Ethan Clarke
Plastic is everywhere, and while it's recyclable, not all types of plastics are created equal. In fact, only about 9% of plastic waste is recycled, according to 2018 data from the Environmental Protection Agency. So, what are the best plastics to recycle? Well, the most widely recycled plastic in the world is PET, which is used for soda bottles, water bottles, and other beverage bottles. In fact, it's one of the few polymers that can be recycled into the same form, so a recycled PET bottle can become a new beverage bottle. Other plastics that are good to recycle include HDPE, PP, LDPE, and PS, which are used for things like milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, grocery bags, and disposable coffee cups.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most widely recycled plastic in the world | PET |
| Second most recycled plastic | HDPE |
| Other recyclable plastics | PP, PS, LDPE |
| Non-recyclable plastics | PVC, plastics numbered 6 and 7 |
| Recycled into the same form | PET |
| Recycled into different forms | PET, HDPE |
| Recycled into | Carpet, furniture, fiber for winter garments, non-food containers, crates, plastic lumber, park benches, auto parts, speed bumps, industrial applications |
| Accepted at most recycling centers globally | HDPE |
| Accepted at most recycling plants | PET |
| Accepted at grocery stores | LDPE |
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What You'll Learn
- PET/PETE: commonly used for beverage bottles, food containers, and mouthwash
- HDPE: used for milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, and laundry detergent packaging
- LDPE: used for plastic wrappings, grocery bags, and bubble wrap
- PP: used for food containers, straws, rope, and bottle caps
- PS: used for disposable coffee cups, packing peanuts, coolers, and to-go food containers
PET/PETE: commonly used for beverage bottles, food containers, and mouthwash
Polyethylene terephthalate, or PET/PETE, is a widely used plastic polymer, known for its excellent physical and chemical properties. It is lightweight, durable, clear, non-reactive, and versatile. PET/PETE is commonly used for beverage bottles, food containers, and mouthwash. It is also used for cooking oil containers, plastic peanut butter jars, and other perishable food items.
PET/PETE is 100% recyclable and has a high recycling value. It can be melted, cooled, and reheated multiple times without losing its integrity. This makes it ideal for recycling into new products. The process of recycling PET/PETE involves collecting, filtering, sorting, rinsing, and then recycling the plastic bottles, containers, and packaging. While it is easy to recycle, only about 27.1% of PET/PETE plastic is recycled in the United States, which is significantly lower than the recycling rates in other countries such as Norway (97%) and Canada (75%).
One of the challenges in recycling PET/PETE is ensuring that the collected plastic is of high enough quality to be reused. If the plastic is not suitable for bottle-to-bottle recycling, it can be flaked, washed, heated, and stretched into fibres. These fibres are then spun into recycled polyester yarn, which is used to create fabrics for various products such as seat belts, bags, carpets, roofing insulation, and clothing.
Additionally, PET/PETE can undergo advanced recycling, which involves breaking down the plastic into its individual chemical parts through a more complex and resource-intensive process. However, traditional recycling methods are generally preferred due to their ease and effectiveness. Overall, PET/PETE is a highly recyclable plastic with multiple reuse options, making it an important material for reducing environmental waste.
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HDPE: used for milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, and laundry detergent packaging
HDPE, or High-Density Polyethylene, is one of the most commonly recycled plastic types and is usually deemed safe for food contact by the FDA. It is a tough, hard-wearing plastic with high tensile strength that resists tearing or bursting. This makes it ideal for milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, and laundry detergent packaging. It is also used for pipes, cans, crates, wheelie bins, and other plastic objects that may be stored outdoors.
HDPE is 100% recyclable and is commonly accepted at most recycling centers globally. The recycling process typically involves shredding, melting, and subsequent pelletization. When recycled, HDPE is often reused for non-food containers and crates. It can be recycled into new pipes, crates, film, plastic lumber, and even recycling bins.
HDPE has a plastic recycling code of 2 and is often used in the manufacture of bottles, particularly for milk and fruit juice. It is valued for its utility in injection moulding and its lightweight nature. Its non-corrosive properties make it suitable for detergents and household cleaning chemicals.
HDPE is an important plastic to recycle to help protect the planet and reduce environmental pollution. It is also beneficial for businesses as it can save money on plastic disposal.
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LDPE: used for plastic wrappings, grocery bags, and bubble wrap
LDPE, or Low-Density Polyethylene, is a type of plastic that is commonly used for plastic wrappings, grocery bags, and bubble wrap. It is also used for packaging, including bubble wrap, and has a wide range of applications in both the domestic and industrial sectors. LDPE is FDA-approved for food contact and has high heat resistance.
Despite its widespread use, LDPE is not widely recycled. In 2015, only 6.2% of LDPE generated that year was recycled, compared to recycling rates of 18.4% and 10.3% for plastics type #1 and #2 (PET and HDPE), respectively. LDPE is more flexible and malleable than HDPE but has a lower melting point, making it more challenging to recycle.
