How To Recycle Credit Cards: Plastic's Environmental Impact

Credit cards are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a strong and versatile plastic. They also contain metals such as copper, nickel, gold, aluminium, and iron. PVC is a known carcinogen, and when sent to landfills, it can release dangerous toxins that can contaminate groundwater and harm the environment. With billions of credit cards being discarded every year, it is essential to consider whether credit card plastic can be recycled. While it is possible to recycle credit card plastic, it is challenging due to the materials used and the complex construction of the cards. Most curbside recycling programs do not accept credit cards, and only a few companies specialise in recycling them. However, some organisations like ID Card Centre and Woolworths have found ways to recycle PVC cards, turning them into small granules for irrigation pipes or using them to generate energy.

Credit cards are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Credit cards are predominantly made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a composition of polymers of vinyl acetate and vinyl chloride. PVC is traditionally one of the cheapest polymers, which is why it is so widely used. However, it is not environmentally friendly, deriving 40% of its makeup from petroleum and the rest from chlorine. It is also challenging to recycle due to the additives, pigments, and low economic value of the outcomes.

PVC is hazardous to produce and dispose of, and it is not accepted by curbside and household recycling programs. It is, however, very durable, flexible, dense, and water-resistant, which is why it is ideal for credit cards, as well as food packaging, floor covering, children's toys, bags, and personal care products.

Due to the environmental impact of PVC, some companies are now offering more sustainable alternatives to traditional PVC credit and debit cards. These include bio-sourced cards made from polylactic acid (PLA), a corn-derived polymer that replaces petroleum-based plastic, and cards made from recycled ocean plastic.

Despite the availability of these alternatives, the majority of the world's 6 billion payment cards are still made from first-use PVC. This is in part because PVC is very durable, and it is challenging to recycle cards due to the combination of materials, including metals in the chip and antenna.

PVC is a known carcinogen

Credit cards are made of polyvinyl chloride acetate, or PVCA, a type of plastic. PVCA is not a known or suspected carcinogen. However, it is difficult to recycle due to the acetate it contains, which limits its compatibility with other plastics at recycling plants. This makes it more expensive to repurpose, so only a few companies work to recycle credit cards.

PVC is made from vinyl chloride, which is a colorless gas that does not occur naturally and must be produced industrially. Vinyl chloride is a known carcinogen, associated with an increased risk of several cancers, including a rare form of liver cancer (hepatic angiosarcoma), as well as primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), brain and lung cancers, lymphoma, and leukemia. Exposure to vinyl chloride can occur through inhalation of contaminated air or tobacco smoke, with the highest levels found around factories that produce vinyl products.

Due to the challenges of recycling PVCA, many credit cards end up in landfills or are thrown into nature. This is problematic because the plastic will gradually turn into microplastics, which can enter the food chain and be ingested by humans and other organisms. According to a study by the World Wildlife Fund, people may be swallowing microplastics equivalent to the weight of a credit card each week.

To address this issue, some companies are developing eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastic credit cards. For example, Thales DIS offers bio-sourced payment cards made from PLA (corn-derived polymer) and reclaimed cards made from plastic in the oceans. These initiatives aim to reduce the environmental impact of credit cards and promote sustainability in the card industry.

Credit cards can be recycled into new cards or used in other manufacturing processes

Credit cards are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a strong and versatile plastic used in products such as flooring, pipes, and wiring. PVC is carcinogenic, so when sent to a landfill, it can leak dangerous toxins and harm the environment.

Although PVC is recyclable, credit cards are notoriously difficult to recycle due to their complex composition. They often include embedded electronic chips, magnetic strips, and holographic features, which complicate the recycling process. The acetate in the PVCA means you can't just toss them in your curbside recycling bin. Most curbside collections and recycling centres will not accept them.

However, credit cards can be recycled into new cards or used in other manufacturing processes. For example, in 2017, a scheme by Axion Consulting successfully recycled 1 million PVC store gift cards, saving 10 tonnes of plastic from going to landfill. The cards were then repurposed into small granules used in irrigation pipes.

Another example is Woolworths, which has found a way to recycle its gift cards. The PVC and plastic on these cards contain a lot of energy, which can be used to fuel cement kilns. The environmental toxins emitted from the PVC and plastic are captured by the cement, preventing harm to the environment.

If you want to recycle your credit cards, you can find a reliable place to send your PVC waste, such as a PVC recycling plant or an appropriate recycling organisation that accepts PVC waste.

Credit card companies are exploring eco-friendly alternatives

Credit cards are made of polyvinyl chloride acetate, or PVCA—a blend of plastics and metals that is difficult to recycle. This is because the acetate in PVCA limits its compatibility with other plastics at recycling plants. As a result, credit cards often end up in landfills, where they gradually turn into microplastics that find their way back to us through the food chain.

However, some companies are working to recycle credit cards, and credit card companies are exploring eco-friendly alternatives. For instance, Thales DIS offers tools that enable banks to build environmentally sustainable strategies, including eco-friendly credit card material selection and carbon-offset programs. Thales also proposes a range of eco-friendly products, such as bio-sourced payment cards made from PLA (a corn-derived polymer that replaces petroleum-based plastic) and reclaimed cards made from ocean plastic.

Doconomy, a company that helps customers track and reduce their carbon footprint, offers a credit card that prevents consumers from making purchases once they've reached their CO2 emissions limit. Bank of the West, in partnership with Doconomy, plans to offer a 1% for the Planet Mastercard, with 1% of revenue going to the Protect Our Winters nonprofit. The Green America Visa card, issued by TCM Bank, also contributes a percentage of spending towards supporting fair trade, clean energy, green businesses, and bans on genetically modified organisms.

Some credit card companies are also working to reduce their investments in fossil fuel projects. For example, only BNP Paribas has restrictions on financing fracking and liquefied natural gas. Additionally, fintech companies are aligning themselves with consumers' values by working to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and support societal causes. When choosing a credit card, consumers can research each card company's commitment to sustainability and fossil-free investments, and consider banking with smaller banks and credit unions that are more transparent about their investments.

Improper disposal of credit cards can contaminate groundwater

Credit cards are predominantly made of plastic, specifically polyvinyl chloride acetate (PVCA). The complexity of their composition, which includes metals (copper, nickel, gold, aluminium, and iron), resin, glass, silicon, and plastics (PVC, PET), makes them challenging to recycle. The acetate in PVCA further limits its compatibility with other plastics at recycling plants.

The improper disposal of credit cards can have detrimental effects on the environment, particularly groundwater. When credit cards end up in landfills, they can release toxins that mix with water, resulting in the formation of a toxic concoction known as leachate. This contaminated water poses a significant risk to human health and the ecosystem.

The toxins from improperly disposed-of credit cards can enter the groundwater and eventually make their way into our water supply. This contamination can have far-reaching consequences, as it affects the quality of drinking water and the health of those who consume it. It is worth noting that the toxins released from credit cards in landfills are not limited to leachate.

Additionally, landfill fires can occur, causing the release of toxic dioxin and other dangerous chemicals. Burning plastic from credit cards contributes to the emission of harmful gases such as sulphur dioxide, heavy metals, and hydrochloric acid. These gases can pollute the air and further contaminate the groundwater, posing risks to both human health and the environment.

To mitigate the impact of credit card disposal on groundwater contamination, it is essential to explore alternative methods of disposal and recycling. While it is challenging to recycle credit cards due to their complex composition, some companies, like Close the Loop, specialize in finding solutions to recycle previously deemed unrecyclable items. By partnering with such organizations, businesses can ensure the proper disposal of credit cards and prevent further contamination of groundwater.

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