Removing Plastic Labels: A Guide To Effective Recycling

Removing labels from plastic products before recycling them is a common concern for those looking to improve their recycling habits. While it is not always necessary to remove labels, doing so can improve the quality of recycled materials and decrease the chances of your bin being rejected. The best way to remove labels from plastic containers is to soak the container in warm water, peel off the label, and scrub away the remaining glue with a sponge.

Characteristics and Values

Removing labels improves the quality of recycled plastic

Removing labels from plastic containers before recycling them is not mandatory, but it can improve the quality of the final recycled product. While most recycling centres can deal with labels by burning them off during the recycling process, this is not a perfect solution as some contamination is inevitable. If the label is made from a different type of plastic than the container, it will contaminate the recycling. Therefore, removing labels before recycling can help reduce contamination and improve the quality and value of the recycled material.

Recycling contamination is a significant issue in the United States, and it is essential to do everything possible to minimise it. Labels themselves are usually not recyclable in curbside bins, and glued-on paper labels are especially problematic as the glue makes them non-recyclable. So, if you can easily remove the labels, it is a good practice to do so.

The process of removing labels from plastic containers can vary depending on the type of label. Some single-use food and beverage containers have plastic labels that are not glued on and can be easily ripped off. For containers with glued-on labels, you can soak the container in warm water, peel off the label, and then scrub away any remaining residue with a sponge.

By removing labels, you can also decrease the chances of your recycling bin being rejected and make the recycling process more efficient. Effective sorting of recyclables increases their usefulness to companies that produce eco-friendly products like trash bags. This, in turn, helps maintain a healthy and functioning market for recycled materials.

To summarise, while removing labels from plastic containers is not required for recycling, it can significantly improve the quality of the recycled plastic by reducing contamination. It also makes the recycling process more efficient and sustains the market for recycled goods. Therefore, taking the extra step to remove labels before recycling plastic containers is beneficial for the environment and the recycling industry.

Paper labels and glue are usually burned away during recycling

Paper labels and glue are usually burned away during the recycling process. However, this is not always the case, and contamination can occur. To avoid this, it is good practice to remove labels where possible. Paper labels, in particular, cannot be recycled with plastics due to the glue used to adhere them. Therefore, it is recommended to separate paper labels and recycle them with other paper products.

Recycling facilities use heat to burn away contaminants like labels and glue. However, this process is not perfect, and some contamination is inevitable. The amount of contamination affects the quality, colour, and value of the recycled material. For example, if a small amount of a different type of plastic ends up in a batch of plastic with a different melting point, it can ruin the entire batch.

To remove paper labels, you can soak the container in warm water and then peel off the label. Any remaining glue can be scrubbed away with a sponge. This process ensures that the paper label can be recycled with other paper products, and the plastic container can be recycled without contamination.

It is important to note that recycling practices vary depending on your location. Some recycling programs may require participants to remove labels from plastics before recycling them. Therefore, it is always best to check with your local recycling program to understand their specific requirements.

While it may be tempting to simply leave labels on plastics and hope for the best, it is important to remember that a little effort can go a long way in improving the recycling process and reducing contamination.

Plastic labels are more problematic than paper

On the other hand, plastic labels are more durable and flexible, making them suitable for outdoor applications and industrial use. They are waterproof, tear-resistant, and can withstand exposure to oils, UV rays, sunlight, and fading. However, plastic labels are more difficult to remove from plastic containers for recycling. While some plastic labels can be recycled, they often require special processing and cannot be recycled in curbside bins.

The process of removing plastic labels can be time-consuming and cumbersome. Soaking the container in warm water, peeling off the label, and scrubbing the remaining adhesive are usually required. Even then, the label and adhesive may not come off completely, reducing the quality of the recycled plastic.

In contrast, paper labels with glue are more easily removed or burned away during the recycling process. When a plastic container has a paper label, the paper and glue will burn off when the plastic is melted, without requiring additional steps. This makes the recycling process more efficient and reduces the risk of contamination.

While it is not always necessary to remove labels before recycling, doing so can improve the quality of the recycled material. Plastic labels, due to their durability, are more likely to remain attached to the container during the recycling process, causing contamination. This contamination can reduce the value of the recycled material and even lead to entire batches being rejected and sent to landfills. Therefore, it is generally recommended to remove labels whenever possible to improve the effectiveness of the recycling process.

Heat-shrink labels are challenging for the recycling industry

In the case of PET bottles, for example, a commonly used shrink sleeve material, PETG, has a lower melting point than PET. This can cause the label to melt in dryers and result in flake clumping, reducing the quality of the recycled PET. Inks used on the labels can also discolour clear PET flakes, further contaminating the recycled material.

To address these issues, companies like American Fuji Seal have developed crystallisable shrink sleeve labels with washable ink that meet the criteria for recyclability in the PET bottle stream. Their RecShrink label has a higher melting point to prevent clumping and minimise discolouration. However, not all heat-shrink labels are designed with recyclability in mind, and they can still pose challenges for the recycling industry.

While some recycling facilities may have the capability to handle heat-shrink labels, others may not. As a result, it is generally recommended to remove labels from plastic containers before recycling them, especially if they are made of different types of plastic. Removing labels can improve the quality of the recycled plastic and reduce the chances of contamination. However, it is important to note that not all recycling programs require the removal of labels, and some facilities may have the means to deal with them effectively during the recycling process.

Removing labels reduces the chances of your bin being rejected

Removing labels from plastic containers before recycling them is generally not required. However, doing so can reduce the chances of your bin being rejected and make the recycling process more efficient.

Recycling facilities use high heat to burn away contaminants like labels and glue, regardless of whether they are made of paper or plastic. However, if the label is made from a different type of plastic than the container, it can contaminate the recycling stream. For example, if a PET bottle is wrapped with a PP label, an optical sorter may mistake the bottle for PP plastic, leading to sorting and processing issues.

To remove labels, you can soak the container in warm water, then peel and scrub off the label and remaining glue with a sponge. Alternatively, you can use common household items like cooking oil, vegetable oil, or water and baking soda. First, peel back one corner of the label and use something like a razor blade or your fingernail to loosen the edge. Then, apply oil to the exposed area and let it sit for a few minutes to weaken the adhesive. Finally, scrub away any remaining adhesive residue with a sponge and warm, soapy water.

While it may not always be necessary to remove labels, doing so when possible can improve the quality of recycled materials and increase the chances of them being made into new products. It is important to check with your local recycling program, as practices can vary between different cities, counties, or states.

Frequently asked questions