Omar Khalid
Plastic is one of the most versatile and popular materials of modern times, with 300 million tonnes produced annually. However, it can take 500-1000 years to biodegrade, so it is important to recycle and reuse plastic items as much as possible. While almost all plastic can be recycled in theory, in practice, this is often undermined by economic, technical, and environmental factors. For example, some plastics are hard to recycle because they contain multiple types of plastic and different layers that are difficult to separate. Additionally, plastics contaminated by food or other substances may not be clean enough to be reused. To optimize the lifespan of plastics, it is essential to check with local recycling programs to confirm which types of plastic are accepted and explore alternatives to landfill.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic types | PET, HDPE, LDPE, polycarbonate, bioplastics, composite plastic, plastic-coated wrapping paper, cling film, blister packaging |
| Plastic items that can be recycled | Plastic bottles, detergent bottles, motor oil bottles, household cleaner bottles, pipes, lawn products, shampoo bottles, cosmetic caps, plastic bags, plastic wrap/film, envelopes with plastic windows, pizza boxes, egg cartons, cereal boxes, shoe boxes, books |
| Plastic items that cannot be recycled | Plastic utensils, styrofoam, thin bags or films, crisp packets, salad bags, plastic wrap, cling film, blister packaging |
| How to recycle plastic | Mechanical recycling: wash, ground, melt; Chemical recycling: break down into monomers to form new polymers; Shred into flakes or melt process to form pellets, then mould into new products |
| How to dispose of plastic | Landfill, incineration, repurposing or reusing, recycling |
| How to identify recyclable plastic | Resin number, triangle symbol, resin code |
| How to identify compostable plastic | Read the product's label |
What You'll Learn
Check local recycling programs
Checking local recycling programs is an important step in recycling unused plastics effectively. Each community may have different rules and accepted materials, so it's crucial to be aware of the specific guidelines in your area. Here are some detailed instructions to help you navigate local recycling programs:
- Identify Your Local Recycling Program: Begin by finding out which organization manages your local recycling program. This could be your local government, a waste management company, or a specialized recycling company. Contact your town or city hall if you're unsure.
- Understand Accepted Plastics: Different types of plastics are identified by resin identification codes, usually a number surrounded by a triangle. Common types include PET (or PETE), HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP, PS, and other resins. Check with your local program to see which resin codes they accept. Some programs may have specific drop-off locations or procedures for certain types of plastic.
- Clean and Prepare Plastics: Before placing plastics in the recycling bin, make sure they are clean and dry. Remove any food residue, labels, or other contaminants. Some programs may have specific preparation requirements, such as cutting off sealable zippers from plastic bags.
- Check for Special Programs: Certain types of plastic may have dedicated recycling programs. For example, retail and grocery stores often accept plastic bags and plastic wrap for recycling. Look for drop-off locations or collection bins at these stores. Additionally, some organizations, like How2Recycle, promote the recycling of flexible polyethylene-based plastics through their Store Drop-off program.
- Explore Online Resources: Many online resources can help you determine what plastics your local program accepts. Websites like Earth911.com offer extensive recycling databases. You can search for specific materials and locations to find nearby recycling centers. You can also call 1(800)CLEANUP for quick assistance.
- Contact the Program Directly: If you have specific questions or uncertainties, don't hesitate to contact your local recycling program directly. They can provide you with detailed information about accepted plastics, preparation requirements, and any special programs or events they offer.
By following these steps and staying informed about your local recycling program, you can ensure that your unused plastics are properly recycled and contribute to a more sustainable future.
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Clean and dry plastics before recycling
It is important to clean and dry plastics before recycling. This is because excess water can interfere with the melting process during recycling. In addition, food or liquid residue on plastics can contaminate and disrupt the recycling stream. For example, compostable plastics should not be mixed with non-compostable plastics as they cannot be recycled together.
To clean plastics, a quick rinse is usually more than adequate. You can fill the container with water and vigorously swish the water around inside. If the residue is sticky, you may need to use a scrub brush or scraper to remove it. For example, if there is sticky residue in a sandwich bag, wash it out and make sure it is completely dry before recycling.
However, it is important to note that not all plastics can be recycled. Check with your local recycling program to find out which types of plastics they accept. Retail and grocery stores often accept materials for recycling that cannot be recycled through your household recycling bin.
Additionally, make sure that any paper or cardboard is also dry and relatively clean before recycling. Grease and oil, for example, can make paper and cardboard unrecyclable.
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Recycle plastic into new products
Plastic is a highly versatile material that can be reused and recycled into new products. The process of recycling plastic involves sorting, cleaning, shredding, melting, and remoulding it into new products. This can be done mechanically or through chemical recycling. While mechanical recycling is the most common method, it results in a downward spiral of waste and degraded materials. Chemical recycling, on the other hand, breaks down plastic into its chemical building blocks, which can then be used for fuels or new plastics. This process can also turn plastic back into the oil it was made from.
