Alexei Volkov
Plastic is everywhere, and it's no secret that it's a key concern for environmentalists, governments and organisations. The good news is that plastic can be recycled, but it's a complex process with many barriers. There are seven types of plastic, each with a different number and recycle symbol, and they differ in size, colour, usage and disposal. The number indicates the type of resin used to produce the plastic, and while it can give an idea of recyclability, it doesn't necessarily mean the product can be recycled. So, what are the seven types of plastic, and how can we recycle them?
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What You'll Learn
- PET/PETE plastic is used for bottles and food containers and can be recycled
- HDPE plastic is used for milk jugs, shampoo bottles and can be recycled
- LDPE plastic is used for grocery bags and can sometimes be recycled
- PP plastic is used for yoghurt containers, straws and can sometimes be recycled
- PS plastic is used for disposable coffee cups and can sometimes be recycled
PET/PETE plastic is used for bottles and food containers and can be recycled
Plastic products are often stamped with a resin code, a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. Each number corresponds to a different type of plastic. PET, or PETE, is the type #1 plastic used to make bottles for soda, water, and other drinks. It is also used for cooking oil containers, plastic peanut butter jars, and containers for other popular food items. PET products can be recycled and are, in fact, the most widely recycled plastic in the world. However, only 27.1% of PET plastic is recycled in the United States, compared to 97% in Norway and 75% in Canada.
PET is short for polyethylene terephthalate, a durable, clear, non-reactive, and lightweight plastic. It is the most common plastic used for water and soda bottles, making up more than 10% of global plastic production. PET is fully recyclable and has one of the highest plastic recycling values, as it can be melted, cooled, and reheated multiple times. It can be recycled curbside, at a local recycling center, or in a bottle bill depot in countries and states with container deposit laws.
While PET can be recycled, experts advise against reusing plastic #1 containers. This is because PET is meant for single-use applications, and repeated use increases the risk of leaching and bacterial growth. It is also hard to clean or remove harmful chemicals, and PET may leach carcinogens. Instead, recycled PET is often used in food packaging and has been approved by agencies and governments worldwide. It can be recycled into plastic pellets and then into new products through physical or chemical recycling processes. Physical recycling involves melting the PET and forming it into pellets or flakes, while chemical recycling breaks down the waste into individual monomers.
In addition to food packaging, recycled PET can be used to create fabrics and other materials. Recycled PET is flaked and washed before being heated and stretched into fibers, which are then spun into recycled polyester yarn. This yarn can be used to make fabrics for seat belts, bags, carpets, roofing insulation, and even clothing. PET can also undergo advanced recycling, which breaks the plastic down into its individual chemical parts to be recombined into PET or other types of plastic. However, this method is more complex and resource-intensive, and traditional recycling methods are usually sufficient for this easily recyclable plastic.
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HDPE plastic is used for milk jugs, shampoo bottles and can be recycled
Plastic products are often stamped with a resin code, a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. Each number corresponds to a different type of plastic. For example, PET or PETE, usually used for bottles of soda, water, and other drinks, is coded with a 1. HDPE plastics, used for milk jugs, shampoo bottles, cleaning product containers, and detergent bottles, are coded with a 2.
HDPE, or High-Density Polyethylene, is a versatile and durable plastic that is commonly used in products that require high strength and rigidity. Its resistance to chemicals, corrosion, and UV light also makes it an excellent choice for products that need to withstand harsh environments or conditions. It is widely prevalent in numerous industries and daily life due to its exceptional properties. Its popularity stems from its durability, chemical resistance, and recyclability, making it a versatile and eco-friendly material used in diverse applications worldwide.
HDPE is a type of plastic made from petroleum. It’s created through a process called polymerization, where ethylene molecules are chemically bonded together to form long chains, resulting in a strong and durable plastic material. HDPE is known for its resistance to chemicals, impact, and moisture, making it ideal for various applications, including packaging, pipes, and construction materials.
HDPE plastic materials, such as bottles and containers, are collected from various sources, including recycling centers, households, and businesses. The collected HDPE items are sorted based on their type and color, cleaned thoroughly to remove any contaminants, labels, or residues, then shredded into small pieces or flakes, melted at high temperatures, and finally, the melted plastic can be molded into various forms, such as pellets or sheets.
