Sofia Martinez
Plastic is everywhere, and it's important to recycle it properly. There are seven different types of plastic, each with its own recycling instructions. Plastic #3, or PVC, is one of the least recyclable types of plastic and should be avoided. It is known to be dangerous due to the presence of softening chemicals like phthalates. If you're looking to recycle plastic #3, you can check the Vinyl Institute's list of recyclers or use Earth911's Recycling Locator to find a recycler near you. It's also important to understand the recycling symbols to ensure your plastic waste is being properly recycled and doesn't end up contaminating other recyclable materials.
Type 3 Plastic Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Vinyl (#3) |
| Name | Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) |
| Recyclability | Rarely recycled due to its fragility |
| Accepted by curbside programs? | No |
| Accepted by local collection facilities? | No |
| Accepted by retail locations? | No |
| Accepted by grocery stores? | No |
| Accepted by the recycling bin? | No |
| Accepted by TerraCycle? | Possibly |
| Accepted by mail-in recyclers? | Possibly |
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What You'll Learn
Type 3 plastic is rarely recycled
Plastic is one of the most complicated materials to recycle, and consumers often don't know which types can be disposed of and in which ways. The presence of a resin code doesn't necessarily mean that the product can be recycled. It's the number inside the triangle that counts, because each number corresponds to a different type of plastic.
Type 3 plastic, also known as polyvinyl chloride, is not recyclable in normal collections. This is because it is incredibly hard to recycle. The general rule of thumb is that the lower the resin code, the more likely the plastic type is to be easily recyclable.
In addition, many municipalities won't accept Type 3 plastic in curbside recycling bins. This is because Type 3 plastic is difficult and expensive to recycle. It is also hard to get rid of the smell of the product this plastic contained in its first life. Recycled Type 3 plastic usually ends up being black or grey, making it unsuitable for packaging use.
While nearly all plastics are 'technically' recyclable, many aren't recycled simply because they aren't easily recyclable. The difference in the recyclability of plastic types can be down to how they are made; thermoset plastics contain polymers that form irreversible chemical bonds and cannot be recycled, whereas thermoplastics can be re-melted and re-molded.
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Check local recycling programs
Recycling programs vary from community to community. Always check with your local recyclers to see what types of plastic they accept. You can do this by contacting your local recycler or checking your community's website.
In the US, there are several resources to check whether or not a package is recyclable in your area. Earth911 maintains one of North America's most extensive recycling databases. You can dial 1(800)CLEANUP, or enter the material you are trying to recycle along with your zip code and search. Another resource is the Recycling Locator on Earth911's website, where you can enter your zip code to find out which stores take plastic for recycling.
The Vinyl Institute also provides a list of vinyl (#3) recyclers, which you can search by location. The trade organization EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Industry Alliance provides a directory, including a list of recyclers that accept #6 plastic.
It's important to note that just because a plastic type can be recycled doesn't mean your local municipality wants you to put it into your recycling bin for collection. Some plastics, like Styrofoam, are hard to process, and plastic bags can get tangled in recycling equipment.
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Retailers may recycle plastic bags
Plastic bags are among the most common sources of marine debris, where they can be mistaken as food by birds and fish. In the US, plastic bags are not accepted in most curbside or drop-off programs. However, many of these packages are eligible for store drop-off recycling.
In addition, there are thousands of retail stores and drop-off centers across the US that accept plastic film packaging for recycling. Many large retailers have recycling bins outside or inside their stores. These retailers collect plastic film packaging from consumers and back-haul this plastic film to multiple businesses that recycle it into new products.
One primary use for recycled plastic film packaging is durable plastic or composite lumber for decks, fences, and other outdoor uses. One of the largest recyclers of plastic bags/wraps is Trex. A 500-square-foot composite Trex deck contains about 140,000 recycled plastic bags, according to the company. Other companies use recycled plastic to make new packaging that can often be recycled again.
If you are looking to recycle plastic bags, you can use a recycling locator to find a location near you. Most plastic bags are made of #2 or #4 plastic.
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TerraCycle plastic recycling boxes
Type 3 plastic, also known as vinyl, is technically recyclable, but it is not accepted by all curbside recycling programs. Many recycling facilities only accept Type 1 and Type 2 plastics as these have the greatest value on commodities markets.
If your local recycling program does not accept Type 3 plastic, you could consider purchasing a TerraCycle Zero Waste Box. These boxes allow you to recycle a wide range of items that are typically not accepted by local recyclers, including plastic packaging, such as takeout containers, snack food bags, candy wrappers, beauty product "empties", and styrofoam.
To use a TerraCycle Zero Waste Box, you simply choose the box that fits your needs, fill it up with the items you want to recycle, and then send it back to TerraCycle using the prepaid shipping label. The box can be used to recycle any household waste that is usually not accepted by curbside recycling, and you don't need to separate the items.
Once TerraCycle receives your box, they will recycle the waste into raw material, which is then sold to manufacturing companies to produce new products. This helps to keep waste out of landfills and supports the recycling journey.
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Mail-in recycling
Type 3 plastic, also known as vinyl, can be recycled through mail-in recycling programs. Mail-in recycling is a convenient option for those who do not have access to local recycling facilities or programs that accept specific types of plastic.
There are various mail-in recycling programs that accept a range of items, including plastic. These programs may charge a fee, but some are free and even cover shipping costs. It is important to review the accepted items and any special packaging requirements or instructions before sending.
For type 3 plastic specifically, the Vinyl Institute provides a list of recyclers. If there are no local options, you can mail your plastic to a recycler. Additionally, Preserve's "Gimme 5" program accepts type 5 plastic (PP-Polypropylene) through the mail.
It is worth noting that some plastic items, such as padded envelopes with bubble wrap or plastic, cannot be recycled in curbside bins but may be accepted at locations that take plastic bags.
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Frequently asked questions
Type 3 plastic, also known as polyvinyl chloride or PVC, is rarely recycled due to its fragility. However, you can check the Vinyl Institute's list of vinyl (#3) recyclers to find locations in your state.
Type 3 plastic, or PVC, is used for various purposes, including pipes, wire and cable insulation, and packaging.
No, type 3 plastic cannot be recycled through normal collections or curbside programs. You will need to find a specialized recycler or drop-off location to recycle this type of plastic.
The most commonly recycled plastics are types 1 and 2. Type 1, or PET, is used in clear bottles, food trays, and jars, while type 2, or HDPE, is used in milk, bleach, and detergent bottles. Many recycling programs also accept type 5, or PP, which is a popular packaging material.