The majority of recycled plastic comes from post-consumer sources, such as milk jugs, bottles, and packaging films. This plastic can be recycled into a variety of new products, including new bottles, shampoo bottles, cosmetic caps, packaging films, and even fashion items like polar fleece clothing, backpacks, and carpets. The most commonly recycled type of plastic is PET, which is often used in plastic bottles. HDPE is another easily recyclable plastic that is accepted at most centres worldwide and is used for products such as detergent bottles, motor oil containers, and film packaging.
To improve the recyclability of plastic, it is important to explore alternatives to landfills and properly separate different types of plastic. Symbols on plastic packaging can help consumers identify the type of plastic and how to recycle it properly. However, it is worth noting that not all plastics are accepted by community recycling programs, so it is essential to check with local programs to confirm which types of plastic can be recycled in your area.
Overall, recycling plastic is critical to improving the environment and better waste management solutions. By recycling plastic into new products, we can reduce our need to create new plastic and divert waste from landfills. With the development of new technologies and methods, we can continue to expand the scope of plastic materials that can be recycled and reused.
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Recycle plastic into the same product
PET plastic, which is commonly used for plastic bottles, can be recycled into new bottles. This is because PET is one of the few polymers that can be recycled into the same form. However, it is worth noting that the same piece of plastic can only be recycled about 2-3 times before its quality decreases to the point where it can no longer be used. During the recycling process, additional virgin material is added to upgrade the quality of the recycled product.
HDPE is another plastic polymer that is accepted at most recycling centres worldwide. It is often used for detergent bottles, motor oil bottles, and household cleaner bottles. However, it is also commonly downcycled into lower-value products such as plastic lumber, tables, roadside curbs, and benches.
While many plastic types can be recycled, some are incredibly difficult to recycle, including crisp packets, salad bags, and plastic wrap. These thin plastics can clog recycling machines if not separated properly, which is why many kerbside collections do not accept them. Additionally, multi-layered products, such as coffee cups and snack packaging, can be challenging to recycle as the layers are often very thin and tightly stacked, making separation difficult.
To recycle plastic into the same product, it is essential to separate different types of plastics and ensure they are clean and dry before dropping them off at recycling centres or putting them in recycling bins.
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Reuse plastic bags
Plastic bags are a versatile product with many uses beyond a single trip from the grocery store. They can be reused in a variety of ways, from the practical to the creative.
One of the simplest ways to reuse plastic bags is to employ them for storage. They can be used to store leftovers, or to portion out snacks, keeping them fresh. Plastic bags are also useful for storing small items such as toys, jewellery, or toiletries when travelling. They can even be used to store Christmas tree branches, keeping them safe and dust-free until next year.
Plastic bags can also be used for arts and crafts projects. You can use them to create a wreath, pompoms, or a simple Halloween decoration with the help of some scissors and yarn. For a more challenging project, you can make a clutch or handbag from plastic bags, or even a rug.
If you're looking for a more practical use, plastic bags can be used to protect paintbrushes from drying out, or to wrap up bedding or curtains to keep them clean. You can also use plastic bags to make a rope, which can be handy for keeping groceries in place in the car.
It is important to note that while plastic bags can be reused, they should not be used to store raw meat, fish, eggs, or potential allergy-triggering foods, as this can be a food safety issue. It is also recommended to avoid using plastic bags for very acidic ingredients, such as tomato sauce, as this can cause stains and shorten the life of the bag.
When reusing plastic bags, it is important to properly clean and dry them to extend their life. This can help reduce plastic waste and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.
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Frequently asked questions
The most widely recycled plastic in the world is PET, which is mostly found in plastic bottles. Other types of plastic that can be recycled include HDPE, LDPE, and PP. However, it's important to check with your local recycling program, as not all types of plastic are accepted everywhere.
Plastic items typically have a resin code or a recycling symbol on them, which indicates the type of plastic they are made of. This can help you determine if the item can be recycled in your local program. Additionally, some plastics are marked as compostable or biodegradable, which means they require special recycling methods and should not be mixed with non-biodegradable plastics.
One challenge is that many plastic items are made of multiple types of plastic or have different layers, making them difficult and costly to separate. Another issue is contamination by food or other substances, which can render the plastic unusable for recycling. Furthermore, not all types of plastic are widely recyclable, and some may require specific disposal methods or facilities.
Always check with your local recycling program to confirm which types of plastic they accept. Clean and dry any plastic items that have come into contact with food or other residues before placing them in the recycling bin. Some items, like plastic bags, may need to be dropped off at specific locations for recycling rather than put in your household recycling bin.
