Omar Khalid
Plastic is everywhere, and while in theory, almost all plastic can be recycled, in practice, it's a little more complicated. Recyclable plastics are labelled with numbers 1-7 to indicate the type of plastic and how it should be processed. Type 7 plastic is a miscellaneous category for plastics that don't fit into the previous six categories. This includes polycarbonate, a clear, hard plastic, and PLA (polylactic acid), which is made from plants and is carbon-neutral. These plastics are traditionally not recycled, so it's best to check with your local municipality for specific recycling instructions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Miscellaneous |
| Resin Identification Code | 7 |
| Description | This category includes all plastic types that do not fit into the first six categories. |
| Examples | Oven-baking bags, large 3-5 gallon jugs, polylactic acid (PLA), polycarbonate |
| Recyclability | Not easily recyclable. Check local guidelines. |
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What You'll Learn
- Recycling #7 plastics is complex due to their miscellaneous composition
- #7 plastics include polycarbonate, which has been linked to health issues
- #7 plastics are traditionally not recycled by local providers
- #7 plastics can be recycled into plastic lumber and custom-made products
- #7 plastics are labelled with resin identification codes to help recycling plants
Recycling #7 plastics is complex due to their miscellaneous composition
Recycling plastics is already a complex process, and #7 plastics are the most challenging to recycle due to their miscellaneous composition. #7 plastics are a catch-all category for any plastic that doesn't fit into the first six categories. This includes products made from multiple types of plastic, such as oven-baking bags, large water jugs, and products made from polycarbonate, a hard, clear plastic.
The resin identification codes, numbers 1-7, help recycling plants identify and sort materials. However, #7 plastics are not always accepted by local municipalities for recycling, as they are hard to process. This means that, despite technically being recyclable, many #7 plastics end up in landfills.
The difficulty in recycling #7 plastics arises from the need to separate different types of plastics, which can be costly and time-consuming. Additionally, some plastics are hard to recycle, like Styrofoam, which is why some recycling companies refuse to accept them.
Some #7 plastics, like polylactic acid (PLA), are made from plants and are carbon-neutral. However, they are traditionally not recycled and are often used in products like DVDs, sunglasses, and certain food containers.
Despite the challenges, some companies, like Miller Recycling, specialise in handling hard-to-recycle plastics and can provide guidance on efficient and cost-effective systems for recycling #7 plastics.
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#7 plastics include polycarbonate, which has been linked to health issues
Plastic #7, also known as polycarbonate (PC), is considered one of the most toxic plastics to produce and the most difficult to recycle. It often contains Bisphenol A (BPA), a highly toxic chemical that has been linked to various health issues. BPA has been shown to mimic or disturb the hormone estrogen, affecting the reproductive system and potentially increasing the risk of cancer. It is also linked to obesity and endocrine problems in fetuses and children.
The presence of BPA in plastic #7 raises concerns, as it is not always easy to identify these plastics. They are often made from multiple plastic types or other hard-to-recycle materials, making it challenging to separate and recycle them effectively. This complexity in recycling #7 plastics can result in them being disposed of in ways that contribute to environmental pollution.
While some municipalities may have specific guidelines for recycling #7 plastics, it is generally recommended to avoid using them whenever possible. It is essential to opt for reusable and environmentally friendly alternatives, such as glass, metal, or bamboo.
It is worth noting that not all #7 plastics are harmful. For example, #7 PLA (polylactic acid) is a plant-based plastic that does not contain BPA. However, it is crucial to exercise caution with #7 PC (polycarbonate) due to its potential health risks.
To identify #7 plastics, look for a resin identification code, typically on the bottom, side, or top of the package. This code consists of a number ranging from 1 to 7 inside a small triangle made of arrows, indicating the type of plastic used. Being mindful of these codes can help consumers make informed choices to protect their health and the environment.
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$16.89
#7 plastics are traditionally not recycled by local providers
Plastic #7, also known as 'other plastics', is a category for plastic products that do not fit into the first six categories. These products are often made from multiple types of plastic or other hard-to-recycle materials.
Some examples of #7 plastics include three- and five-gallon water bottles, bulletproof materials, sunglasses, DVDs, clear plastic cutlery, lighting fixtures, signs and displays, and certain food containers. These items often contain multiple layers of different plastics, making them difficult and costly to recycle.
Additionally, some #7 plastics may be accepted by specific recycling programs or have specialized uses. For instance, some plastic lumber makers accept PVC and V plastics, which can be recycled into decks, paneling, mud flaps, roadway gutters, flooring, cables, speed bumps, and mats.
