Alexei Volkov
British Columbians are increasingly able to recycle a wide range of plastics, from packaging and electronics to beverage containers, mattresses, and single-use plastics. Recycle BC, a non-profit organization, manages the recycling program on behalf of producers and is responsible for collecting, sorting, and recycling residential plastic packaging. While most plastic is processed locally, less than 1% is sent overseas. Recycled plastic is typically turned into pellets and flakes, which are then sold to the plastics industry to create new products and packaging.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Organization responsible for recycling in BC | Recycle BC |
| Type of organization | Non-profit |
| Materials collected | Plastic packaging, paper, household materials, flexible plastics, foam packaging, non-deposit glass, mattresses, single-use camping fuel canisters, fire extinguishers, electric-vehicle batteries, sharp medical objects like syringes, etc. |
| Funding | Funded by over 1,200 businesses including retailers, manufacturers, and restaurants |
| Number of depots | 116 |
| Year of launch | 2017 |
| Amount of materials collected and recycled in 2017 | 181,514 tonnes |
| Amount of materials turned into alternative fuel in 2017 | 4,500 tonnes |
| Amount of materials that ended up in the trash in 2017 due to contamination | 11,500 tonnes |
| Percentage of recycled residential plastics sent overseas | Less than 1% |
| Location of recycling | Majority of plastic is processed in Metro Vancouver, some white foam packaging is sent to Malaysia and China |
| Forms that recycled plastic takes | Plastic pellets, polyester fibers, flakes, picture frames, etc. |
| Symbols indicating recyclability | 🌱, ❌, #1 (PET), #2 (HDPE), #3 (PVC), #4 (LDPE), #5 (PP), #6 (PS), #7 (Other) |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic is recycled into pellets and flakes
In British Columbia (BC), Recycle BC, a not-for-profit organisation, is responsible for residential packaging and paper recycling. Recycle BC collects, sorts, and recycles plastic packaging. The majority of the plastic packaging collected by Recycle BC is locally recycled by Merlin Plastics, which uses the plastic to make new products and packaging.
Recycled plastic can be processed into pellets and flakes. Recycled plastic pellets are small, uniform pieces of plastic manufactured through a process called pelletizing. In this process, plastic waste is cleaned, sorted, and ground into small particles, which are then melted and formed into pellets. These pellets are often used as raw material in the manufacturing of new plastic products, such as packaging materials, bottles, containers, bags, and other plastic films. The consistency in size and shape makes these pellets suitable for use in high-end products that require uniformity and consistency in their manufacturing process.
Recycled plastic pellets are typically made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). HDPE is the most common type of recycled plastic. PP is considered safe for reuse and is used in products like bottles. On the other hand, PET should be recycled but not reused as it can leach into foods or drinks.
Recycled ABS pellets, made from Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) plastic, are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to virgin ABS. They are used in various industries, including automotive, electronics, construction, and consumer goods. The use of recycled ABS pellets helps promote a circular economy and reduces environmental impact.
While plastic recycling in BC has improved significantly, with advancements in collection, management, and circularity, it is important to note that some types of plastic are not commonly recycled, such as LDPE plastic, which is often used in single-use grocery bags.
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Recycle BC is a not-for-profit organisation
Recycle BC collects plastic packaging and sorts them through its advanced sorting facilities. The organisation recycles almost all of the materials it collects, keeping them as local as possible. The majority of the collected plastic is sent to a local recycler to be turned into plastic pellets, which are then used to create new products and packaging. Recycle BC records the movement of materials from collection to their final destination at a recycling facility.
Recycle BC has made significant improvements to residential plastic recycling in BC by advancing the collection, management, and circularity of plastic packaging. They have a network of depots across the province where residents can drop off packaging and paper free of charge. Additionally, they provide a recycling app to help residents identify what materials are recyclable and locate their nearest depot.
The organisation has faced some criticism for not fulfilling its obligation to operate streetside recycling programs in certain cities and for not collecting materials in smaller communities. However, Recycle BC has defended its position, citing contamination issues with streetside bins and higher costs in smaller centres.
Overall, Recycle BC plays a crucial role in promoting effective plastic management and recycling in British Columbia, ensuring that residents have access to a world-class residential recycling system for plastic packaging.
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Plastic recycling codes and their meanings
In British Columbia, Recycle BC, a not-for-profit organisation, is responsible for residential packaging and paper recycling. Recycle BC collects, sorts, and recycles plastic packaging from BC residents. The organisation has a network of depots where residents can drop off packaging and paper free of charge. Recycle BC has also introduced an app to help residents identify what materials are recyclable and find their nearest depot.
