Omar Khalid
Plastic recycling in St. Louis, Missouri, is a complex issue. While plastics labelled #1, #2, #3, and #5 typically qualify for single-stream recycling, other types of plastics, such as #4, #6, #7, and #8, pose challenges. #4 plastic, for instance, is a thin-film type that can melt around high-speed sorting equipment, disrupting plant operations. As for #6 plastic, or polystyrene, most recycling centres and haulers do not accept it due to the specialised processing it requires. However, St. Louis offers various recycling options, including drop-off sites, commercial recycling services, and industrial B2B recycling facilities, all of which play a crucial role in reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic type | #1, #2, #3, #5, #6, #7, #8 |
| Plastic type #6 | Polystyrene |
| Plastic type #8 | ABS plastic |
| Plastic buyer | ScrapManagement.com |
| Plastic buyer requirements | Large quantities, sold in bulk |
| Plastic recycler | Quincy Recycle |
| Plastic recycler location | St. Louis, MO |
| Plastic recycler services | Paper and plastic recycling, food by-product recycling, metal recycling, organic waste recycling, plastic scrap recycling |
| Plastic recycler services | Industrial waste solutions, new methods for recycling and reuse, environmental impact improvement |
| Plastic recycler services | B2B, manufacturers, commercial customers |
| Plastic recycler services | Distributor of material waste and recycling disposal equipment, machinery for lease or rent |
| Drop-off recycling locations | Fire Station, Street Receptacle, 1660 S. Kingshighway |
| Drop-off recycling limitations | Residential use only, not for businesses, institutions, not-for-profit organizations, or non-city residents |
| Recyclable items | Beverage bottles, plastic food containers, packaging for cosmetics and household products, food packaging, PET purge, trays, polyester fibre, films, strapping, milk jugs, shampoo and conditioner bottles, household cleaning product containers, plastic bags, HDPE plastic drums, IBC Totes, plastic piping and plumbing systems, plastic buckets, crates, packaging, pallets, knock-down bins |
| Non-recyclable items | Plastic plates, utensils, straws, compostable plastics, foam products, plastic bags, plastic toys, dishes, ceramics or pottery, window glass or mirrors, clothing, scrap metal, string/holiday lights, aerosol cans, light bulbs, motor oil or anti-freeze bottles, propane tanks, electronics or batteries |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic #6 is polystyrene and is not accepted at most recycling centres in St. Louis
- There are specialists that deal in polystyrene recycling when the material is handled separately
- Plastic #1, #2, #3 and #5 typically qualify for single-stream recycling in St. Louis
- Plastic #4 is becoming increasingly problematic for many recycling centres in St. Louis
- Plastic recycling companies in St. Louis work with manufacturers to help them with plastic recycling
Plastic #6 is polystyrene and is not accepted at most recycling centres in St. Louis
Plastic #6 is polystyrene, and it is not accepted at most recycling centres in St. Louis. This is because polystyrene is a source-separated recyclable, which means it is typically only recycled when it is in bulk and handled separately. While some specialists deal in polystyrene recycling, the majority of recycling centres and haulers in St. Louis do not accept it.
This situation is not unique to St. Louis; the acceptance of certain plastics for recycling varies across different regions. For example, plastics labelled #1, #2, #3, and #5 typically qualify for single-stream recycling in St. Louis, whereas in other places, #8 plastic is not listed, and #9 is used instead.
The discrepancy in accepted plastics for recycling is due in part to the volume-based nature of the recycling industry. For some less common plastics, such as #4, the thin-film type can easily melt around high-speed sorting equipment, requiring 20+ times more material to become a viable product. This makes it uneconomical for many municipal and commercial entities to accept this type of plastic for recycling.
Despite these challenges, there are some companies in St. Louis that specialise in industrial waste solutions, including plastic scrap recycling. These companies work with manufacturers and other commercial customers to help them recycle plastic, paper, food by-products, and metal. They also provide equipment for recycling and waste disposal, such as compactors and balers.
Overall, while Plastic #6 polystyrene may not be accepted at most recycling centres in St. Louis, there are specialist companies that can help with plastic recycling, and residents can play a crucial role in making the planet cleaner and more sustainable.
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There are specialists that deal in polystyrene recycling when the material is handled separately
Plastic recycling in St. Louis, Missouri, can be a confusing affair. Plastics labelled #1, #2, #3, and #5 typically qualify for single-stream recycling in the city. However, #6 plastic, which is polystyrene, is not accepted by most recycling centres and haulers. This is because polystyrene is a thin-film type of plastic that can easily melt around high-speed sorting equipment, causing plant operations to shut down. Additionally, its low density requires 20+ times more material to become a viable product.
Despite this, there is some good news for those looking to recycle #6 plastic in St. Louis. There are indeed specialists that deal in polystyrene recycling when the material is handled separately. One such specialist is Quincy Recycle, which has a 60,000 sq. ft. facility in St. Louis, just off I-70 and I-270. Quincy Recycle works with manufacturers and other commercial customers to help them with their waste stream problems, including plastic scrap recycling. They also distribute recycling equipment, meaning they can sell, lease, or rent the machinery needed for polystyrene recycling.
Another option for polystyrene recycling in St. Louis is to contact a plastic buyer. These companies will buy all grades of plastic in bulk for recycling and can arrange the logistics and transportation of the plastic waste to a recycling centre. However, they typically only deal with large quantities of plastic, so this option may not be suitable for everyone.