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LDPE plastic is used for grocery bags and can sometimes be recycled
LDPE, or low-density polyethylene, is a thermoplastic made from the monomer ethylene. It is a highly adaptable and commonly used polymer, with around 19 megatons of LDPE produced worldwide each year. It is used to create a wide range of products for daily domestic, commercial, and industrial applications.
LDPE is the plastic used for grocery bags, as well as other types of bags such as those for newspapers, sliced bread, and fresh produce. It is also used for plastic wrap, bubble wrap, cling film, bottle tops, and some cables. It is softer, thinner, and more flexible than its cousin, HDPE (high-density polyethylene).
LDPE technically can be recycled, and it should be to help protect the environment. However, it is not widely recycled. In 2015, just 6.2% of LDPE generated that year was recycled, compared to 18.4% and 10.3% recycling rates for plastics type #1 and #2 (PET and HDPE), respectively. LDPE is a very cheap and low-quality plastic, and its recycling is not financially worthwhile. It is also difficult to recycle due to its tendency to tangle in recycling machinery, requiring routine halts to the machinery to remove the plastic. As a result, many municipalities will not accept LDPE in curbside recycling bins, and it is not accepted by all recycling centers.
LDPE must be recycled separately from HDPE and other plastic types due to its structural properties. It is easier to recycle rigid LDPE products than flexible and soft versions of the plastic. Recycled LDPE can be used to create a wide range of products, including garbage cans, manufactured lumber, shipping envelopes, tiles, plastic lumber, trash can liners, compost bins, and floor tiles.
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PP plastic is used for yoghurt containers, straws and can sometimes be recycled
Plastic is everywhere, and it's not always easy to know what can be recycled and what can't. The little number inside the triangle on plastic containers is an indicator of the type of resin used to produce the plastic. There are seven types of plastics, and each type has different properties and uses.
PP plastic, or polypropylene, is one of the seven types of plastics. It is used for a variety of products, including yoghurt containers, straws, rope, carpet, and bottle caps. It is also used for ketchup bottles and common kitchenware. PP plastic is difficult to recycle because it often contains toxic chemical additives and is frequently contaminated with food waste. It is also often collected in mixed bales of plastic, which makes it hard to separate and process.
In the past, many curbside recycling programs did not accept PP plastic due to its low recyclable value and China's ban on imported waste. However, some programs have since started accepting it, and there are also dedicated recycling programs for PP plastic, such as the Gimme 5 program at Whole Foods stores.
Despite these efforts, the recycling rate for PP plastic remains low. In 2018, only 2.7% of polypropylene "containers and packaging" were recycled in the US, according to the EPA. One reason for this is that it is often more economical for companies to create new products from virgin material than to recycle PP plastic. Additionally, recycled PP plastic often ends up being black or grey, making it unsuitable for certain applications, such as packaging.
Overall, while PP plastic can sometimes be recycled, it is important to check with local recycling programs to understand their specific guidelines and capabilities.
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PS plastic is used for disposable coffee cups and can sometimes be recycled
Plastic products are often stamped with a resin code, which is a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. Each number corresponds to a different type of plastic. For example, PET or PETE, denoted by number 1, is used to make bottles for soda, water, and other drinks. It is one of the most widely recycled plastics in the world. However, it is important to note that not all plastics are recyclable, and the recyclability of a product depends on various factors, including local government policies and access to recycling facilities.
PS plastic, identified by the number 6, is commonly used for disposable coffee cups, packing peanuts, coolers, and to-go food containers. While PS products can sometimes be recycled, it is not widely recycled. Polystyrene, the material that makes up PS plastic, is derived from petroleum products, which do not break down over time. As a result, PS plastic can persist in the environment for extended periods if not properly managed.
The recyclability of PS plastic products, such as disposable coffee cups, can vary depending on the region and the capabilities of local recycling facilities. Some municipalities may not accept PS plastic as part of their curbside recycling programs. Therefore, it is essential to check with local guidelines and recycling centers to understand their specific capabilities and requirements.
To promote sustainability, individuals can opt for reusable or compostable cups instead of disposable ones. Additionally, proper waste management practices, such as separating different types of plastics and disposing of them appropriately, can contribute to more effective recycling and environmental conservation.
While recycling is an important step towards reducing waste, it is not the only solution. Reducing the consumption of single-use plastics and advocating for more sustainable alternatives can also help mitigate the environmental impact of plastic waste. By making conscious choices and supporting initiatives that prioritize eco-friendly materials, individuals can play a significant role in creating a greener future.
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