Sofia Martinez
Plastic recycling is a complex issue, with less than 6% of plastic waste being recycled nationally. While all plastics are technically recyclable, the process is often complicated by the need for different heating and molding processes, even for plastics with the same number. In Seattle, the numbers on plastic containers are not indicative of their recyclability, and residents are advised to ignore them. Instead, the city focuses on the type of plastic and whether it bears a recycling symbol. As of 2020, Seattle and King County no longer accept plastic bags and wraps in curbside recycling, with residents being asked to take them to a drop-off location or put them in the garbage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic recyclability in Seattle | Technically, all plastics are recyclable |
| Plastic recycling rates in the US | Less than 6% of plastic waste is recycled |
| Plastic recycling in Seattle | Seattle Public Utilities does not focus on resin codes; any plastic with a recycling symbol can be recycled |
| Plastic bags and wraps | Not accepted in curbside recycling; can be taken to drop-off locations or put in the garbage |
| Plastic lids and caps | Not accepted in recycling programs; should be put in the garbage |
| Plastic containers labeled "Other" or #7 | Should be kept out of the recycling bin |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bags and plastic wrap are not accepted in curbside recycling
In Seattle, plastic bags can be recycled if they are bundled and tied together, but they must be taken to a drop-off location for re-manufacturing. However, it is important to never put a loose bag in your recycling bin, as it can clog equipment at the sorting plant.
Recycling symbols and numbers on plastic items can be misleading. In 1988, the plastics industry introduced logos and numbers for plastics used in packaging, with the stated intent of making it easier to identify plastics for recycling. However, many plastics emblazoned with the logo, such as polystyrene (Styrofoam) packing material or lids for plastic containers, are not accepted by residential recycling programs.
Plastics recycling can be confusing and frustrating for consumers. Nationally, less than 6% of all waste plastic gets recycled, compared to 50% for paper, 37% for metals, and 22% for glass. Plastic recycling has many limitations, and it is important to check with your local program to confirm the materials they accept.
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Plastic must be sorted by type, not resin code
Plastic recycling is a complex process that can often confuse and frustrate consumers. While all plastics are technically recyclable, the reality is that less than 6% of all waste plastic is recycled. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the complexity of sorting and processing, unfavorable economics, and consumer confusion about which plastics can be recycled.
The recycling logo, introduced by the plastics industry in 1988, was intended to simplify the identification of plastics for recycling. However, it has inadvertently led to consumer assumptions about recyclability. The numbers inside the triangle, ranging from 1 to 7, are resin identification codes (RIC) that indicate the type of plastic resin a product is made with. It is important to note that these codes do not signify the item's recyclability in a specific area.
In Seattle, the focus is on carefully sorting plastics by type rather than resin code. The King County website clarifies that while there are only seven resin codes, there are thousands of different types of plastic. Therefore, for a plastic item to be made into another product, it must be sorted by type, not solely by its resin code. Seattle Public Utilities' curbside recycling collection echoes this sentiment, stating that they do not focus on a plastic's resin code.
To ensure effective recycling, it is crucial to refer to local guidelines, as different cities and towns have varying accepted plastics. For instance, certain plastics with the same number cannot be recycled together due to differing heating and molding requirements. Additionally, certain plastic products, such as plastic bags, may be accepted by specialized recycling programs or grocery-store collection bins but are not suitable for residential recycling bins as they can clog equipment.
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Plastic bags can be recycled at some grocery stores
Recycling is one of the best ways to protect the environment and fight climate change. However, it is important to do it right. In Seattle, the only plastic type that is not accepted for recycling is the black plastic used in food containers. The city's recycling program does not focus on the resin codes of plastics, but rather on the recycling symbol. Plastics must be carefully sorted and clean to be accepted for recycling.
The numbers on plastic containers denote the type of plastic resin they are made of, not their ability to be recycled. Plastic bags, if bundled and tied together, can be recycled in Seattle. It is important to check with your local recycling program to confirm the materials they accept, as different cities and towns have different accepted plastics.
Nationally, less than 6% of waste plastic gets recycled, which is much lower than recycling rates for paper, metal, and glass. Plastic recycling can be confusing for consumers, and certain plastics with the same number cannot be recycled together due to different processing requirements. It is always best to check with your local program to ensure you are recycling correctly.