It is important to check with your local waste management provider or municipality's website for specific instructions on how to handle #7 plastics in your area. They may provide alternative disposal methods or collection centers for these hard-to-recycle materials.
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#7 plastics can be recycled into plastic lumber and custom-made products
#7 plastic is the "other" category for plastics that don't fit into the first six categories. It's often made from multiple types of plastic or from plastic that can't be easily recycled. This includes things like Styrofoam, shrink wrap, and manufacturing scrap. As a result, #7 plastic can be hard to recycle and may not be accepted by your local municipality.
However, #7 plastics can be recycled into plastic lumber and custom-made products. Plastic lumber is a durable and sustainable alternative to traditional wood lumber. It is created by taking recycled plastic and moulding it into lumber shapes, such as boards, beams, and planks. This process can be done with #7 plastic by melting the plastic and moulding it into the desired shape. The resulting plastic lumber can be used for a variety of applications, such as decking, fencing, and furniture.
Custom-made products made from recycled #7 plastic are also an option. This could include things like phone cases, furniture, or even art. The process for creating these products is similar to that of plastic lumber, where the plastic is melted down and then moulded or shaped into the desired form. This method allows for a wide range of custom products to be created, offering a unique and sustainable option for consumers.
Some companies, such as Miller Recycling, specialise in helping businesses establish efficient and cost-effective systems for recycling plastics, including hard-to-recycle varieties like #7. They can provide guidance on how to recycle #7 plastic and may even pay competitively for large quantities of this plastic type. Curbside recycling programs may also accept #7 plastic items if they can be identified as such.
When it comes to recycling #7 plastic, it's important to determine the type of material it's made from. If the component parts fit within plastic resin categories 1 through 6, those recycling instructions can be followed. For example, bio-based plastics made from potato, sugar, or corn derivatives are known as polylactic acid (PLA) plastic and should be sent to commercial composting facilities. However, they should not be mixed with other types of plastics in recycling bins as they can contaminate the recycling process.
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#7 plastics are labelled with resin identification codes to help recycling plants
#7 plastics are often labelled with a Resin Identification Code (RIC) of 7, meaning 'other plastics'. This category includes plastics that are not easily recycled, such as Styrofoam, bioplastics, and products made out of multiple plastic types. The presence of an RIC on a product does not necessarily indicate that it can be recycled. In fact, #7 plastics are rarely recycled because they are not one specific type, which makes them difficult to separate during the recycling process.
The RIC system was developed in 1988 by the Society of the Plastics Industry (now the Plastics Industry Association) in the United States. The original purpose of the RIC was to "provide a consistent national system to facilitate the recycling of post-consumer plastics." The RIC is a technical standard with a set of symbols that appear on plastic products to identify the type of plastic resin used to make the product. This helps plastic manufacturers understand what type of plastic a container is made from, but it does not indicate whether the product can be recycled.
The RIC for #7 plastics is often represented by the Unicode icon ♷ (U+2677). Over time, the symbol for RIC has changed from the "chasing arrows" of the Recycling Symbol to a solid triangle to address consumer confusion about the meaning of the RIC. Despite these efforts, consumer confusion about plastic recycling remains a problem. To address this, organisations like the American Chemistry Council have launched programs to promote standardised language and educate consumers about how to recycle plastic products.
It is important to note that the recyclability of #7 plastics can vary depending on your local municipality's guidelines. While #7 plastics may not be accepted in your standard recycling bin, some municipal recycling programs can collect and successfully recycle most plastic products, including #7. Additionally, some grocery stores and other businesses may accept certain types of #7 plastics for proper recycling, such as plastic bags. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check with your local facilities or waste provider to understand what types of plastic they can accept and recycle.
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Frequently asked questions
The number 7 on plastic is a resin identification code, which is used to help recycling plants identify plastics that don't fit into the previous categories.
Polycarbonate is a #7 plastic. It is the clear, hard plastic that has worried parents as studies have shown that BPA (bisphenol A), one of its building blocks, is a hormone disruptor. Oven baking bags, large 3-5 gallon jugs used to refill water coolers, and polylactic acid (PLA) are also labelled with the number 7.
Plastics labelled with the number 7 are traditionally not recycled, so don't expect your local provider to accept them. The best option is to consult your municipality's website for specific instructions.
Recycled plastics labelled with the number 7 are used for plastic lumber and custom-made products.
