Maya Ellison
Knowing which plastics go in which bins is an important part of recycling correctly. Different areas have different requirements for recycling plastics, with some requiring plastics to be placed in a blue bin, and others requiring a green bin. Some types of plastic, such as LDPE, cannot be recycled in curbside recycling bins, but may be accepted by some grocery stores. Other types of plastic, such as PET, are widely recycled.
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What You'll Learn
- Biodegradable plastics: Compost plant-based plastics at industrial facilities
- LDPE plastics: Recycling bins don't accept LDPE; some stores accept it in HDPE programs
- PET plastics: Plastic drink bottles and trays are recycled in standard curbside bins
- HDPE plastics: Plastic bags, drink bottles, and containers are widely recycled
- PP plastics: Bottle caps are not recycled like PET bottles
Biodegradable plastics: Compost plant-based plastics at industrial facilities
Different regions have different recycling systems, so it is important to check with your local waste management guidelines to see which plastics go in which bins. For example, in Barking and Dagenham, plastic bottles can be recycled in brown bins, whereas in Portland, plastics go in blue recycling bins.
Biodegradable plastics are a subset of compostable plastics that decompose in certain conditions at their end of life, typically in industrial composting facilities. These plastics are made from biological resources or fossil raw materials. They are a more sustainable alternative to fossil-based, non-biodegradable plastics, but they also present their own sustainability challenges.
There is currently no EU law that comprehensively applies to biodegradable plastics, although there are standards for industrially compostable packaging. Compostable plastics are often marketed as renewable, but this ignores the fossil fuels used in the agricultural production process. Many consumers are unaware that compostable plastic is tested to biodegrade in industrial composting facilities, not in the open environment.
Before being authorised for composting, compostable plastics should be sent to a composting facility for testing. Compostable plastics certifications and standards are based on lab conditions that do not reflect reality. For example, during composting, thin bags will disappear, while thicker bags may not biodegrade.
There are two types of industrial facilities that process organic waste: composting and fermentation facilities. Composting produces compost, while fermentation produces biogas and digestate.
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LDPE plastics: Recycling bins don't accept LDPE; some stores accept it in HDPE programs
LDPE, or low-density polyethylene, is a type of plastic commonly used to make plastic bags and some plastic containers. While LDPE can technically be recycled, it is often not accepted by municipal recycling programs due to the challenges and costs associated with its recycling. For example, plastic bags made from LDPE can tangle in recycling machinery, requiring routine maintenance and potentially damaging equipment. As a result, many curbside recycling bins do not accept LDPE.
However, some grocery stores and retailers that provide LDPE bags may offer collection bins for customers to return used bags. Additionally, some businesses, such as Miller Recycling, accept LDPE for processing and even offer competitive prices for it. LDPE can be transformed into new products such as bin liners and packaging films when recycled.
It is important to note that LDPE is different from HDPE, or high-density polyethylene. HDPE is a thicker and more durable type of plastic that is widely accepted by recyclers and is one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle. HDPE products are collected by recycling companies and sent to large facilities for processing.
To recycle LDPE, individuals should check with their local stores or recycling centers to see if they accept this material. When recycling LDPE, it is important to ensure that the material is clean and dry before dropping it off at a collection point.
Despite the challenges associated with LDPE recycling, there is growing support for plastic bag bans and the development of alternatives, which may help reduce the environmental impact of LDPE in the future.
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PET plastics: Plastic drink bottles and trays are recycled in standard curbside bins
PET plastics are one of the most widely used and recycled plastic resins. PET plastics are commonly used for plastic drink bottles and microwavable food trays. Most PET plastics can be disposed of in standard curbside recycling bins. However, this may vary by municipality, so it is important to check with your local waste management guidelines.
In the UK, plastic producers pay a fee, and the collection of PET plastics is devolved to municipalities. In the United States, most consumers have access to curbside recycling. The recycled PET material is taken to a material recovery facility (MRF) where it is separated and then sent on to a PET reclaimer. The PET reclaimer processes the PET by grinding it into flakes. Some additional processing may be done to make it ready for food-grade packaging. This method of recycling is becoming less common as it is a more intensive and expensive process.
