Ethan Clarke
Plastic waste is a pressing global issue, with only 8.7% of the 35 million tons of plastic generated in the US in 2018 being recycled. While almost all plastic can be recycled in principle, various economic, technical, and environmental factors pose significant barriers to the process. However, it is encouraging to know that many businesses and individuals are actively recycling plastic. This article will discuss the steps involved in sending plastic for recycling and the subsequent processes it undergoes.
How to send in plastic to be recycled
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic bags and wraps | Do not go in most curbside recycling bins. Can be recycled at participating retail stores. |
| Plastic bottles and containers | Accepted at most recycling facilities. |
| Plastic films | Accepted at some larger supermarkets and retail stores. |
| Plastic types | HDPE, LDPE, and PET are some of the most commonly recycled plastics. |
| Food contamination | Plastic containers contaminated with food cannot be recycled. |
| Local programs | Check with your local recycling program to find out which types of plastic they accept. |
| Collection | Plastic is deposited by users into a recycling container and collected by local authorities or waste management contractors. |
| Sorting | Plastic is sorted into different types at Material Recovery Facilities (MRF) or Plastic Recovery Facilities (PRF). |
| Reprocessing | Plastic is washed, shredded, melted, and extruded into new pellets or products. |
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What You'll Learn
Check local recycling programs to see which types of plastic they accept
It is important to check your local recycling program to see which types of plastic they accept. This is because recycling programs can vary from community to community, and some types of plastic are not accepted in certain community recycling programs. For example, very few localities accept styrofoam in curbside recycling. Your local program may have different rules, so it is always best to check with your local recycling provider to learn if they accept specific items.
You can check your local authority's website for information on recycling in your area. Some local authorities will also send householders direct information on recycling services. Retail and grocery stores may also have information on recycling certain items, such as plastic bags and plastic wrap/film. Larger supermarkets may even offer recycling facilities for these items within their stores.
On-pack recycling labels are another easy way to identify items' recyclability. Packaging labels are usually found on the back of products and inform whether the product can be recycled or not. They may also provide recycling instructions, such as "remove cap before recycling" or "remove sleeve".
There are also online resources to check if a package is recyclable in your area, such as the Plastic Recycling Locator.
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Identify recyclable plastics using the resin number
The numbers printed in the middle of the recycling symbol are key identification codes, also known as the Resin Identification Code (RIC). These codes are used to help recycling plants sort materials. The RIC was developed in 1988 by the Society of the Plastics Industry (now the Plastics Industry Association) in the United States. The symbol is often mistaken for the universal recycling symbol due to their resemblance. The RIC symbol consists of a solid triangle that encloses a number. The numbers can be represented by Unicode icons: ♳ (U+2673), ♴ (U+2674), ♵ (U+2675), ♶ (U+2676), ♷ (U+2677), ♸ (U+2678), and ♹ (U+2679). The recycling symbol, on the other hand, is the "chasing arrows" symbol.
The resin identification codes can be used to determine the recyclability of a product. Recyclable plastics are labelled with numbers 1-7 to tell workers what kind of plastic it is, and how it should be processed. The numbers also help recycling collectors determine what items they can accept and which ones go in the trash.
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE) is labelled with the number 1. This is the most frequently recycled plastic and can be found in peanut butter jars, plastic soda and water bottles, microwavable food trays, and salad dressing bottles.
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is labelled with the number 2. This plastic forms milk jugs, laundry detergent bottles, butter tubs, motor oil bottles, and some shopping bags.
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is labelled with the number 3. PVC is best known for its use in pipes but is also found in cooking oil and shampoo bottles, medical tubing, wire jacketing, and window cleaner spray bottles.
- Plastic number 7 is a miscellaneous category for everything that didn't fit into the previous six categories. This includes oven-baking bags or large 3-5-gallon jugs used to refill water coolers.
