Maya Ellison
Plastic recycling is one of the most complex processes, and it is important to understand the different types of plastics and their recyclability. Type 2 plastics, such as HDPE milk jugs, are among the most consistently recycled materials due to their economic viability. These plastics can be transformed into new products, such as detergent and shampoo bottles, and recycled back into HDPE products. However, it is essential to check with local recycling programs and municipal guidelines, as some areas may have specific requirements or restrictions on recycling certain types of plastics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Plastic | HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) |
| Resin Code | 2 |
| Items Made From This Plastic | Plastic shopping bags, milk jugs, detergent bottles, shampoo bottles |
| Items Recycled Into | Trash can liners, cans, compost bins, shipping envelopes, paneling, lumber, landscaping ties, floor tiles, plastic lumber, tables, roadside curbs, benches |
| Accepted at Recycling Centers | Yes, one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle |
| Additional Information | Plastic bags can be returned to stores for recycling; recycling processes vary by location |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bags
In the US, plastic bags can be recycled at participating retail stores and drop-off centres. National grocery retailers like Kroger, Safeway, Target and Walmart offer bag recycling collections in their stores, with bins usually located near the front entrance. Many smaller retailers also provide this service.
To recycle plastic bags, ensure they are clean and dry, with no food residue, stickers, labels, staples or receipts. Check for the #2 or #4 plastic symbol, which indicates polyethylene plastic that can be recycled. Black plastic bags, while still recyclable, are sometimes omitted from store collections as the dye produces dark pellets that limit reprocessing options.
Recycled plastic bags are chipped into pellets, which can be reprocessed into new bags or used by companies like Trex to create plastic lumber for decks, fences and other outdoor uses. A 500-square-foot composite Trex deck contains about 140,000 recycled plastic bags. Other companies use recycled plastic to create new packaging, which can often be recycled again.
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Containers
Plastic containers are used for a variety of purposes, from storing food to holding cleaning products. While recycling plastic can be complex, it is important to recycle these containers to give them a second life and contribute to a sustainable planet.
Recycling symbols on plastic products, usually resin codes, indicate whether they can be recycled. Type 1 and Type 2 plastics, also known as PET or PETE, and HDPE respectively, are the most commonly recycled plastics. These can be recycled into new containers or other products.
PET or PETE is often used for soft drink, water, ketchup, beer, and mouthwash bottles, as well as peanut butter, salad dressing, and vegetable oil containers. It can also be used for cooking oil containers and plastic jars for food items like jam or pickles. This type of plastic is recyclable and has a high demand among manufacturers due to its resistance to degradation during the recycling process. However, its recycling rates are relatively low, around 20%. When recycled, PET is transformed into products like polar fleece, fibre, tote bags, furniture, carpets, panelling, straps, and even new bottles and food containers.
HDPE plastics are commonly used for milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, and cleaning product containers. This type of plastic is widely accepted at recycling centres worldwide and is easy to recycle. Recycled HDPE can be used for non-food application bottles, such as those for detergent, motor oil, and household cleaners, as well as film packaging. It can also be downcycled into products like plastic lumber, tables, roadside curbs, and benches.
In addition to these two main types of plastic, other containers like yogurt cups, fruit cups, and food trays can be recycled as long as they are clean and empty. Plastic bags, on the other hand, are not suitable for household recycling due to their different recycling process and potential harm to recycling equipment. However, many grocery stores accept plastic bags for specialised recycling.
To recycle plastic containers effectively, it is important to follow local guidelines and separate different types of plastics when possible. Rinsing containers to remove food residue and reattaching lids or caps are also crucial steps in the recycling process. By properly recycling plastic containers, we can reduce waste and promote the reuse of these materials.
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$11.73 $14.05
Milk jugs
Plastic milk jugs are made from high-density polyethylene, also known as HDPE or No. 2 plastic. This material is lightweight, sturdy, and versatile, making it ideal for recycling. However, despite milk jugs being recyclable, millions are still thrown away each year, with fewer than 3 in 10 milk jugs being recycled. This is due in part to safety concerns over chemical and bacterial contamination, as well as strict FDA guidelines for food packaging manufactured from recycled materials.
