Recycling Plastic: What You Need To Know About #3

Plastic is everywhere, and while most people can identify it, many don't know the difference between types. This is an issue, as different types of plastic have different recycling requirements. For example, #3 plastic, also known as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), is used for plastic food wrapping and is soft and flexible. However, most consumer recyclers will not take PVC products, so it's important to know what to do with this type of plastic to reduce waste and protect the environment.

Characteristics and Values of #3 Plastic Recyclability

What is #3 plastic?

Plastic products are often stamped with a resin code, which is a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. This number corresponds to a different type of plastic.

#3 plastic is known as Polyvinyl Chloride or PVC. It is a soft and flexible plastic used for a wide range of household products. Plastic tubing, children's toys, plastic trays, and furniture are often made out of PVC.

PVC products are generally not recycled by consumer recyclers. They contain toxins that leach throughout their entire life cycle, so it is recommended to avoid reusing PVC products, especially when they come into contact with food or children's items.

Some alternatives to recycling PVC include upcycling or creative reuse. For example, some companies melt down and repurpose PVC into new products, such as plastic lumber for outdoor furniture or decking.

It is important to check with your local municipality or recycling center to understand their specific guidelines for recycling PVC or other types of plastic.

What is it used for?

Number 3 plastic, also known as PVC, is a soft and flexible form of plastic. Because of its malleability, it is used for a wide range of household products. Plastic tubing, children's toys, plastic trays, and furniture are often made out of PVC. It is also used for plastic food wrapping.

PVC is not generally accepted by consumer recyclers. It is also advised that PVC products are not reused, especially when it comes to food or children's items. This is because PVC contains toxins that leach throughout its entire life cycle.

If you are looking to recycle your PVC products, you can check with your local government to see what your municipality's guidelines are. Some areas will accept all plastics except for Styrofoam, which is too light for the machines to handle. However, this does not necessarily mean that the plastic is being recycled. Some companies will bail and sell the plastic to the highest bidder, which may still be burned for energy.

There are also some companies that are working on finding ways to recycle PVC. For example, some recycling centres are investigating how to recycle plastic bags, given their harmfulness to the environment.

Can it be recycled?

Plastic products are often stamped with a resin code, which is a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. This resin code indicates the type of plastic the product is made of, and each type of plastic has different recycling capabilities.

#3 plastic, or Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), is a soft and flexible plastic used for a wide range of household products, such as plastic tubing, kids' toys, plastic trays, and furniture. While PVC products are prevalent, they are generally not accepted by consumer recyclers and cannot be recycled.

However, it's important to note that some companies and recycling centers are actively seeking alternatives or investigating methods to recycle PVC products due to their harmful environmental impact. For example, some municipalities may collect and sell PVC waste to the highest bidder, which can sometimes be burned for energy instead of being recycled or sent to landfills.

It is always a good idea to check with your local government or recycling facilities to understand their specific guidelines and capabilities for recycling PVC and other types of plastics.

Where can it be recycled?

#3 plastics, often stamped with a resin code, are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is a soft and flexible plastic used for a wide range of household products, including plastic tubing, kids' toys, plastic trays, and furniture.

While #3 plastics can be recycled, they are not accepted by most consumer recyclers. For example, recycling facilities in San Jose, California, take all plastics except polystyrene, which is too light for their machines to handle.

Some companies and recycling centers are investigating how to recycle plastic bags, given their harmfulness to the environment. For instance, PureCycle is a new company that converts polypropylene (PP) back to near-virgin-like quality and uses a quarter of the energy of virgin plastic production.

Grocery stores often collect plastic bags for proper plastics recycling. Additionally, the Plastic Loose Fill Council provides a directory of places that accept plastic packaging materials, such as the fluffy peanuts used in packaging. The trade organization Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Industry Alliance also offers a list of recyclers that accept #6 plastic, which can be mailed for recycling.

What are the alternatives to #3 plastic?

Plastic #3, or Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), is one of the least recyclable types of plastic and should be avoided. It is a soft and flexible plastic that is dangerous due to the presence of softening chemicals, such as phthalates, which can cause hormonal problems. Other highly toxic chemicals, such as DEHA, can also be produced during the lifecycle of plastic #3, affecting children's development and the immune and endocrine systems, as well as causing cancer.

• Metal and Glass Containers: Using containers made of metal or glass is a safer alternative to plastic #3. These materials do not leach toxic chemicals when heated or damaged, making them a healthier choice for both humans and the environment.
• HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): HDPE is one of the safest types of plastic and is widely accepted at recycling centres worldwide. It is used in a variety of products, including milk jugs, detergent containers, shampoo bottles, grocery bags, and recycling bins.
• PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): PET is the most widely recycled plastic in the world and is used for food and drink packaging. It is accepted by most curbside recycling programs and has a positive track record. However, it is meant for single-use and should be avoided for reuse due to the risk of leaching and bacterial growth.
• PP (Polypropylene): PP is used in food containers for products like yogurt, sour cream, and margarine. It can sometimes be recycled, although many recyclers do not accept it. It is considered safe for reuse.
• PS (Polystyrene): PS is used for disposable coffee cups, takeout containers, and packing peanuts. It can sometimes be recycled, but it is not generally recyclable and accounts for a large portion of landfill material. It is important to avoid polystyrene products as they can leach styrene, a possible human carcinogen, especially when heated.
• Reusable Alternatives: Opting for reusable products instead of single-use plastic can help reduce plastic waste. This includes choosing reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and shopping bags made from materials like metal, glass, or cloth.
• Recycling and Proper Disposal: When using plastic products, it is important to recycle them properly. Check with local waste recycling facilities to understand their specific guidelines and capabilities. Some plastics, like Styrofoam, require specialized handling.

Frequently asked questions