It is important to note that the presence of a RIC on a plastic object does not necessarily indicate that it is recyclable, and the absence of a RIC does not mean that the object is unrecyclable. Different cities and towns tend to have different rules regarding plastic recycling, so it is important to check with your local recycling program to find out which types of plastic they accept.
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Clean and dry plastic before recycling
It is important to clean and dry plastic before recycling. This is because excess water can interfere with the melting process during recycling. Additionally, food or product residue left on plastic can contaminate thousands of pounds of other plastics during the recycling process. Grease and oil, in particular, can make cardboard and paper unrecyclable.
To clean plastic, a quick rinse is usually enough. Fill the container with water and vigorously swish the water around inside. You can also use leftover dishwashing water just before you drain it. 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 dries completely 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 plastic they accept. Retail and grocery stores often accept materials for recycling that cannot be recycled through your local program.
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Cut off sealable zippers from plastic bags
When it comes to plastic recycling, it's important to separate different types of plastic and prepare them properly before sending them off to be recycled. This ensures the process runs smoothly and reduces the risk of contamination. One specific instruction you may come across is to cut off sealable zippers from plastic bags before recycling them.
Sandwich bags, snack bags, resealable plastic bags, and Ziploc bags are all names for the same product, which falls under the category of plastic film. This type of plastic is often accepted for recycling at larger supermarkets and grocery stores, as well as some businesses that deal with plastic film. Before dropping off your plastic bags at these locations, it's important to prepare them properly.
Cutting off the sealable zippers from plastic bags is a crucial step in this preparation process. The zippers, also known as closures, are made of a different type of plastic than the bag itself. By removing them, you separate the different types of plastic, which is an essential step in the recycling process. This separation allows for more effective sorting and recycling of the different materials.
Additionally, removing the zippers helps reduce the risk of contamination during the recycling process. It's important to ensure that any food residue or debris is cleaned and dried from the bags before recycling. The zippers can trap food particles, so cutting them off improves the overall cleanliness of the bags.
Finally, cutting off the zippers can also help with the overall recyclability of the bags. It improves the chances of your plastic bags being accepted for recycling and contributes to a more efficient and effective recycling process. Remember to check with your local recycling program or drop-off locations to understand their specific requirements and instructions for plastic bag recycling.
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Recycle plastic bags at retail stores
Plastic bags cannot be put in your household curbside recycling bin or in a SWACO recycling drop-off location. The facilities that accept these mixed recyclables from your home are not designed to accept plastic bags and they can cause significant problems at the recycling facility.
However, many retail and grocery stores accept plastic bags for recycling. Larger supermarkets may offer recycling facilities for plastic bags within their stores. The bins are usually located near the front entrance of the store.
Before recycling your plastic bags, make sure they are clean and dry. Remove anything inside the bags, such as receipts, stickers, or crumbs, as these items will contaminate your bag load.
You can also use a recycling locator to find a location near you that recycles plastic bags.
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Frequently asked questions
The most widely recycled plastic in the world is PET, which is relatively easy to recycle. HDPE is also accepted at most recycling centres as it is one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle. LDPE, or plastic-type #4, can be recycled but is not always financially worthwhile. Many recycling programs also accept polyethylene-based plastics, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE, or #2 plastic) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE, or #4 plastic). However, it's important to check with your local recycling program, as different areas may have different rules and accepted plastics.
First, check the packaging for any recycling labels, which are usually found on the back of products and inform whether the product can be recycled. These may also provide instructions such as "remove cap before recycling". Then, separate your plastic waste and ensure it is clean and dry before placing it in the correct recycling bin. Plastic that is collected is sent to Material Recovery Facilities (MRF) and/or Plastic Recovery Facilities (PRF) to be sorted, washed, shredded, melted, and extruded into new pellets, which can then be used to create new products.
You can recycle plastic at home by placing it in the correct recycling bin for collection. Retail and grocery stores often accept plastic materials for recycling and may have recycling bins outside or inside their stores. Larger supermarkets may offer recycling facilities for plastic film and bags. You can also check local authority websites or contact them directly to find out specific information about recycling in your area.