Finally, it is worth noting that the City of St. Louis also has drop-off recycling locations for residential use, although it is unclear if they accept #6 plastic. These sites are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and include fire stations and street receptacles.
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Plastic #1, #2, #3 and #5 typically qualify for single-stream recycling in St. Louis
Plastic recycling in St. Louis, Missouri, can be a confusing topic. Plastics labelled #1, #2, #3, and #5 typically qualify for single-stream recycling in the city. This means that these types of plastics can be recycled together in the same bin, and residents of St. Louis can usually place them in the same recycling container for collection.
However, it's important to note that not all plastics are created equal when it comes to recycling. While #1, #2, #3, and #5 plastics are widely accepted, there are other types of plastics that may not be as readily recyclable. For example, #4 plastic is becoming increasingly problematic for recycling facilities due to its thin-film nature, which can easily melt around high-speed sorting equipment. As a result, some municipal and commercial entities have stopped accepting it altogether.
Plastics labelled #6, #7, and #8 are also less commonly recycled through single-stream methods and are often treated as source-separated recyclables, meaning they need to be handled separately from other recyclables. #6 plastic, or polystyrene, is not accepted by most recycling centres and haulers, but there are specialists that deal specifically with polystyrene recycling when it is handled separately.
The recyclability of each type of plastic depends on various factors, including the volume available and the economics of the recycling process. Some common items made from #1, #2, #3, and #5 plastics that can typically be recycled in St. Louis include beverage bottles, plastic food containers, plastic bags, and plastic pipes. It's always important to check with local recycling guidelines to ensure that you are properly disposing of your waste and to find specialised recycling centres for less commonly recycled materials.
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Plastic #4 is becoming increasingly problematic for many recycling centres in St. Louis
Plastic #4 is becoming increasingly difficult to recycle for many recycling centres in St. Louis. This is because #4 plastic is a thin-film type that can easily melt around high-speed sorting equipment, causing plant operations to shut down. Additionally, its low density means that 20 times more material is required to create a viable product, making it uneconomical to recycle. As a result, many municipal and commercial entities in St. Louis have stopped accepting #4 plastic for recycling.
The situation with #4 plastic highlights the challenges of plastic recycling in St. Louis. While some types of plastic, such as #1, #2, #3, and #5, are widely accepted in single-stream recycling, other types like #4 are more problematic. Single-stream recycling allows for the mixing of different recyclables, such as paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, and glass, without the need for separation. However, not all plastics are created equal, and certain types, like #4, #6, #7, and #8, require special handling.
#6 plastic, or polystyrene, is not accepted by most recycling centres and haulers in St. Louis. It needs to be handled separately and in bulk by specialists. Similarly, #7 and #8 plastics are composite forms that require a lot of material and dedicated processing to be recycled. The economics of recycling play a significant role in determining which plastics are feasible to recycle.
To address the challenges posed by #4 plastic and other hard-to-recycle materials, some companies in St. Louis offer customised recycling solutions. These companies work with businesses to separate and properly manage their waste streams, including plastics, to improve their environmental impact. However, the cost of separating non-single-stream recyclables can be a barrier, as it is often more expensive than simply disposing of waste. As a result, many companies in St. Louis choose to trash their recyclables rather than invest in proper waste management.
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Plastic recycling companies in St. Louis work with manufacturers to help them with plastic recycling
Plastic recycling is crucial for the future of our planet. It allows for the reutilization of materials, reducing the need for new raw materials, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, and minimizing the negative impact on the environment. In St. Louis, Missouri, there are several companies that recognize the importance of efficient plastic recycling and are dedicated to helping manufacturers with their plastic recycling needs.
One such company is Accel Polymers, a St. Louis-based plastic scrap recycler with over 30 years of experience working directly with plastics manufacturers. They offer a wide range of services, including pelletizing, shredding, and grinding, and are committed to providing innovative plastic scrap recycling solutions to businesses across various industries. Accel Polymers works with almost any material in any form, making plastic scrap recycling streamlined and effective for their clients.
Another prominent plastic recycling company in St. Louis is Quincy Recycle. Their 60,000 sq. ft. facility in St. Louis serves manufacturers and other commercial customers in the metro area with their waste stream problems. Quincy Recycle provides industrial waste solutions that include plastic scrap recycling, food byproduct recycling, and metal recycling. They help companies across industries improve their environmental impact and overall efficiency by finding new methods for recycling and reuse.
Always Green Recycling, Inc. is another notable recycling company in St. Louis. They provide commercial recycling and recycling logistics services to the greater St. Louis area, as well as rural areas in Missouri and Illinois. Always Green Recycling offers full-service single-stream recycling, allowing all paper, cardboard, plastics, metals, and other recyclables to be mixed during collection. They also provide additional services such as composting, office moving, secure document destruction, and electronics recycling.
These companies, and others like them in St. Louis, play a crucial role in helping manufacturers with their plastic recycling efforts. By partnering with these specialists, manufacturers can implement innovative recycling solutions, reduce their environmental impact, and contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future for our planet.
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Frequently asked questions
#6 plastic is polystyrene and is not accepted at most recycling centers and by most haulers in St. Louis. However, there are specialists that deal in polystyrene recycling when the material is handled separately.
Polystyrene is a hard, dense plastic used in electronic housings such as TVs, computers, and coffee makers.
You can recycle polystyrene in St. Louis, Missouri, at Quincy Recycle. They have a 60,000 sq. ft. facility in St. Louis just off I-70 and I-270.
Quincy Recycle works with manufacturers and other commercial customers to recycle paper, plastic, food by-products, and metal.