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Plastic containers with a #7 label are usually not recycled
In Seattle, the numbers on plastic containers are not considered when recycling. Instead, the focus is on the type of plastic and whether it has a recycling symbol. However, plastic containers with a #7 label are usually not recycled. This label often indicates that the container is made of polycarbonate, a clear, hard plastic that has raised health concerns due to its BPA (bisphenol A) content. BPA is a hormone disruptor, and while some manufacturers have switched to BPA-free plastics, certain substitutes like BPS and BPF may also disrupt endocrine function.
#7 plastic containers often consist of multiple plastic types or other types of plastic that are challenging to recycle. These containers may be made from various plastic resins that don't fit into the previous categories, making them harder to process for recycling. It is recommended to avoid using plastic containers marked with #7, especially when microwaving food or beverages, due to potential health risks associated with BPA or its substitutes.
While Seattle does not specifically focus on resin codes, it is important to understand what the #7 label means. This label falls under the Plastic Resin Identification Codes, denoted by the Mobius symbol with a number inside, ranging from 1 to 7. Each number corresponds to a different type of plastic, and #7 indicates a miscellaneous category of plastics that don't fit elsewhere.
It is worth noting that some plastics with the #7 label may be recyclable in certain areas, but it is always advisable to check with your local recycling guidelines. In Seattle, you can refer to the Seattle Public Utilities information and their web tool to determine which specific plastic items are accepted for recycling.
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Plastic bottles have the highest recycling level among consumer plastics
In Seattle, the recyclability of plastic items is not determined by the numbers on the plastic containers, but rather by their category. Rigid plastic food containers such as bottles, cups, takeout containers, tubs, jars, lids wider than 3 inches, plant pots, and bundled bags are accepted in the recycling bin. It is important to ensure that these items are empty, clean, and free of any food residue before placing them in the recycling bin.
Plastic bottles are among the most commonly recycled plastic items, and their recycling rates have been steadily increasing over the years. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, in particular, have shown promising recycling levels. PET bottles are clear, durable, and versatile, and they are accepted by almost all recycling programs in the United States. In 2023, the collection rate for PET bottles in the US reached 33%, the highest rate since 1996. This increase in recycling can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of manufacturers, consumers, retailers, and recyclers, who prioritize the selection, collection, and recycling of PET materials.
The recyclability of plastic bottles extends beyond their ability to be recycled into new bottles. PET bottles, for instance, can be fully recycled and remade into new products with up to 100% post-consumer recycled material. This closed-loop recycling system helps to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste. Additionally, compared to aluminum cans and glass bottles, PET plastic water bottles consume 80% less energy during production, create 80% less solid waste, use 53% less water, have a 74% lower global warming potential, and generate fewer emissions that contribute to air pollution.
Despite the progress made in recycling plastic bottles, it is important to acknowledge that the overall recycling rate for plastics is still relatively low. In 2018, the recycling rate for all plastic containers in the United States was only 8.7%. This highlights the need for continued efforts to improve recycling infrastructure and encourage the use of recycled materials. Additionally, the concept of "downcycling" or "cascaded recycling" comes into play, where recycled materials are turned into items of lower quality that cannot be recycled again, disrupting the circular economy.
To address the environmental challenges posed by plastic waste, systemic changes are necessary. This includes reducing the use of single-use plastics, implementing policies that support recycling initiatives, and encouraging companies to adopt eco-friendly packaging and products. By transitioning from a “throwaway economy” to one that prioritizes waste reduction and the reuse of valuable materials, we can work towards a more sustainable future.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, number 5 plastic is recyclable in Seattle. However, it is always good to check with your local program to confirm the materials they accept.
Plastic items with a recycling symbol on them are usually recyclable. However, it is important to note that the numbers within the recycling symbol refer to the type of plastic resin and not its ability to be recycled.
Number 5 plastic is commonly found in soft drink bottles, peanut butter jars, salad dressing bottles, liquor bottles, and cooking oil containers.
It is important to ensure that all plastic items are empty and clean before placing them in the recycling bin. Additionally, plastic bags should be bundled and tied together separately.
Yes, it is important to note that black plastic used in food containers and plastic bags are not accepted in Seattle's curbside recycling program.