Now, onto the plastic recycling codes and their meanings. The Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) introduced a code system in 1988 to help with recycling plastic by numbers. The general recycling symbol is a triangle formed by three circling arrows, with a number in the middle indicating the type of plastic. There are six common types of plastic and one miscellaneous category with the number 7. Here is a breakdown of the different codes:
- #1 (PET): This plastic should be recycled but not reused as it can cause leaching into food or drinks. Clear PET has a high recycling market value as it can be turned into products of similar quality. It is also simple to recycle and can be commonly recycled onshore.
- #2 (HDPE): This is the most common type of recycled plastic. It is a durable, hard plastic that can withstand most solvents. It is not usually used for food products, except for milk bottles, and has a high market value. A study found that non-contaminated HDPE can be recycled up to 10 times.
- #3 (PVC): This plastic contains numerous toxins that it can leach throughout its entire life cycle. It is durable and not easily impacted by sunlight, water, or harsh conditions. However, it is one of the most problematic plastics and is difficult to recycle.
- #4 (LDPE): Products made using LDPE plastic are reusable but not always recyclable. It is a lightweight plastic that is less toxic than other plastics, making it popular for food use. However, it is often only used for single-use applications and is difficult to fully recycle.
- #5 (PP): PP is considered safe for reuse and can be recycled. It is a tough and lightweight plastic with excellent heat resistance, making it popular for takeaway shops.
- #6 (PS/Polystyrene): This plastic is mainly styrofoam and cannot be recycled. It often ends up in landfills, so it is best to avoid this type of plastic whenever possible.
- #7 (Other): This category includes BPA, Polycarbonate, LEXAN, and bioplastics. These plastics have the potential for chemical leaching into food or drink products. The recycling protocols are not standardised within this category, and it is considered a residual category that is typically burned.
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Plastic waste is sent overseas
While the majority of recycled plastic in British Columbia (BC) is dealt with locally, less than one per cent of residential plastics that are recycled are sent overseas. In 2019, a representative from Recycle BC stated that they had visited the manufacturing facility in China to ensure that materials were being managed responsibly.
In the past, Canada has faced backlash for shipping containers full of contaminated plastic to the Philippines and Malaysia. For instance, some of the white foam packaging that is recycled in BC is sent to a company in Malaysia, which then sends the processed material to a facility in China to be turned into picture frames.
While Recycle BC has stated that they are taking steps to ensure that BC's residential plastic waste is not mishandled, Greenpeace Canada plastics campaigner Laura Yates has expressed skepticism about whether they have 100% oversight. She notes that recyclables don't have to be shipped overseas to be mishandled, as they could simply end up in landfills instead of being recycled.
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Plastic recycling advancements
Mechanical recycling, which involves the physical transformation of plastic waste, has been prevalent since the early days of plastic recycling. This method includes processes such as sorting, washing, shredding, and extrusion to produce recycled plastic pellets or flakes. While mechanical recycling offers benefits such as energy savings and waste reduction, it often results in lower-quality plastics compared to virgin plastics.
As a more advanced approach, chemical recycling technologies use heat, chemical reactions, or both, to recycle used plastic into virgin-equivalent plastic, fuel, or other chemicals. Chemical recycling can produce raw materials of virgin quality, reducing the demand for fossil fuels and natural resources. Additionally, it provides a solution for challenging plastic waste streams that mechanical recycling may struggle with.
Recent advancements in sorting technology, such as artificial intelligence and molecular vibration identification, have the potential to increase the efficiency of both chemical and mechanical recycling processes. For example, AI-driven sorting systems can optimize the recycling process by efficiently sorting complex plastic materials.
Another innovation in plastic recycling is the implementation of closed-loop recycling systems, where plastic waste generated during production is collected, processed, and reused as raw materials. This approach significantly reduces waste disposal costs and minimizes environmental impact.
To further enhance plastic recycling, advancements in collection processes, such as the deployment of smart bins, can improve sorting and compacting waste at the point of collection. Additionally, the development of biological approaches, such as using bacteria to degrade large volumes of plastics, holds promise for the future of plastic recycling.
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Frequently asked questions
Recycle BC, a non-profit organisation, manages the recycling program on behalf of producers. Recycled plastic is processed in BC and Washington state and is turned into pellets, polyester fibres, flakes, and plastic pellets to be used to make new products and packaging. Less than 1% of residential plastics that are recycled are sent overseas.
The following types of plastic can be recycled in BC:
- #1 (PET) plastic
- #2 HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
- #5 PP (Polypropylene)
- #7 Other (BPA, Polycarbonate and LEXAN)
The following types of plastic cannot be recycled in BC:
- #3 PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
- #4 LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
- #6 PS (Polystyrene)
In addition to the plastics listed above, British Columbians can recycle everything from aluminium foil to plastic plates, cutlery, hangers, packaging, electronics, beverage containers, milk jugs, yogurt containers, butter tubs, glass, and tin cans.
