, removing labels can improve the quality of the recycled plastic and decrease the chances of your recycling bin being rejected.

Local recycling regulations

Recycling programs and facilities differ in their capabilities, and the recycling process can be affected by the type of label on a plastic container. For example, when a plastic container has a label made of the same type of plastic, both can be recycled. However, if the label is made from paper or a different type of plastic, it can contaminate the recycling process. Paper labels and glue can usually be burned away during the recycling process, but this can impact the quality and value of the recycled material.

To ensure you are following the correct local recycling regulations, it is recommended to check with your municipal recycling program. They can provide specific information on what is accepted and what is not. For instance, some plastics with certain resin identification codes (RICs) or numbers might be recyclable in one area but not in another. Checking with your local recycling rules is essential, as having the wrong items in your recycling bin could result in your bin being rejected or even send a load of recyclable items to the landfill.

It is also important to note that some materials recovery facilities (MRFs) or recycling centers might have specific requirements for preparing your recyclables, such as washing out food or beverage residue from plastic containers. Additionally, some facilities may specify how to handle plastic bags and other hard-to-recycle items. By following your local regulations and properly sorting and preparing your recyclables, you can help keep the market for recyclables healthy and functioning well.

Recycling plastic film packaging

Plastic film packaging is a tricky material to recycle. It is often stretchy and lightweight, and its small size can cause it to fly into the air and get stuck in machinery at material recovery facilities (MRFs). Some plastic film packaging is made of multiple layers of different materials, which are difficult to recycle or break down.

However, recycling plastic film packaging is important, as it saves anywhere from 8 to 23% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to manufacturing new plastic. It also reduces total energy use, water consumption, and global warming potential.

To recycle plastic film packaging, you can look for the How2Recycle Store Drop-Off label or scan the Smart Label on the package for guidance on where and how to recycle it. The How2Recycle label is a third-party, standardized labelling system that provides clear recycling instructions to the public, while the Smart Label is a QR code that provides information on recycling and other product details.

If your plastic film packaging is stretchy and has an equilateral triangle with resin codes 2 or 4 on it, it can be recycled. Resin codes 2 and 4 are often used for grocery bags and produce bags, respectively, and can be recycled at many grocery stores.

Some companies, like NexTrex, offer drop-off locations where you can bring your plastic film packaging for recycling. They use recycled plastic to create eco-friendly outdoor products. Subscription services through specialty recyclers are also available in select municipalities for a monthly fee.

Frequently asked questions