Recycling Plastic: Common Mistakes You're Probably Making

Despite the best intentions, many people are recycling plastic incorrectly. This is due to a variety of reasons, including a lack of understanding of the recycling process, misleading information from corporations, and the limitations of recycling technologies. For example, the ubiquitous chasing arrows icon is often misinterpreted as an indication that an item is recyclable when it is not. Additionally, while virtually all plastics can be recycled, the process is often expensive and complicated, resulting in a lower-quality product. Furthermore, certain items, such as coffee cups with plastic coatings, cannot be easily separated into their component materials for recycling. To improve plastic recycling practices, individuals should educate themselves about proper recycling techniques, avoid being misled by greenwashing, and advocate for systemic changes to reduce plastic pollution and improve recycling infrastructure.

Not cleaning your recycling

Recycling facilities typically do not clean recycling before processing it, so it is important to ensure that your recyclables are empty and rinsed. This can be done by removing excess food and liquids, filling the container with water and vigorously swishing the water around inside, and then shaking, patting dry, or airing out your recyclables. Paper and cardboard should be kept dry and relatively clean, as grease and oil can make them unrecyclable.

However, it is important to note that the guidelines for recycling may vary by location, so it is always a good idea to check with your local recycling provider for specific instructions. By keeping your recycling clean, you can help ensure that more materials are successfully recycled and reduce the risk of contamination.

Misinterpreting the chasing arrows symbol

The chasing arrows symbol, also known as the recycling symbol, is often misinterpreted by consumers. This symbol, which features three arrows in a triangle shape, is often thought to indicate that an item is recyclable or made from recycled materials. However, this is not always the case. The symbol is not a guarantee of recyclability and does not necessarily mean that an item can be recycled. It is simply a piece of clip art that anyone can use for any purpose, and its presence on packaging does not always mean that the package is recyclable. This has led to consumers being misled and throwing away packaging in with the recyclables when it should be disposed of differently.

The chasing arrows symbol first emerged in 1970 to commemorate the first Earth Day. Over time, it has become a familiar icon, and its use has spread. However, there is no regulation or oversight regarding how and when it can be used. As a result, it is often misused on packaging, giving consumers the impression that an item is recyclable when it may not be. This misuse of the symbol contributes to the larger issue of "greenwashing," where companies oversell the environmental benefits of their products or practices without providing substantive evidence or making meaningful changes.

To avoid being misled by the chasing arrows symbol, it is important to understand its limitations and to check local recycling guidelines. Consumers should not assume that the presence of the symbol means an item is recyclable. Instead, they should refer to local recycling programs and guidelines to determine which specific materials are accepted for recycling in their area. This can vary depending on the municipality and the capabilities of the local recycling facilities. By staying informed and following the appropriate guidelines, consumers can ensure that they are recycling correctly and not contributing to contamination or other issues.

In addition to understanding the limitations of the chasing arrows symbol, it is essential to recognize the challenges posed by composite materials and mixed plastics. Many items, such as coffee cups and toothpaste tubes, are made from multiple materials, including plastic, paper, and aluminum. These composite items cannot be easily separated into their individual components for recycling. As a result, they often end up in landfills, even if consumers attempt to recycle them. Mixed plastics, such as hard and soft plastics combined in items like toothbrushes, can also be challenging to recycle and may require specialized handling.

To address the issues associated with the chasing arrows symbol and composite materials, consumers can take several actions. Firstly, it is important to reduce the consumption of single-use items and opt for reusable alternatives whenever possible. This can include using a reusable coffee cup instead of disposable cups and choosing toothbrushes or other items made from a single type of plastic. Secondly, consumers should familiarize themselves with their local recycling guidelines and properly separate and prepare their recyclables. By taking these steps, individuals can make a more positive impact on the environment and contribute to more effective recycling practices.

Not checking local recycling programs

For instance, some localities may not accept styrofoam as part of their curbside recycling programs. Similarly, certain plastic items, such as plastic bags, can cause significant disruptions in the recycling process. They can quickly degrade and clog up expensive sorting equipment, causing delays and even endangering workers. As a result, some local recycling programs may advise against including plastic bags in your curbside recycling.

Additionally, items composed of different materials, like single-use coffee cups with a thin plastic coating, can be extremely challenging to recycle. These cups cannot be recycled as paper or plastic due to the difficulty of separating the two materials. Similarly, oral care products like toothpaste tubes and toothbrushes often contain different types of plastics and other materials, making them less likely to be accepted by curbside recycling programs.

It's also important to note that not all plastics are created equal when it comes to recycling. Some types of plastics may not be accepted by community recycling programs, and this can vary by location. For example, compostable plastics are not intended for recycling and can contaminate the recycling stream if mixed with non-compostable plastics. Therefore, it's essential to check with your local recycling program to understand their specific guidelines and accepted items.

To recycle plastics effectively, it is crucial to stay informed about the accepted items and guidelines of your local recycling program. This may include checking for specific types of plastics they accept, understanding how to handle items with multiple materials, and knowing where to take items that are not accepted through curbside recycling. By following these local guidelines, you can ensure that your plastic waste is being recycled properly and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Using plastic bags for recycling

Plastic bags are among the most common sources of marine debris, where they can be mistaken for food by birds and fish. It is important to recycle them properly.

Firstly, plastic bags should not be used to collect other recyclables or to line your recycling bin. Most recyclers prefer that all recyclables are placed into your curbside bin loose. This is because plastic bags are usually a nightmare for the machinery at recycling centers and can cause damage.

However, plastic bags can be recycled. Most plastic bags are made from high-density polyethylene (#2 plastic) or low-density polyethylene (#4 plastic). To recycle them, remove anything inside the bags, such as receipts, stickers, or crumbs, as these items will contaminate your bag load. Keep a bag collection bin in your house, such as a big garbage bag for all bags. Since they compact easily, you should be able to fit 50 to 100 plastic bags into one garbage bag.

Then, use a recycling locator to find a location near you that accepts plastic bags for recycling. Many retailers, including large national grocery stores, offer bag recycling collections in their stores, with bins usually located near the front entrance. Some companies, such as Trex, use recycled plastic bags to make new composite decking, which contains about 140,000 recycled plastic bags per 500-square-foot deck. Other companies use recycled plastic to make new packaging, which can often be recycled again.

Not reusing plastic items

Plastic is a highly controversial material when it comes to recycling. While virtually all plastics can be recycled, many aren't because the process is expensive, complicated, and the resulting product is of lower quality than the original. In addition, plastic degrades each time it is reused, meaning it can't be reused more than once or twice.

The recycling symbol, known as the "chasing arrows" icon, is often misused on packaging to make it look like something is recyclable when it is not. This misleads the consumer and causes them to throw that packaging in with the recyclables. Plastic bags should be kept away from recycling unless advised otherwise by a local recycler.

The best way to reduce plastic waste is to avoid single-use plastics altogether. Instead, invest in quality goods that will last, such as reusable water bottles, coffee cups, shopping bags, and food storage containers. These items can be easily cleaned and refilled, reducing the need for disposable plastic items. Reuse is one of the core rules of sustainability, and by choosing reusable options, you can significantly reduce your plastic waste.

In addition to reusing items, it is important to properly clean your recyclables before placing them in the bin. Recycling facilities typically do not clean recycling before processing it, so leftover food or liquids can contaminate an entire batch of recyclables. While a quick rinse is usually sufficient, it is important to ensure that your recyclables are free of excess food and liquids to avoid creating more waste.

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