When recycled, milk jugs are typically turned into new products such as recycling containers, detergent bottles, toys, outdoor furniture, and even new milk jugs. The recycling process usually involves shredding, washing, and turning the plastic into pellets, which are then sold to manufacturers to create new items.
While recycling milk jugs is beneficial, reusing them is an even more sustainable option. Milk jugs can be reused in a variety of creative ways around the home and garden. For example, they can be cut into strips and used as plant tags, or filled with sand or rocks to create a drip irrigation system for plants. They can also be transformed into wall planters, watering jugs, bird feeders, or used for crafting and upcycling projects, such as making milk jug flowers or bubble wands.
In addition to individual efforts, organizations like CSWD in Vermont are actively working to promote milk jug recycling and build North American markets for recycled materials, with a focus on keeping recyclables out of landfills. Despite these efforts, it's important to note that not all milk jugs are recycled even when properly disposed of, due to factors such as low-grade plastic and the challenges of optical sorting technology.
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Shampoo bottles
Before recycling a shampoo bottle, it is important to rinse out any remaining product. Labels should also be removed, although some companies use a special adhesive that separates cleanly during the recycling process, so they can be left on. Bottle caps can be recycled, but they should be reattached to the bottle first. They can also be donated to schools or children's hospitals for art projects.
There are many ways to reuse shampoo bottles creatively. They can be filled with water to make homemade bricks for a toilet cistern, or transformed into cellphone charging stations, home décor, sink caddies, plastic purses, flower vases, or gardening tools.
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Food packaging
Plastic food packaging can be recycled, but it often requires specialist facilities. Plastic bags and wraps, for example, are recycled differently from bottles and containers. In many cases, plastic film packaging can be recycled at retail stores and drop-off centres, which then recycle it into new products. However, it is important to check with local recycling entities, as rules differ from town to town.
Plastic food packaging can be contaminated by its original production, its use, or its potential misuse. For example, substances from food may have contaminated the plastic, or users may have used food packaging to store other substances such as paint, fuels, or detergents. Microbiological contamination is usually not an issue due to the high temperatures used during the recycling of plastics, but chemical contaminants are a concern. The FDA has outlined three main safety concerns regarding the use of PCR plastic materials in food-contact articles:
- That contaminants from the PCR material may appear in the final food-contact product made from the recycled material.
- That PCR material may not be regulated for food-contact use may be incorporated into food-contact articles.
- That adjuvants in the PCR plastic may not comply with the regulations for food-contact use.
To address these concerns, the FDA considers each proposed use of recycled plastic on a case-by-case basis. The European Commission has also implemented regulations to ensure the chemical and microbiological safety of recycled plastic intended to come into contact with food. These regulations set out rules for the manufacturing process of recycled plastic to ensure that the decontamination process leads to safe plastic. They also require the European Food Safety Authority to assess recycling processes to verify that they can produce safe plastics.
Recycled plastic is used in food packaging, including milk containers, though there are restrictions on the amount that can be used. Companies are working to increase the amount of recycled plastic in milk bottles, and some companies are looking to introduce milk in reusable containers. Other products, such as toothpaste, deodorant, and ice cream, are also being sold in reusable packaging.
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Frequently asked questions
#2 plastics, also known as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), are commonly used in the packaging industry. They are known for their sturdiness and high melting point, making them ideal for applications that require durability and the ability to withstand high temperatures. #2 plastics are commonly used for grocery bags, milk jugs, shampoo bottles, and a multitude of containers.
#2 plastics can be recycled into various products, including trash can liners, cans, compost bins, shipping envelopes, paneling, lumber, landscaping ties, and floor tiles.
Before placing #2 plastics in the recycling bin, it is important to rinse them to remove any residual food or liquid, as this can contaminate batches of recyclable materials. It is also recommended to check your town's legislation and rules for recycling to ensure that #2 plastics are accepted in your local recycling program.