LDPE products can be recycled into various items, such as bubble wrap, film plastic, bin liners, compost bins, floor tiles, and shipping envelopes. However, the recycling process for LDPE differs from that of other plastics. LDPE products are often sorted by grade and separated from other plastic types at the recycling center due to their unique structural properties.
The recycling process for LDPE involves several steps, including sorting, cleaning, shredding, melting, and moulding. Soft LDPE film is typically sorted by grade to ensure high-quality output. LDPE can be stored with other plastic waste and will be separated before recycling. However, some local authorities only accept rigid LDPE items, as flexible versions can tangle in recycling machinery, causing operational challenges and equipment damage.
To promote LDPE recycling, some grocery stores and businesses that provide LDPE bags offer collection bins for customers to return used bags for proper recycling. Additionally, some products made with LDPE are reused until they are no longer useful, such as grocery bags being reused as trash-can liners.
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PP: used for food containers, straws, rope, and bottle caps
Polypropylene (PP) is one of the most commonly used thermoplastics in the world. It is a rigid, semi-crystalline thermoplastic with a slippery, tactile surface. Its unique properties make it ideal for a wide range of applications, from food containers to straws, rope, and bottle caps.
Food containers made of PP plastic are commonly used for products like yogurt, sour cream, and margarine. PP is an excellent material for food packaging because it has high insulation properties and is safe for food contact. It also has good fatigue resistance and elasticity, making it a tough and durable choice for packaging. Additionally, PP containers can be made in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, making them versatile and convenient for consumers.
PP is also used to make straws, providing a flexible and durable option for consumers. Its lightweight and strong nature makes it an ideal material for this purpose. Similarly, PP is used to make rope due to its excellent tensile strength and flexibility. The high insulation properties of PP also make it suitable for use in electrical cables, further showcasing its versatility.
Bottle caps made of PP plastic are commonly used for beverage bottles and other consumer products. PP is an ideal material for bottle caps because of its toughness and durability. Its high impact strength and resistance to degradation make it a reliable choice for this application. Additionally, the low density of PP allows for the production of lightweight bottle caps, which can reduce shipping costs and provide a more convenient user experience.
While PP products can sometimes be recycled, it is important to check with local guidelines to ensure proper disposal. Understanding the recycling codes on plastic products can help consumers properly sort and recycle their waste, reducing their environmental impact.
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PS: used for disposable coffee cups, packing peanuts, coolers, and to-go food containers
Polystyrene, or plastic number 6, is commonly used for disposable coffee cups, packing peanuts, coolers, and to-go food containers. It is also used for disposable plates and cups, meat trays, egg cartons, carry-out containers, aspirin bottles, and compact disc cases.
Polystyrene is often referred to as Styrofoam, which is a trademarked brand of the Dow Chemical Company. It is a thermoplastic that can be used in rigid and foam applications. During manufacturing, hard plastic beads are heated and expanded into a lightweight foam that is 98% air. This foam is used to make disposable cups, containers, packing peanuts, and more.
Polystyrene is hard to recycle. It is not accepted by most recycling programs and even when it is, it can only be recycled two or three times before the material becomes too degraded. It is challenging to separate polystyrene at recycling facilities, and it can contaminate other recycling materials. It is also difficult to clean due to its porous and flimsy nature, which also makes it unsuitable for reuse as it can harbor bacteria.
Some companies offer mail-in programs to recycle polystyrene, and there are also foam recycling drop-off locations across the United States. However, it is important to note that polystyrene should not be heated in a microwave, as it may emit potentially harmful breakdown products such as styrene.
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Frequently asked questions
The best plastics to recycle are PET (or PETE) and HDPE. PET is the most widely recycled plastic in the world and is used for soda, water, and other beverage bottles. It is also used for perishable food containers and mouthwash. HDPE is one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle and is usually deemed safe for food contact by the FDA. It is commonly used for milk jugs, shampoo bottles, cleaning product containers, and detergent bottles.
PP, PS, and LDPE are some other plastics that can sometimes be recycled. PP is used for food containers like yogurt, sour cream, and margarine containers, as well as straws, rope, carpet, and bottle caps. PS is used for disposable coffee cups, packing peanuts, coolers, and to-go food containers. LDPE is a thinner, more flexible plastic used for wrapping and packaging, including bubble wrap and grocery bags.
PVC is one plastic that is not commonly recycled. It is a soft, flexible plastic used for a wide range of household products like plastic tubing, kids' toys, plastic trays, and furniture. Other hard-to-recycle plastics include Styrofoam, shrink wrap, and manufacturing scrap, which require specialized handling.
It is important to understand the different types of plastics and their recyclability. The number within the recycling symbol, known as the SPI Code, indicates the type of plastic and its safety and biodegradability. Additionally, some local governments have specific guidelines and regulations for recycling, so it is essential to consult your municipality's guidelines.
Recycling plastics can reduce your environmental impact and help businesses cut costs. It also helps divert plastics from the waste stream, preventing them from polluting oceans and causing harm to marine life.