Curbside collection programs cover recyclable materials from households that are not served by deposit programs. Deposit programs recover containers from places that may not be served by curbside collection. These programs aim to minimize the solid waste problem and provide avenues for the recovery of recyclable materials.
When recycling PET plastics, it is important to ensure they are empty, clean, and dry before placing them in the recycling bin. It is also worth noting that plastic bags and trash bags cannot be recycled, so do not put your recyclables in these bags.
Other types of plastics may have different recycling requirements. For example, plastic grocery bags are notoriously hard to recycle and can usually only be recycled by bringing them back to the store. PVC is another plastic that is very difficult to recycle due to the chemicals used in its manufacture. Even a small amount of PVC can contaminate a large amount of recycled plastic.
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HDPE plastics: Plastic bags, drink bottles, and containers are widely recycled
HDPE, or High-Density Polyethylene, is a type of plastic made from petroleum that is widely used in the production of plastic bags, drink bottles, and containers. It is known for its durability, chemical resistance, and recyclability, making it a versatile and eco-friendly material used in diverse applications worldwide.
HDPE plastic is commonly used in packaging, including bottles and containers, as well as pipes, toys, and various household items. Its resistance to chemicals, corrosion, and UV light makes it suitable for products that need to withstand harsh environments. The popularity of HDPE stems from its durability and versatility, as it can be used in applications that require high strength and rigidity.
HDPE plastic is widely recycled and is accepted in many recycling programs. In the UK, HDPE bottles made up almost 50% of the 306,000 tonnes of plastic bottles collected for recycling through local authority collections in 2011. The recycling rate for HDPE natural bottles was 29.3% in 2018.
To recycle HDPE products, they must be sorted, cleaned, and processed into new products. When recycling HDPE plastic, it is important to ensure that the items are free of food residue and dry before placing them in the recycling bin. It is also important to separate different types of plastics and recyclables to avoid contamination, which can render an entire batch unrecyclable.
It is worth noting that plastic bags themselves cannot be recycled in many places, so it is important to check local guidelines. For example, in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, plastic bags are not accepted in recycling bins, and cardboard should be placed directly into the bin without a bag.
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PP plastics: Bottle caps are not recycled like PET bottles
The recycling process and requirements vary depending on your location. For instance, in Barking and Dagenham, brown bins are for household items that can be recycled, including plastic bottles, which must be rinsed and have their lids removed. In Portland, plastic, paper, and metal go in blue recycling bins, while glass should be collected in a separate glass-only bin.
When it comes to plastic bottle caps, the rules and recommendations can vary, and there has been much debate in the recycling community about how to handle them properly. Plastic bottle caps are often made from a different type of plastic resin than the bottles they secure. Most caps are made of polypropylene (#5 plastic), while some, like sports drink bottles, are made of high-density polyethylene (#2 plastic). The bottles themselves are typically #1 or #2 plastic.
Due to the difference in plastic types, some recycling programs may ask you to leave the caps on, while others may want them separated or thrown away. It is essential to check with your local recycling program to determine their specific guidelines. If your local program does not accept caps, it is recommended to contain them in a plastic bag before disposing of them in your garbage bin to prevent them from becoming marine debris.
Leaving caps on PET bottles is not just a matter of convenience but also a strategic move toward a more sustainable and accessible recycling future. Caps can be recycled and are in high demand in domestic and export markets. However, they are typically too small and light for materials recovery facilities (MRFs) to handle individually, which can result in them ending up in the lightweight paper or small pieces of glass instead of being properly recycled.
To ensure that your plastic bottles and their caps are recycled effectively, it is recommended to check with your local recycling program and follow their specific guidelines.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic bottles, plastic tubs, plastic trays, and plastic pots can be put in your blue bin.
Plastic bottles, plastic tubs, plastic trays, and plastic pots can be put in your green bin.
Only compostable plastics can be put in your brown bin.
Any non-recyclable plastics should be put in your black/dark green bin.
